Any high school golfer from the invited school is eligible to compete in the Invitational.  Players do not have to play in the State Championship to be eligible.  Graduated seniors from the qualified team are permitted to play as long as they have not started their first semester of college

Some High School Athletic Associations are very restrictive on what high school golf teams can and cannot do. Since you will be representing your state at the “club level” and the event is taking place “out of season” most teams should be able to participate in the Invitational without restriction from their state high school athletic association.

As long as you are not “representing your school” and using school funds for the invitational tournament, you should NOT be restricted to compete by your high school. If your high school is funding your trip or you are representing the school by wearing school uniforms, you may be subject to high school and state regulations.

The NHSGA is focused on ensuring future high school eligibility for golfers remains intact.  It is highly recommended that you check with your high school athletic association that no rules or regulations are broken that would affect your eligibility moving forward. The NHSGA is not responsible for sanctions placed on any team or player who breaks a school or state athletic association rule.

The NHSGA wants to ensure every participant in the High School Golf Invitational remains eligible to participate during their regular high school golf season. Some High School Athletic Associations are very restrictive on what high school golf teams can and cannot do. Since you will be representing your state at the “club level” and the event is taking place “out of season” most teams should be able to participate in the Invitational without restriction from their state high school athletic association.

As long as you are not “representing your school” and using school funds for the invitational tournament, you should not be restricted to compete by your high school. If your high school is funding your trip or you are representing the school by wearing school uniforms, you may be subject to high school and state regulations.

Each team must have a designated coach during the Invitational (this can be a coach, parent or any adult).  It does not have to be the respective high school golf coach for that team.

Coaching the players during the tournament rounds is not allowed by anyone.  During the actual tournament, the designated coach is more like a VIP Spectator - able to assist for lost balls, provide water and snacks, check on a players hydration, etc.  They are not to give advice during play anywhere on the golf course.

Yes, teams and individuals are still able to compete even if your state has a dead period. Your high school coach cannot be in attendance for the event, unless the coach has a son or daughter on the team.

If you are unable to field a team of 4 or 5 for the tournament (we count 4 scores each day), the players who are able to attend can play as “individuals” representing your state, but you will be unable to have a “team score” due to lack of 4 or 5 players participating.

Yes, if you are home-schooled – we do have the application-based entry available for you to complete as an individual – all applications will be considered and entries will be awarded on merit and field availability.  Home school 'teams' are not allowed at the National Invitational.

No, caddies will not be allowed during competition rounds. During practice rounds, players are allowed to have caddies/family members walking alongside the competitor if the respective course allows this.

Push carts are definitely allowed (and encouraged), but the player must provide their own.  The tournament courses will not have any available to rent.  We have a great relationship with BigMax Golf and they sell a fold-flat push cart.  

A very limited number of spectator golf cars are available on a first-come, first-served basis at each facility.  An accessibility ADA shuttle will be provided to certain locations on the golf course. Shuttle cards will be available in the golf shop with more information for those needing to utilize the accessibility ADA shuttle.  Please contact the Championship team via (team@highschoolgolf.org) if you have any questions about accessibility services at the Championship.

Pinehurst Resort offers complimentary shuttle service to all those staying at the Resort to the resort golf courses and The Village of Pinehurst during regular operating hours.  

If you are seeking financial assistance for the entry fee to compete in the National Invitational – please complete the National Invitational Grant Opportunities form.  Contact NHSGA Manager Mike McDonald (Mike@highschoolgolf.org) if any additional questions.

Reservations at Pinehurst Resort may be booked on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please review the NHSGA website on how to secure discounted room packages or email NHSGA Manager Mike McDonald at team@highschoolgolf.org for more information.

A limited number of discounted rooms have been blocked at the Pinehurst Resort.  If staying at the Pinehurst Resort, there will be shuttles available to all the resort courses, The Cradle and Thistle Dhu.  We encourage players to stay at the Pinehurst Resort to help with logistics, but it is not mandatory for you to stay on-site.

Please go to Visit Pinehurst for more information about the area.

Yes. You are more than welcome to turn the National Invitational into a family vacation. You can come and go as you please. The discounted room rates at the Pinehurst Resort will be available from Wednesday, July 8th through Wednesday, July 22nd.

Hotel refunds requested before June 10th will result in 90% of the hotel payment refunded. Due to contractual agreements with Pinehurst Resort, hotel refunds will NOT be issued after June 10th. 

The pine-scented air that wafts across the Pinehurst grounds was long thought to have powerful restorative properties, leading to the resort’s original founding as a health & wellness retreat. Today, visitors will discover a rejuvenating spa still dedicated to that same pursuit, as well as a whole host of other diversions ready to keep them engaged and enthralled throughout their stay. From trying your hand at croquet or pickleball to window shopping or sampling craft cocktails, R&R is a 24/7 pursuit at Pinehurst.

The National High School Golf Association believes that athletic participation is valuable to students’ physical, intellectual, social, and character development and accordingly, we value inclusion. Guided by this value, our policy permits transgender students’ participation in the National Invitational in a manner consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on a student’s records and without prior medical or mental health care.

Refunds will be issued to players/teams on a case-by-case basis.

Withdrawals made before June 10th will result in a 75% refund for any practice round or entry fees paid. 

Withdrawals made after June 10th will result in a 50% refund for any practice round or entry fees paid.

Withdrawals made within 14-days of the 1st day of competition (July 11th) will receive no refund. 

The NHSGA charges a non-refundable convenience fee of 2.9% and 30 cents for each transaction processed on highschoolgolf.org.  To avoid the non-refundable convenience fee, NHSGA accepts checks as a preferred alternative payment method.  Checks can be made payable to PGA of America and mailed to 1916 PGA Parkway, Frisco, TX 75033.  Please note, convenience fees will not be refunded even if the payment to which it relates is canceled, refunded, credited or charged back. Any questions, please contact billing@highschoolgolf.org