MPGA

Tournament Policies

Conditions of Play - Updated January 2026

The Minnesota Public Golf Association (MPGA) reserves the discretionary right to reject an entry at any time, including after the registration for the competition has closed. Any person whose entry is accepted shall be subject to the Tournament Policies, Rules and Conditions of Play set forth by the MPGA. The MPGA reserves the right to shorten any competition due to weather or other conditions warranting such action. Any act of unsportsmanlike conduct, as written in the MPGA Conduct Policy stated below, will be cause for removal from a tournament. NOTE: The MPGA does not make any provisions for a player asking for special consideration due to other commitments.

Liability Waiver

EACH PARTICIPANT WAIVES AND RELEASES ANY AND ALL KNOWN AND UNKNOWN CLAIMS AGAINST AND AGREES TO HOLD HARMLESS, THE MPGA, ITS HOST FACILITIES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE  EMPLOYEES, AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO ANY DAMAGES SUFFERED BY THE PARTICIPANT AT OR IN CONNECTION WITH EVENTS MANAGED BY THE MPGA,  INCLUDING DAMAGES INCURRED AS A CONSEQUENCE OF OR RELATING TO COVID-19, WHETHER OR NOT RESULTING FROM NEGLIGENCE OF ANY RELEASED PARTY.

MPGA Code of Conduct Policy - Updated January 2026

By submitting an entry, or by participating in an MPGA competition, the player understands participation is granted at the sole discretion of the MPGA. In addition to incurring penalties under Rule 1.2 of the Rules of Golf (including disqualification) for a breach of the MPGA Code of Conduct Policy, the player’s entry may be rejected at the sole discretion of the Tournament Committee at any time, either before the close of the competition or after the close of competition. Serious misconduct or actions at any MPGA event, or state, national, or international event, or conduct or action deemed detrimental to the MPGA, the spirit of the game, or to the host facilities are grounds for such rejection and/or additional sanctions. These include, but are not limited to:

  1. All players shall abide by USGA Rules of Golf 1.2 Standards of Player Conduct and 1.3 Playing by the Rules when playing in a MPGA sponsored event.
  2. All weapons and guns are banned from MPGA events and tournaments. Violation will result in immediate disqualification from a tournament.
  3. Cheating.
  4. Willful destruction of golf course or MPGA property
  5. Abusive language, derogatory criticism, or inappropriate conduct towards MPGA and/or host facility, staff, volunteers, or other players
  6. Club throwing and/or physical endangerment of others
  7. Offensive or excessively loud behavior
  8. Alcohol and/or substance impaired behavior
  9. Repeated withdrawals or no cards during or after completion of a round
  10. Inappropriate golf attire including shoes
  11. Failure to follow a request of the MPGA pertaining to the use of a telecommunications device (cell phones, pagers, should be in silent mode during an MPGA event)
  12. Soliciting, selling of merchandise, or collecting funds for charities without the prior written authorization of the MPGA is prohibited
  13. Information on a tournament application that is incorrect or designed to deceive or create an unfair advantage may result in the disqualification from a tournament and the applicant may be subject to disciplinary action
  14. Other serious misconduct

Should an incident occur, the Tournament Committee will submit a report to the Executive Committee of the MPGA. If the Executive Committee deems further action may be necessary, a Sub-Committee will be convened for the purpose of reviewing the incident and interviewing all involved individuals. The Sub-Committee will render a ruling that may include sanctions ranging from probation to suspension from future MPGA events, to not being eligible for MPGA team competitions and/or player awards. If sanctions are imposed, the player has the right to appeal the decision to the MPGA Executive Committee, whose decision is final.

Tournament Eligibility - Updated January 2026

Entries are open to amateur golfers who are current members of an MPGA Member Club in good standing with the MPGA and possess a current GHIN handicap at that club. Additionally, members of the MN Golf Community and the USGA/Handicap are eligible to play in MPGA events.

MPGA tournaments may be entered at the start of open registration usually in early March. The entry must be received on or before the entry closing date which is published on the tournament application. If the tournament is full when an entry is received the entry will be placed on a waiting list in the order received.

Online Registration - Updated January 2026

Online Registration for all MPGA events is done via the “Registration Page” link under Registration on each of the Tournament blocks.

Tournament Entry Fees, Carts, and Refunds - Updated January 2026

Tournament Entry Fees are documented in each of the Tournament listings and do not cover the cost associated with using a golf cart in an MPGA event.

Note: The use of Power carts is permitted in MPGA events unless otherwise designated. The cost of a power cart is a player expense not included in the entry fee, and should be coordinated with the host club prior to the close of each event.

Entry fees will be refunded if the MPGA is notified before the close of entries. If the MPGA is notified after the close of entries the entry fee, less a $25 administration fee, will be refunded.  In Team Events the $25 fee will apply to each team member.

Handicaps - Updated January 2026

The current GHIN handicap index is used to determine the player's course handicap for MPGA Net Tournaments. Playing handicaps will be verified by the Tournament Committee prior to the start of the event.

The MPGA reserves the right to adjust a player's USGA Handicap Index prior to the start of a competitive round.

Starting Times - Updated January 2026

Pairings and Starting times will be Emailed to each entrant on the Tuesday prior to the start of each of the Championships. Players should report to the registration table on the Saturday of the Tournament for check-in at least 30 minutes prior to their start time. Also, players are expected to be at the appropriate tee 10 minutes prior to their starting times on both Saturday and Sunday.

If you have not received your information within 3 days of the event, it is YOUR responsibility to contact the MPGA Tournament Office at jogolf@comcast.net. Please do not Email prior to 3 days before the event.

Withdrawals and No Shows

Players who have applied to participate in an MPGA event and wish to withdraw for any reason MUST notify the MPGA by e-mail to jogolf@comcast.net prior to the event closing date. If withdrawing on the day of the event, you must call the course where the tournament is being held. Players who fail to follow this procedure will be listed as a NO SHOW. Repeated no shows by a player may result in the player's entry for future events being rejected.

Weather Delays - Updated January 2026

The MPGA will make every effort to complete an event in its entirety. However, the MPGA reserves the right to shorten an event as necessary if weather-related circumstances require such action. If conditions such as severe weather, lack of sunlight, closure of course, or other similar condition do not permit the total completion of the Championship, the Committee reserves the right to shorten the Championship. No refunds will be given.

Photographs and Videos

By submitting any application, the player agrees to allow the MPGA to use the player's photographic/video image for any MPGA media related use(s).

Dress Code

For all MPGA competitions, players and caddies must be neat in appearance with respect to personal grooming and clothing. The MPGA will decide whether this requirement has been met and will disqualify the entry of a player who does not comply.

Spectators

When golf carts are permitted in an MPGA event, their use is limited to transporting players and their clubs. Spectators are prohibited from using golf carts during an event. Walking spectators always are welcome at MPGA Championships.