FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible to compete on an invited team?
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
What if our high school or our school state athletic association says we cannot play?
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.
Why does our team represent our state and not our school?
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.
Are coaches required at the Invitational?
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.
Can our team still compete if the Invitational falls during our state's dead period?
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.
What happens if only some of our players can attend the Invitational?
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.
If I am home-schooled can I still compete in the event?
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.
Are caddies allowed at the 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.
Are push carts allowed at the Invitational?
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. Email mike@highschoolgolf.org for a discount code if you want to purchase a push cart from BigMax Golf.
Are there spectator or handicap carts available during tournament rounds?
Accessibility services for the Championship are still being finalized. A limited number of spectator golf cars and/or an accessibility shuttle service may be provided to assist spectators with disabilities. Details will be posted on the website closer to the Championship. Please contact the Championship team via (mmcdonald@pgahq.com) if you have any questions about accessibility services at the Championship.
Will transportation be provided during tournament week?
Omni PGA Frisco Resort offers complimentary shuttle service to all those staying at the Resort to the Fields Ranch golf courses and the PGA Frisco campus during regular operating hours. There will be no shuttles provided to the off-site golf courses used for the Invitational.
What if I cannot afford the event?
If you are unable to afford 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.
How do I book rooms at the OMNI PGA Frisco Resort?
Reservations at Omni PGA Frisco 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 Mike@highschoolgolf.org for more information.
Do all competitors have to stay at the OMNI PGA Frisco Resort?
A limited number of discounted rooms have been blocked at Omni PGA Frisco Resort. If staying on the PGA Frisco campus, there is easy access to both the Fields Ranch courses, The Dance Floor and the Home of PGA of America. We encourage players to stay on the PGA Frisco campus to help with logistics, but it is not mandatory for you to stay on-site.
Please go to Visit Frisco for more information about other hotels nearby.
Can I get discounted lodging before or after the tournament dates?
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 Omni PGA Frisco Resort will be available from Thursday, June 27th through Thursday, July 11th.
Can I make changes to or cancel my room reservation?
Hotel refunds requested before June 1st will result in 90% of the hotel payment refunded. Due to contractual agreements with Omni PGA Frisco Resort, hotel refunds will NOT be issued after June 1st.
What other family activities are available at PGA Frisco and nearby?
For golfers and non-golfers alike, sun-up to sundown fun and enjoyment opportunities abound at the PGA District where a variety of signature dining and retail concepts, virtual game experiences, programmed entertainment, and more will be available. This space will serve as a hub for the community as well as resort guests.
In addition to the PGA District, if you’re looking for something to do in Frisco – you’ve made it to the right page. No matter your age or interests, there’s plenty of fun to find in Frisco!
What is the gender identity participation policy for the Invitational?
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.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds will be issued to players/teams on a case-by-case basis.
Withdrawals made before June 1st will result in a 75% refund for any practice round or entry fees paid.
Withdrawals made after June 1st 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 1st) 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
