MSGL Changes for the 2024 Spring Season

 

1. Will only accept registrations from players who played in the previous Fall Season. Registration will not be open to new players!
2. Will be a five-week season of individual stroke play—not best ball team play.
3. We will still have a 10-week Fall MSGL Season open to all including team best ball and individual stroke play.

 

Golf has changed since pre-Covid days. It’s very popular and this has had an impact on junior and even high school golf programs.  Because of the issues we’ve had with the Middle School Golf Legue the last couple springs with rain outs, the holidays and course availability, trying to get middle school golf in has been a hassle.

 

Considering that, we expanded the MSGL fall season and it was quite successful with it now a 10- week fall program. So, in the Fall we’re going to continue to concentrate on youth golf and continue to have a successful 10-week Middle School Golf League program with best ball and individual stroke play.  However, for the Spring season we are going to do something completely different.  We will open registration to only those that played in the Fall—no newcomers or beginners.  Those that played in the Fall will be given a code or instructions and only they can register for the Spring.  However, we will have a cut off of only 48 players. So once notified that registration is open if you want to participate in the spring season, you will need to register immediately. Parents will register their players on line as before.  Repeat-- we will cut off registration at 48 players.

 

So, what’s different about the Spring Season?  We will have a ZOOM orientation as before to go over the season and explain in more detail and answer your questions about the season. The season will begin on March 24 with a much more detailed and focused individual intentional golf clinic.  The clinic will be done into smaller groups of only 24 players at Chimney’s Golf Course by three professional golf instructors.

 

Group 1 – 24 students max

3:00pm – 3:20pm Range (2 groups of 12 students max)

3:20pm – 3:40pm Chip/Putt (2 groups of 12 students max)

3:45pm – 5:30pm On-Course (3 groups playing 4v4 scrambles)

 

Group 2 – 24 students max

5:30pm – 5:50pm Range (2 groups of 12 students max)

5:50pm – 6:10pm Chip/Putt (2 groups of 12 students max)

6:15pm – 8:00pm On-Course (3 groups playing 4v4 scrambles)

 

The on-course instruction/play will have each group with a profession golf instructor. Players will be walking as a group with their instructor.  Spectator carts may be rented for the parents who want to follow along for the on-course session as available at the course rate. We’re excited about this on-course instructional and the opportunity it provides for our junior golfers!  This is something that should really help and prepare your junior golfer for the season. 

 

Then we will have three weeks, each of a nine-hole individual stroke tournament play.  This will not be best ball team play but formatted more like high school matches. Each player will be playing their own ball and keeping their individual score. We will be playing at only three courses in the Spring and your player will play each course.  They will be Chimneys, Cedar Lake and Monroe Country Club.  We will again play on Sunday afternoons with tee times beginning at 4 p.m.  Players will go off in four foursomes at each golf course.  Players may walk or ride in your carts as before.  We will have local tournament individual stroke rules and each player will be keeping their own score and reporting it after each hole to their marshal/scorekeeper.  Parents may buy spectator carts at the course rate. We will have a maximum score since they are playing individual stroke for speed of play.  We will do similar to what we do in high school where the top three scores of players from each middle school will count as that team’s score. Therefore, there must be at least three players from a middle school to qualify for team competition. We will also recognize each week the top individual scores at each course as well as top individuals scores for the season. So, if less than three players from a middle school, those players will be playing as individuals in competition for individual tournament medals.  We will again have marshals to supervise play.  So, we would recognize overall team winners as well as the top three individual players at each course each week and cumulative for the end of the season. We will then again culminate the spring season with more opportunities at each station for a more competitive Drive, Chip and Putt Contest and then the Awards Party again at Chimneys.

 

 

Players Clinic, 4 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at Chimney’s

1str week hole individual stoke play- Sunday April 7 at all three courses

2d week 9-hole individual stoke play- Sunday, April 14 all three courses

3d week 9-hole individual stroke play – Sunay, April 21 all three courses

Rain make-up date, if needed—Sunday, April 28

Drive, Pitch and Putt contest and Awards party, Sunday, May 5

 

The cost for registration is $175.  Since all players are returning new shirts will not be provided and player will be asked to war their previous team shirt.

 

So, going forward the Spring Middle School Golf League season would consist of five weeks of individual stroke play for only retuning Fall players and then we would continue with the 10-week team best ball program in the Fall open to all.

 

Here are the 2024 Spring MSGL FAQ’s: 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Q: How do I register my Middle School son or daughter for the Spring Middle School Golf League?

A: You can register on line at:  https://www.middleschoolgolfleague.com. However, in the Spring we will only take retuning players form the previous Fall season.  You must have the code or instructions that was sent to Fall registrants to register this spring.

Q: Who may register?  Only players from the previous Fall?

A:  Yes, except it is a middle school golf league. We will only take Middle School players in grades 6, 7 and 8 who played in the 2023 Fall Season (no 9th graders).

Q:  What is the deadline for registration?

A:  Our on-line registration for the spring 2024 season opens February 9 and will close when we reach 48 registrations. If we do not reach that by February 29 on-line registration will close that day at 5 p.m.  Note: We will limit it to the first 48 players from the 2023 Fall Season who register.

Q: What has changed for the Spring Season?

A; There will be a more focused clinic to begin the season—with smaller groups of 24 that rotate between instruction at the driving range, short game area and putting green and then will actually go on the course for supervised instructional play. Then we would have three weeks, each of a nine-hole individual stroke tournament play. There would be no best ball team play. They would go off in 4 foursomes from a designated tee time—between 4 and 5 p.m. on Sundays each of those weeks at each of our three courses.  And then again culminate the Spring season with a Drive, Chip and Putt contest and Awards Party.

Q: What will play consist of?

A:  We will have three weeks, each of a nine-hole individual stroke tournament play.  This will not be best ball team play but formatted more like high school matches. Each player will be playing their own ball and keeping their individual score. We will be playing at only three courses and your player will play each course.  They will be Chimneys, Cedar Lake and Monroe Country Club.  We will again play on Sunday afternoons with tee times beginning at 4 p.m.  Players will go off in foursomes at each golf course.  Players may walk or ride in your carts as before.  We will have local tournament individual stroke rules and each player will be keeping their own score. After each hole they will report their score to the marshal and at the end of the round sign their scorecard and give it to the marshal.  Parents may buy spectator carts at the course rate. We will have a maximum score since they are playing individual stroke for speed of play.  We will do similar to what we do in high school where the top three scores of players from each middle school will count as that team’s score.

Q: How many players are needed for a team?

A:  In the Spring there is no set number for a team.  In order for a school to be involved in team competition there must be at least three players.  If more, only the top three scores count. If less, those players are playing as an individual for individual tournament medal consideration.

Q: What is the cost of registration?

A: Registration is $175.  For parents registering additional siblings, there is a $20 discount for each additional child.

Q:  What does the registration fee pay for? What is provided?

A:  There is no other league cost involved for the players. No greens fees or course fees. However, parents and spectators may purchase carts as available. Cart costs for nine holes range from $15-$25 depending on what the course charges. Purchasing range balls for warm up at the courses is optional—range ball fees also vary from course to course.  The registration fee helps us cover the cost of using the courses, the professional instruction at the clinic and end of year party and awards, and SGAA administration of the program. The League Director and Marshals are volunteers. Shirts will not be provided and that is taken into consideration with the reduced registration fee. Players should wear their team shirts from the Spring.

Q:  Do players need any other golf gear?

A:  They will be playing individual stroke play so they will need their own supply of golf balls, tees, ball markers and will be keeping score so they will need a pencil or pen. They will be walking the course for the on-course clinic instruction and play and a stand golf bag is preferable to a large cart bag.  If they have a push cart they may use it.  For the three weeks of tournament play they may walk or ride with parents. Otherwise, the same golf supplies, i.e., rain gear, hats, visors, golf gloves, etc., that were used in the Fall season are optional.

Q:  What should I do if I have more questions about the MSGL Spring season play?

A:  At the close of on-line registration, we will hold our parent orientation Zoom. We go over in more detail information about the program. After registration regular emails go out with MSGL information including announcing groups, time and location of the clinic and later schedules and player information.  At the orientation we will be providing more information on how we will conduct the clinic. We will go over the schedule and upcoming season and answer any questions.

Q:  When does the season start? What is the schedule for play this Spring?

A: Players Clinic, 4 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at Chimney’s

1str week hole individual stoke play- Sunday April 7 at all three courses

2d week 9-hole individual stoke play- Sunday, April 14 all three courses

3d week 9-hole individual stroke play – Sunay, April 21 all three courses

Rain make-up date, if needed—Sunday, April 28

Drive, Pitch and Putt contest and Awards party, Sunday, May 5

Q: Do players play from different tees?

A: This Spring everyone will play from the same tees, The three courses will be graded for junior play and generally modified where: Par 3’s will range from 100-150 yards, Par 4’s will be from 180-275 and par 5’s from 300-425.   So, this will be an assortment of either the forward tees (red) or designated junior tees. Scorecards will be provided with what tees players will be playing from.

Q:  Do players play at the same golf course each week?

A:  No, we will rotate play between the three courses. Each week 16 players (4 foursomes) will be at each course.  Each week we will rotate that all players during the season will play each course once.  Our MSGL Spring courses are Chimney’s Golf Course in Winder, Cedar Lake Golf Course in Loganville and Monroe Golf and Country Club.  A weekly schedule is published and emailed out with results from the previous week. Parents are advised to make sure they know which course their team is playing at and to take into consideration travel time in getting there.

Q:  Will there still be team marshals?

A:  We will have volunteer marshals that will be assigned to a foursome based on their players group. The role of marshal is to supervise on course play and maintain pace of play and to ensure safety at all times. Also, to ensure the players are keeping accurate scores. Marshals will collect the scorecards and report scores to the League Director.  In addition, marshals will be asked during play to help reinforce instruction, explain rules of golf and ensure proper golf course conduct, etiquette, and respect for course and other players are observed.  We are not expecting marshals to be golf professional instructors but we are expecting marshals to be able to make sure it is an organized learning experience. All marshals must complete and attend a marshal’s meeting and background check as required by SGAA.

Q:  Since there are multiple golf courses how do parents know where their team is playing each week?

A:  Mass emails as in the fall are sent out on weekly schedules, standings, and other information relating to the MSGL season.  It is imperative that correct email addresses—both primary and alternate –are listed on the registration form.  It is recommended that each parent’s email be listed and in the case of custodial parents, that both parents are listed so that everyone receives the same information in a timely fashion. (However, unless you want two emails coming to you with information, DO NOT list the same email address as primary and alternate when registering on line!).

Q:  Do players walk the course? Can parents caddy for their player?

A:  Players may walk the nine holes and carry their clubs or have a push cart. If player walks, they may choose to have a parent or another adult caddie for them and walk the course, carry the bag or push the cart. Caddies must observe golf rules and etiquette and may advise players on shots, club selections and distances. Once the player addresses the golf ball, the caddy must step to the side and observe!  Caddies and parents (other than the marshals) are not allowed on the greens! However, detailed coaching slows down pace of play and is for practice sessions and not on course play! If players choose to walk, players need to maintain pace of play and keep up with their team. Parents may rent a cart if available and players may ride with them and have their bag of clubs in the cart but again if players ride in a cart, they need to practice ready golf and get out of the cart and get their clubs to be ready to play. One parent or adult may get out of cart and go on the course and provide caddy instructions to the player. There is usually a line to get carts so it is important that parents and players arrive well in advance of the start time. Depending on prior member or guest play that day at the course, there may be a shortage of available carts due to cleaning and recharging carts.  Not everyone is insured of having a cart available and players and parents may need to be prepared to walk the course. Players are not allowed to drive a cart (must be 16 years old and have a driver’s license.) Other spectators are welcome to watch play either by walking along or they may rent a cart if available at the cost as charged by the course but must stay on the cart path at all times.

Q:  So, if there are only two players from my middle school, they will not be placed on a team?

A:  Players scores will be recorded for their Middle School team if there are at least three of them. If more, only the top three scores will count for team scores. If less, they are playing as individual medalist.

Q: Is there a maximum number for a team.?

A; Yes. In the past we had a maximum of 8 players for a team, and even then, had multiple teams, listed as A, B or even C for several Middle Schools.  We will be listing players on the rosters by Middle School and if a large number of players are from one school, we will again break that down and try to keep players together that played before. But for team competition, only the top three scores will count for that team score. 

Q:  Besides Sunday play are their other times play is scheduled?

A: Our regular play is scheduled for Sundays starting at 4 p.m. Only if there would be extreme conflicts would we schedule a make up for any other time.

Q: Is there organized practice at other times?

A: We do not schedule organized MSGL practice.  Middle School practice is not scheduled nor required.  Depending on how golf is organized at your Middle School, teams may do this on their own and players may practice on their own. Players and parents may individually use golf course range facilities at local costs by checking with the pro shop at the courses. (Local range fees apply).   

Q:  After the season are their other golf experiences available for Middle School players?

A:  We promote other junior programs, lessons and opportunities for development that are available at all of our participating golf courses.  For more information, contact the local golf professional at any of our courses for lessons or clinic opportunities.

Q:  Are players provided team golf shirts again? Are there any other requirements involving what they wear or need?

A:  We want players to wear their team shirts from the Fall Season. We will not be ordering new shirts and that has helped reduce the registration fee. We want our players to learn what proper golf attire is. We ask them not to wear jeans and tee shirts. Depending on the weather shorts, skirts, skorts or long pants are fine. Again, depending on the weather, light jackets, wind shirts, raingear may be worn.   Sneakers or athletic shoes are recommended. Players may wear their own hats or visors.  Golf gloves may be purchased and worn.  Players provide their own golf balls and tees. And depending on the weather parents are advised to dress appropriately and if necessary, bring rain gear and umbrellas. 

Q:  How long does play last?

A: We practice ready golf and marshals are asked to keep play moving. With only four tee times per course stating at 4 p.m. we should finish easily before dark, hopefully by 7:30 p.m. or earlier.  We will set a maximum score to help with pace of play. Parents are asked to have their players arrive at least 30 minutes before their start time, report to their starting hole 10 minutes before their designated tee time. Foursome will not wait a on a player and once the fairway is open and it is their tee time they need to begin play.

Q: What happens when there is inclement weather? If it rains before or during play?

A:  If there is wide spread inclement weather before our scheduled time to play, the MSGL Director will coordinate with our golf courses and notify thru email if play is cancelled. The local golf courses determine whether we can or continue play or not and also when we have to stop play (danger, i.e., storms, lightning, etc.).  On the golf course, most courses have a loud horn that signals lighting or bad weather and that we must evacuate the course. As in professional and even recreational golf, play may continue during light rain. Rain gear may be worn and golf umbrellas are certainly allowed on the courses. Play may stop and resume as weather permits. Marshals are advised to monitor the weather situation.  If a regularly scheduled week is canceled during the season, we use the rain make-up date.

Q:  If I still have a question or need additional information, who should I contact?

A: You may contact Les Witmer, the MSGL Director at lawitmer@comcast.net

 

 

Welcome to the 2022 Fall Middle School Golf League.

Founded in January 2010 with a mission of teaching the basics of golf, providing an opportunity to play the game in an organized league and creating for the youth of the Gwinnett and Walton County area a passion for the golf that will continue into high school and their adult lives. 

The Middle School Golf League is organized with parents registering their Middle School players through the South Gwinnett Athletic Association.  Players are assigned teams based on middle school attendance and receive golf shirts with their middle school or feeder high school colors.

During the first weeks beginning golfers will spend more time becoming more proficient at ball striking and understanding golf rules and etiquette.  And then take that knowledge onto the golf course by joining returning Middle School Golf League players or the more advanced junior golfers as team members in the best ball “Lauderdale” format. Players play from forward or junior tees based on ability.

League play and/or clinics will be held mostly on Sundays, normally at 4 pm. The season officially begins with a clinic for everyone conducted by our golf course professionals, a beginner orientation and then everyone plays a practice round, followed by four weeks of team competition best ball play including during one week “High School Day” where high school team golfers are invited to play along with their cluster middle school teams,  a week of individual stroke play, an invitational individual stroke 9-hole tournament for advanced junior MSGL players and the season culminates for everyone with a Drive, Chip and Putt competition and the MSGL Awards Presentations.

Players are strongly encouraged to walk the nine holes and carry their clubs or have a push cart. If a player walks, they may choose to have a parent or another adult caddie for them and walk the course, carry the bag or push the cart. Caddies must observe golf rules and etiquette and may advise players on shots, club selections and distances. However, detailed coaching slows down pace of play and is for practice sessions and not on course play! Parents may rent a cart if available, and players may ride with them and have their bag of clubs in the cart but again parents must keep the carts on the cart path at all times. If players ride in a cart, they need to practice ready golf and get out of the cart and get their clubs to be ready to play. There is usually a line to get carts so it is important that parents and players arrive well in advance of the start time. Depending on prior member or guest play that day at the course, there may be a shortage of available carts due to cleaning and recharging carts.  Not everyone is insured of having a cart available and players and parents may need to be prepared to walk the course. Players are not allowed to drive a cart (must be 16 years old and have a driver’s license.) Other spectators are welcome to watch play either by walking along or they may rent a cart if available ($15 or $25—depending on course) but must stay on the cart path at all times.

 

Because of COVID-19 we will continue to have certain precautions in place.  We will be in regular contact with host facilities prior to and throughout the season to discuss any local precautionary rules, i.e., flagsticks remaining in, raking sand traps, cart restrictions, etc.  While we aim to be consistent across the entire schedule with policies and procedures, there may be certain instances where a participating golf club’s policy takes precedence. Any modifications will be communicated to you thru e-mail message. Once our season starts, we will adhere to the same contact tracing rules that the schools are using.  Anyone that has been in close contact with someone who has or tested positive for COVID-19 needs to remain at home.  And during our activities and for all events, we ask that social physical distancing again be practiced by keeping a minimum of six (6) feet from others. The wearing of masks during play by players is optional.  There are again no restrictions on spectators attending competitions. Spectators as always are asked to remain on cart paths and to maintain social distancing from others players and other spectators.

Each team has a volunteer team “Marshall” who is responsible for team lineups and supervises the play on the course.  Parents are welcome to walk or purchase and ride carts along the course as spectators but must remain on the cart paths. 

The host courses for this season are Snellville’s Country Club of Gwinnett, Lawrenceville’s Collins Hill Golf Course, Loganville’s Cedar Lake Golf Course, Monroe’s Bear Creek, Providence and Monroe Golf Courses and Dacula’s Trophy Club of Apalachee.  Teams rotate and play on a different course each week.

On-line registration for the Fall season opens August 1 and will be limited and will close when we reach 72 registrations or on August 15,  whichever occurs first.  At the close of on-line registration, we will hold our parent orientation.  The orientation will provide more detailed information about the season, uniform sizing, information about golf equipment and clubs and a Q&A session with League Director Les Witmer, and SGAA ‘s Tim Gaines and Tanya McDaniel. The orientation will either be live or via Zoom—TBA.

Prior to that for more information you may contact MSGL Director Les Witmer at:  lawitmer@comcast.net.