Junior Tour Handbook

The Middle Atlantic PGA Section (MAPGA), located in Stafford, Virginia, is one of 41 Sections of the Professional Golfers Association of America. The PGA of America, formed in 1916, has grown into the world’s largest working sports organization with more than 32,000 members and associates. Its mission is to promote enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to the games growth by providing services to golf professionals and the industry. 

The Middle Atlantic PGA Junior Golf Tour reaches more than 2,500 junior golfers annually. We believe that the values and skills learned through junior golf can positively impact a child for the rest of their life. We accomplish this by offering a variety of tournament programs that not only help grow this great game but teach kids the value of integrity and sportsmanship.

The MAPGA Junior Tour is open to boys and girls ages 7 to 19 who are not currently attending college. Players who have graduated from high school may only play in MAPGA Junior Tour tournaments until September 1 of the season directly following their high school graduation. Entries are subject to rejection at the discretion of the MAPGA Junior Tour Staff at any time.

Membership and tournament registration will only be accepted online through the MAPGA website. Juniors are eligible to sign up for tournaments and MAPGA membership starting January 7 of each year (there is no event limit). 

By registering online for the MAPGA Jr Tour, you agree to abide by all Rules & Policies set forth in this Member Handbook. The MAPGA reserves the right to refuse or reject any entry, at any time. 

Tournament registrations typically close 7 days prior to the event, however, specific registration deadlines will be posted on each tournament website. Tournament registration will close at the registration deadline or when the event reaches a maximum capacity. 

Invitational tournaments are by invite only, meaning all registrants will be initially placed on a pending registration list. Exempt Registrants (exemption criteria and exemption lists will be on the specific tournament website) will be confirmed into the field first. If the field is not full after exempt players, non-exempt players will be let into the tournament at the discretion of MAPGA Junior Golf Tour Staff.

In order to receive a full refund, players must withdraw before 12 noon, 7 days prior to the event and prior to tee times being posted. Withdrawing after this time will result in a loss of entry fee unless due to extenuating circumstances. Otherwise, no refunds will be granted. If you do need to cancel after the deadline due to extenuating circumstances, you will get a full refund minus a $10 transaction fee.

The MAPGA offers two 9-hole divisions that junior golfers can participate in: Intro Division and Mini Mulligans Division. These 9-hole divisions use a modified set of rules and only play 9 holes to make the game more enjoyable for young players. Junior golfers participating in both of these divisions are allowed to have a single caddie during tournament play. Medals are awarded for the Top 3 finishers in each division.

Mini Mulligans Division: The Mini Mulligans Division is for junior golfers ages 7 to 10 who want to play golf in a friendly yet competitive environment. The purpose of this division is to expose young golfers to tournament play and encourage them to continue playing golf as they get older. 

Introductory Division: The Introductory (Intro) Division is for junior golfers ages 9 to 14 who want to gain tournament experience. The Intro Division will play from the shortest course tees and is considered a step-up from the Mini Mulligans Division. 

Mini Mulligans Age Groups & Average Distance: 

Coed 7-8 Division Distance: 1,400-1,700 yards 

Coed 9-10 Division Distance: 1,400-1,700 yards 

Introductory Tour Age Groups & Average Distance: 

Boys 9-14 Division Distance: 2,300 – 2,700 yards 

Girls 9-14 Division Distance: 2,300 – 2,700 yards 

Prices

9 Hole Tour Membership: $75 

9 Hole Events – Member price: $35 / Non-Member $65

The MAPGA offers two divisions for junior golfers to play 18 holes: Patriot Division and Championship Division. These divisions play under the Rules of Golf approved by the USGA and the MAPGA Hard Card. 

Patriot Division: The Patriot Division is for junior golfers who are ready to play 18 holes in tournament competition. Some MAPGA 36- hole events will allow for Patriot Division participation. This division will be split up further by gender in each competition. The MAPGA recommends that junior golfers who have the below scores from these yardages compete in the Patriot Division:

Boys: Recommended Scoring Average 85 or Above: Distance: 5,500-5,900 yards 

Girls: Recommended Scoring Average 88 or Above: Distance: 4,900-5,300 yards 

Prices

(AGES 9 – 18) 

Patriot Membership: $150 

18 Hole Events – Member Price $75 / Non-Member Price $100 

36 Hole Events – Member Price $150 / Non-Member Price $200

*Invitationals and championships may have an increased entry fee 

Championship Division (13-15 and 16-18): The Championship Division is for advanced players looking to compete at the highest level. The yardages will be longer than the Patriot Tour and there will be 18- and 36-hole events. The Championship Division will be divided by gender in every competition and further divided by age (13-15 and 16-18) depending on the specific tournament. All of the results from the 36 hole events will be listed on Junior Golf Scoreboard and any pre-approved AJGA events will be uploaded. The MAPGA recommends that junior golfers who have the below scores from these yardages compete in the Championship Division:

Boys 13-15: Recommended Scoring Average 84 or Below: Distance: 6,100-6,600 yards

16-18: Recommended Scoring Average 82 or Below: Distance:6,400-6,900 yards

*Overall Boys competitions will be played from a minimum of 6,600 yards 

Girls 13-15: Recommended Scoring Average 87 or Below: Distance: 5,400-6,000 yards

16-18: Recommended Scoring Average 87 or Below: Distance: 5,600-6,000 yards 

*Overall Girls competitions will be played from a minimum of 5,700 yards

Prices

Membership: $150 

18 Hole Tournament Cost: Member $75 / Non-Member $100 

36 Hole Tournament Cost: Member $150 / Non-Member $200 

*Invitationals and championships may have an increased entry fee

All ties for second or third place in each age division will be decided by a scorecard play-off using the USGA scorecard method. All ties for first place will be decided by a sudden death playoff if weather and course permit. If first place ties are unable to be broken due to weather and course conditions, ties will be broken using the USGA scorecard method.

Rules violations will be administered by the on-site tournament officials and as prescribed by the USGA Rules of Golf, Junior Golf Director, and MAPGA Executive Director. Cheating will NOT be tolerated. If a player suspects another of violating a rule of golf or cheating, the player should seek a rules official as soon as possible to handle the situation. Cheating will result in immediate disqualification from the MAPGA Junior Tour with no refund. The player will forfeit all remaining entry fees and incur a one-year suspension from all Middle Atlantic PGA sanctioned events.

Any conduct that is detrimental to the MAPGA Junior Tour will not be tolerated. Abusive language and profanity will not be tolerated. Actions such as, but not limited to, club throwing, gambling, tobacco use, drug use, or any abuse to club facilities are prohibited. Any conduct in violation of the Care for the Golf Course, Dress Code, Technology, or Caddie/Carts/Spectator Policies and any other conduct that MAPGA Staff, the Tournament Committee, or Host Facility staff determine to be inappropriate will be penalized as described below. Some penalties related to specific infractions are described in the Rules of Golf or are noted in the specific Policy section.

Penalties for Violation of Conduct Policy 

First Offense: Warning. 

Second Offense: Two-Stroke Penalty. 

Third Offense: Disqualification. 

The MAPGA Staff and Tournament Committee have the authority to immediately disqualify any individual for conduct violations at any time, without going through the aforementioned offense penalties.

All players are expected to maintain the golf course by repairing ball marks, raking bunkers, replacing the golf course divots, picking up and disposing of trash, etc. “Leave the course in better condition than you found it.”

All players and parents are also encouraged to thank the host club, staff and volunteers for their support of junior golf.

The following guidelines for dress will apply.  It is a condition of competition at all tournament sites that shoes with metal or traditionally designed spikes are prohibited. T-shirts, tank tops, blue jeans, and cutoffs are not acceptable. Shirts must always remain tucked in. If a course has a specific dress code policy, that takes precedence and must be followed while playing in a MAPGA Junior Tour event at that course. Tournament officials will enforce these guidelines at all MAPGA Junior Tour functions.

Cell phones and other similar electronic devices must NOT be used outside of use for live scoring or for distance measuring apps. Distance-measuring devices and apps may include watches, phones, and the like; however, during play, all other features, such as measuring wind and slope grade, must be turned off. Emergency use of a cellular phone may be permitted at the discretion of the on-site rules committee. 

Wearing ear buds, air pods, headphones, and the like are not permitted for players during competitive rounds. Listening to any audio of any kind aloud via phone speakers or any other speaker types is prohibited.

The use of drones by players or spectators is strictly prohibited before, during, and after any MAPGA Junior Tour events. 

Spectators are encouraged to limit the use of cellphone activity while on the course.

Caddies will not be permitted (except for 9-hole divisions and MAPGA Junior Championship) at any MAPGA Junior Tour Event. The use of golf carts is not permitted and each player must walk and carry his/her own clubs. Pull and push carts are acceptable, if the host facility permits. Motorized or electronic push carts of any kind are prohibited. A player with a physical disability may request an exemption from this policy from the MAPGA Junior Tour Officials. 

The use of motorized or electronic push carts will lead to immediate disqualification (DQ).

9- hole Tour players are allowed a singular caddie per tournament competition. Caddies on the 9-hole tour are required to complete the caddie quiz and pay the $20 caddie registration fee. 

Spectators are welcome and encouraged to attend tournaments. Spectator carts will be allowed if approved by the host facility. Carts MUST always remain on the cart path! NO EXCEPTIONS! Spectators must stay in the rough or on the cart path and at least 30 yards away from the players. Spectators are allowed to carry water, umbrellas, jackets, towels, and food for the players. 

Spectators are NOT allowed to give advice to the players. The player may be penalized for a violation. “Advice” is any counsel or suggestion, which could influence a player in determining his/her play, the choice of club or the method of making a stroke. Examples of advice: “You should hit a 6-iron here”; “Keep your head down”; and “Relax, take it one shot at a time”. Spectators shall not carry on conversations with players. This action could be construed as ADVICE. Players may be penalized for this action. Spectators may not carry a player’s golf bag and/or clubs. 

*This is not to be confused with distributing food, drink, additional clothing, and or medication to the player*.

Spectators are encouraged to help in the SEARCH of golf balls by remaining “one shot” ahead of the group they are watching and may assist in looking for lost balls. Spectators should never touch or move a golf ball on the course and should NEVER aid in rulings. The allowance for spectators to look for golf balls is to aid in pace of play and if rules help is needed a MAPGA Rules Official should be called. Spectators should be courteous and aware of golfers on the course when searching for golf balls.

Your membership and tournament entry fee does not entitle you to a practice round. However, certain facilities are generous enough to offer practice rounds to participants. Please see the specific tournament website for tournament specific details and contact the facility for their policy on practice rounds.

It will be at the discretion of the MAPGA Junior Golf Staff or Host PGA Professional to cancel play. An event will not be canceled due to rain unless the Host PGA Professional and/or  tournament committee deems it necessary. In the event of lightning within 8 miles or other dangerous situations, play will be suspended until conditions are safe. There will be no “make-up” dates for canceled events. If a tournament is canceled prior to play, members scheduled to participate in the event will be refunded the entry fee minus a $5 transaction fee.

Player of the year points will be calculated based on the field size of the event. Also, the red line above indicates a top 1/3 finish which receives bonus points. 

Red Line = Weighted, Top 1/3 Point Finish 

Jr. Tour One day 18 Hole Events = 1.0 x Top 1/3 Point Finish 

Jr. Tour Two Day 36 Hole Events = 1.5 x Top 1/3 Point Finish 

Invitationals and Championships = 2 x Top 1/3 Point Finish 

You must have played in at least 2 events to be eligible at the end of the year for Player of the Year honors. 

Points are awarded to players who compete in and finish in a ranked event during the the current MAPGA Junior Tour season. The MAPGA Junior Tour season is March to November of the current year. These points count towards POY standings and will be cumulative as the season progresses. 

Player of the Year FAQs 

Q: What is the purpose of the MAPGA Junior Tour Rankings? 

A: A player’s ranking is one criterion that may be used to determine eligibility for invitation-only events and postseason honors. 

Q: What events are NOT being used? 

A: Capital Cup & Local PGA qualifiers, Non-Junior Tour Events (Optimist Qualifiers) 

Q: Who can earn points? 

A: Only Junior Tour Members who compete and finish a ranked event. 

Q: Is there an event minimum/maximum? 

A: Yes, there is a minimum of three events, and we accumulate the best 5 scores at the completion of the Kingsmill Invitational.   

Q: What about ties for points earned? 

A: All ties for points broken by sudden death playoff or USGA scorecard playoff and then awarded at the value of position finish. 

Q: Which events count towards the POY? 

A: Any MAPGA Junior Tour event except for qualifiers or outside events. 

Q: In the Championship Division, do the 36-hole events count for more POY points than the 18-hole events? 

A: Yes however, the field size is bigger and stronger so receiving points is more difficult in the 36-hole events.

General FAQs 

Q: Can I change divisions? 

A: Yes, you may switch divisions during the season if you feel your current division is not correct for your current skill level, whether the division is not challenging enough or too easy. Points will then be reset. 

Q: Will golf carts be available for spectators? 

A: Spectators carts will be allowed if the host facility permits them.

Q: As a parent, am I able to advise my child during play? 

A: No. ” Advice” is any counsel or suggestion which could influence the player in determining his/her play, the choice of club, or the method of making a stroke. Giving advice is a breach of USGA Rules. 

Q: If an event is canceled, will I be entered into another event?

A: Each situation will be decided on an individual basis. Your placement into an alternate event will be on a space-available basis. 

Q: If I withdraw from a tournament after the deadline do I receive a refund? 

A: No, however, it may be possible to enter you into a different event on a space-available basis. Refund requests due to medical reasons or other extenuating circumstances will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: Where can I find my tee time? 

A: Tee times will be emailed to participants and posted on the tournament website.