MO Golf News
Missouri Golf Association
Set to Tee Off New Events in 2024
by , Reese Hamilton , MGA News contributor
The Missouri Golf Association , founded in 1905 , is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote the best interests and true spirit of the game of golf throughout the State of Missouri . Its goal is not to only provide championships for elite-level golfers but also to grow the game among all skill levels in the state .
The MGA provides competitive opportunities for seniors , juniors , women , and men . In addition to hosting championships , the MGA provides GHIN and Golf Genius Tournament Software services in the state ( Central Links Golf and Metropolitan Amateur Golf provide GHIN for the KC and STL areas ). The MGA strives to provide a first-class experience for its member clubs , assist them in achieving their goals , allowing them to give great experiences to their members . Resources available to member clubs include 24 / 7 access to someone at MGA , rules seminars , WHS seminars , course rating , course marking , consulting on tournaments , and more .
Archer Schnieders is the 2023 MGA Junior Boys Player of the Year and male Junior Amateur Champion .
Junior golf has been a major focus of the MGA ― that ’ s how lifelong golfers are created ! Throughout the summer , it has the Missouri Junior Tour , a development tour for juniors looking to get into competitive golf . These events are one-day , 9- or 18-holes , with various age divisions . Additionally , the MGA hosts several junior championships in the state . The two most sought-after championships are the Junior Match Play Championship and the Junior Amateur Championship . Starting in 2024 , the winner of the Girls ’ Junior Match Play Championship will earn an exemption into the U . S . Girls ’ Junior Championship . The MGA has created more 36-hole junior championships to provide young golfers the chance to compete at a higher level and gain recognition with college coaches without having to travel out of state . The MGA wants to make golf accessible for all juniors and ensure all have the same opportunities . It is excited to launch these new events this year !
In 2007 , the MGA began the Senior Series Tour , a compilation of one-day , 18-hole events for men ages 50 and over . There are several age divisions along with net and gross divisions to attract golfers of all abilities . The events are held at some of the best courses in the state , including stops at Buffalo Ridge , Ozarks National , Norwood Hills , Dalhousie , and many more ! The Senior Series quickly became one of the most popular tours in Missouri . Golfers eagerly wait for the events to begin each year . Most events fill up on the opening day of registration !
The MGA also hosts the major men ’ s and women ’ s championships in Missouri . This year , the Missouri Amateur Championship will take place at St . Joseph Country Club , and the Women ’ s Amateur Championship will occur at Hickory Hills Country Club . Over the last several years , the MGA staff has worked diligently to grow the women ’ s game , starting with hosting at prestigious courses around the state . It will be exciting to watch women compete for the State Amateur Championship at Hickory Hills this year . New events have been added in 2024 for women , including a Match Play Championship hosted at Lake Valley Golf and Country Club and a series of three one-day events to attract elite golfers and golfers newer to the competitive atmosphere . Like the Junior Match Play Championship , the Missouri Amateur Champion will earn an exemption into the U . S . Amateur Championship , and the Missouri Women ’ s Amateur Champion will earn an exemption into the U . S . Women ’ s Amateur Championship .
“ The MGA is forever grateful to our members , member clubs and generous sponsors that allow us to continue our growth ,” said MGA Executive Director Scott Hovis . “ It would be impossible to achieve our goals without the support we have received .”
For more information about the Missouri Golf Association , questions regarding GHIN , tournaments , or anything golf related , call 575-636- 8994 . To view the full schedule of MGA events and how to enter , visit www . mogolf . org .
Reese Hamilton is the Director of Junior Golf & Course Rating for the MGA located at 2415 Hyde Park Rd , Jefferson City , MO 65109 .
14 April 2024 TEE TIMES GOLF GUIDE