2019 High School Golf National Invitational
Overview
Dates
June 26th-28th
Wednesday through Friday
Location
Walt Disney World Resort Golf
Area Airports
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando FL
24 miles from the courses
**Free airport transportation on the Disney Magical Express for those teams staying on property at Disney and flying into the Orlando airport.
Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB)
Sanford, FL
55 miles from the courses
Tampa International Aiport (TPA)
Tampa, FL
75 miles from the courses
Questions?
Contact Chris Noble
Chris@highschoolgolf.org
ABOUT
The 2019 High School Golf National Invitational headed to the beautiful Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando FL. This invite-only tournament field boasted some of the best high school golfers across the country competing at the “Happiest Place on Turf”.
Receiving an invitation to the National Invitational is quite an honor since only the best high school golf teams and individuals will receive invites based on their State Championship performance. The Invitational brought together a wide variety of golfers from nearly all 50 states. Public or private. Small or large. All high school State Championship teams, individual medalists and their families are welcome at the Invitational. This tournament brought together the strongest ever field in high school golf.
The Boys tournament was competed on the Palm and Magnolia courses, while the Girls tournament competed at Falcon’s Fire Golf Club located adjacent to the Disney Property in Orlando. Both were 2-day, 36-hole stroke play events including team and individual competition.
Many high school sports have championship caliber events that showcase their sport at the highest level on a national scale. The Invitational did just that for high school golf.
Qualifying & tournament scoring
Team qualifying procedures
The state champions in each division of every state will receive a tournament invitation. In the event the state champions are not able to attend, the 2nd place team will be invited. State Championship teams from all divisions have priority over 2nd place teams. Additional bids will be awarded to the top ranked teams in the NHSGA rankings at the end of the 2018-2019 season based on availability.
Teams competing in the Invitational will compete representing their state, NOT their high school. For example, if East Longmeadow High School wins the Massachusetts Division 1 State Championship, they will compete as Massachusetts A at the Invitational versus playing as ELHS Spartans. Since some teams are unable to get sponsorship from their state or their school, this system allows any team to compete without restriction.
Individual qualifying procedures
The State Championship medalists (1st place individuals) will receive an invitation. In the event that the medalist is on the state championship team, the top finishing individual not on the champion team will be invited. State Championship medalists from all divisions have priority over non-medalists. Additional bids may be awarded to the top ranked individuals in the NHSGA rankings at the end of the 2018-2019 season based on availability.
National Invitational Player Highlights
Learn about which players competed in the 2019 High School Golf National Invitational.
Tournament Scoring and Recognition
Both the girls and boys tournaments will be 2-day, 36-hole stroke play events including team and individual competition. Teams will be allowed to bring 5 players and we will take the top 4 scores for each day as the “team score”.
The Girls Medalist received an exemption into the 44th Girls Junior PGA Championship which took place on July 9-12 at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, CT.
The Boys Medalist received an exemption into the 44th Boys Junior PGA Championship which took place on July 30-Aug 2 at Keney Park Golf Course in Hartford, CT.
AJGA PBE points will be awarded to the Medalist (4 stars) and to the top 10% of the field (1 star) for both the girls and boys event.
Pricing & Travel accommodation
The cost to compete in the 2019 National Invitational is $200 per player. This includes a dinner Wednesday evening, two championship rounds, lunch during both tournament rounds along with tee gifts and awards. All taxes, resort fees, and gratuities are also included in this tournament fee. The $200 per player tournament fee does not include lodging or practice round costs.
A discounted room block at the All Star Resort at Disney World Resort is available for players, families, and spectators on a first come first serve basis. There are a limited number of discounted rooms available, so be sure to book before the June 12th deadline.
Teams and competing individuals are encouraged to arrive on or before Wednesday June 26th. Optional, discounted practice rounds are available for the tournament on Monday through Wednesday or tournament week
Supported by:
Invitational Information
Please fill out the form to receive information on qualification procedures and/or to stay up to date on event details. Thank you!
The Palm Course
The Magnolia Course
Falcon's Fire Golf Club
The Courses
Both the Magnolia & Palm courses played host to the Walt Disney World Classic, a regular stop on the PGA Tour with winners the likes of Luke Donald, David Love III, Vijay Singh and Tiger Woods. Disney’s Magnolia and Palm Courses have both received 4 stars from Golf Digest.
Named for its majestic magnolia trees, the Magnolia course features elevated tees, spacious greens and challenging water hazards. Wide fairways invite you to hit the ball and hit it long, but beware—11 of the 18 holes boast water hazards and 97 bunkers dot the landscape. The Palm course features shimmering lakes, tropical sands, palm trees and sloping greens, includes 9 holes with water hazards and 59 bunkers—providing plenty of challenges.
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club is a Rees Jones designed championship course and is recognized as one of America’s Top 15 Women Friendly Courses by Golf for Women. A former host to the Senior PGA Tour Regional finals, Falcon’s Fire will offer a challenging yet playable layout for the best high school girls golfers in the country.
Schedule of Events
Pre-tournament registration
Practice Rounds – Monday June 24th – Wednesday, June 26th
Tournament participants are able to play practice rounds the week of the event at a discounted rate. Parents, coaches and spectators are permitted to book practice rounds at the adult discounted rate when playing with a tournament participant.
Boys discounted practice rounds include a shotgun on the Palm Course at 12:30pm on Tuesday along with a Wednesday 12:30pm shotgun on the Magnolia course and an additional 1:30pm shotgun on the Palm Course. Parents, coaches and family members are able to join players for these rounds. These shotgun rounds will be booked directly with the NHSGA. The rate will be $32 per player. All other practice rounds are available on a first-come, first serve basis and subject to availability. Boys discounted practice round rates are only available during the three shotgun rounds.
Girls discounted practice rounds will be booked through the Falcon’s Fire golf shop. Practice round payments may be made during registration or at a later date but it is strongly suggested to book practice rounds as soon as possible. The rate is $30 walking or $40 riding.
Practice Round Rates
Disney Magnolia & Palm Courses – Boys
Palm Practice Round – Tuesday 12:30 Shotgun
Magnolia Practice Round – Wednesday 12:30 Shotgun (Sold-Out)
Palm Practice Round – Wednesday 1:30 Shotgun
Juniors or Adults – $32 (including cart)
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club – Girls
Monday, June 24th – Wednesday, June 26th
Juniors or adults – $30+ walking, $40+ riding
Wednesday Morning Recruiting Seminar (9:00-11:00am)
On Wednesday morning, June 26th – we will be hosting a college golf recruiting seminar in conjunction with Junior Golf Hub. Junior Golf Hub is the world’s first website dedicated to junior golfers who want to get better, take their game to the next level and get recruited by college coaches. This is a RSVP required event.
Wednesday Evening Registration (5:00-8:00pm)
Registration will be taking place at the Disney Magnolia course. Players will register, take part in a cookout dinner, pick-up their registration bags, and take part in contests on the putting green and driving range. Family and/or team pictures will be taken and photo frames will be distributed Friday post-round. Families and coaches are welcome but please note due to kitchen capacity the cookout is reserved for players and designated coaches only.
There will be an alternate check-in at the All-Star Resort for players and coaches who are not able to make it to the course. All players must indicate their registration preference by Thursday, June 13th.
Championship Rounds - June 27 & 28th
Course Set Up –
Falcon’s Fire: 5,920 yards, Course Rating: 74.0, Slope: 129
Magnolia Course: 6,908 yards, Course Rating: 73.3, Slope: 135
Palm Course: 6,834 yards, Course Rating: 73.2, Slope: 130
*Yardage is subject to change based on weather and course conditions
Thursday –
7:15-9:00am Double Tee
Falcon’s Fire (Girls)
Magnolia (Boys) – Split Field
Palm (Boys) – Split Field
Friday –
7:15-9:00am Double Tee
Falcon’s Fire (Girls)
Magnolia (Boys) – Split Field
Palm (Boys) – Split Field
**Double Tee starting times are subject to forecast
Awards & prizes
- All players will receive a welcome gift bag
- The National Invitational boys & girls winning teams will receive
tournament flags, a team trophy and individual medals - Runner-up teams receive a team trophy and individual medals
- Individual medalists receive a tournament flag and medalist trophy
- 1st Team All-Tournament team (1st through 5th) and 2nd Team All-Tournament team (6th through 10th) will receive Invitational pin flags
- The top teams will receive Champion banners
- AJGA PBE Points awarded for Medalists (4 stars) and top 10% of the field (1 star)
- The winning teams along with the top 10 individuals for both the Boy’s & Girls Invitational will receive an automatic bid to the 2020 National Invitational
FAQS
All questions can be directed to Chris Noble, NHSGA Manager, via phone or email.
574-252-9165 | chris@highschoolgolf.org
See the Qualifying & Tournament Scoring section above.
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 college courses.
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.
Having your high school coach at the Invitational is encouraged, but not mandatory. If you are attending the tournament without a coach, you will need to have a designated representative who is responsible for the team or individual player.
The National Invitational will allow coaches (no spectators or other players) to communicate with players during play except in hazards or on putting greens. Only 1 coach allowed per team. Coaches for the event must complete verification & approval from the NHSGA to provide advice during the Invitational. All other people are considered outside agencies and are not permitted to speak with players during the round regardless of the player(s).
In the event that a high school golf coach cannot attend the National Invitational, we will allow a parent or guardian to act as a coach for the duration of the Invitational.
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 5 for the tournament, 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 participation.
Yes, if you are a high school student who is a senior and you have not yet started college, you are welcome and able to compete in the tournament.
Yes, if you play on a co-ed team, you are welcome to compete in either Invitational. Both Invitationals are gender neutral events. All players in each Invitational will play the same set of tees.
Yes, teams are able to substitute players at the completion of a round, but not during the course of a round. Individuals competing in the event are not able to sub onto a team for round 2. Individuals will remain individuals throughout the Invitational.
Yes, the Golf Coaches Association of America is a part of the event. College golf coaches nationally are invited and will come and watch the top teams and players compete.
Yes. We welcome and encourage family members and friends to attend the tournament. Spectator carts will be available for rent for the cost of $25 per cart for those needing assistance getting around the course (first come first served). We ask that all spectators remain 30+ feet from Invitational participants at all time.
The AJGA will award 4 PBE stars to each Medalist. 1 Performance Star will be awarded to the top 10% of the field for both the Boys and Girls Invitational.
Yes, the National Invitational will be recognized on the Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS). The JGS is the foremost junior golf ranking system used by varsity college golf coaches since 1998.
Once an invited team RSVPs, a link will be sent to complete payment for registration. Schools, parents, or players are able to pay for the player entry fee.
Contact info@highschoolgolf.org for questions about registering with purchase orders or checks.
Schools, parents, or players are able to pay for the player entry fee. A link will be sent to invited teams/players once they RSVP for the Invitational.
Contact info@highschoolgolf.org for questions about registering with purchase orders or checks.
The payment deadline is determined based on the teams/player’s qualifying date. This date will be issued along with the payment link once the invited team/player RSVPs. Extensions for payment must be approved by Chris Noble (chris@highschoolgolf.org).
Practice Round Rates
Disney Magnolia & Palm Courses – Boys
Juniors – $40+ before 11am and $30+ after 11am
Adults playing with juniors – $60+ before 11am, and $45+ after 11am
Falcon’s Fire Golf Club – Girls
Juniors – $30+
Adults playing with juniors – $40+
The NHSGA will be hosting a practice round on Wednesday, June 26th on the Disney Magnolia Course which will be open to any boy participants and their families. The cost will be $32 per player, junior or adult.
Competitors, coaches and families will be staying at the Disney All Star Resort. The room accommodations will include two double sized beds in each room.
Reservations at the Disney All Star Resort may be booked on a first come first served basis. Requests for lodging may be made during the RSVP process or at any point leading up to the Invitational in June 2019. It is recommended to reserve lodging as soon as travel plans are finalized.
A limited number of discounted rooms have been blocked at the Disney All Star Resort. If staying on Disney property, there is free shuttle service available to and from the airport and across all Disney Resort properties. We encourage players to stay on Disney property to help with logistics, but it is not mandatory for you to stay on-site.
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 Disney All Star Resort will be available up to 3 days before and 3 days after the Invitational.
Hotel Prices (includes taxes and resort fees):
Sunday through Thursday night of Invitational week (June 23rd – 27th): $140.00 per room, per night
Friday and Saturday night following Invitational (June 28th-29th): $150.00 per room, per night
Yes. You are able to make changes to your room reservation at the Disney All-Star Resort by June 1st, 2019. After this date, no changes can be made to your reservation.
Yes. The NHSGA is able to introduce you to the Disney World Resort staff to receive information on discounted park tickets during your stay.
Details on discounts for Disney park tickets will become available in early 2019.
If 18 holes of the tournament are completed, an Invitational Champion and 1st and 2nd All-Tournament team members will be recognized in the girls Invitational. The Boys Invitational will recognized co-champions since the field will be split among two courses.
The Disney Magical Express will transport any players, coaches and parents to and from the hotel on the Disney property to the airport and parks. This transportation is only available for players, coaches and their families who are staying on Disney property.
Yes, spectator carts will be available for $25 per cart/day subject to availability. Carts will be prioritized for spectators who bring their handicap sticker or car sign to the pro shop.
In the event of inclement weather, if the course staff deems the golf course unplayable, the NHSGA will work with the host course to provide rain checks, partial refunds, or full refunds depending on the nature of the situation. If nine holes of golf is completed, refunds will not be provided.
Refunds will be issued to players/teams on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will only be issued after May 3rd if a replacement team fills the spot.
Hotel Refunds will be issued minus a 10% service fee up until June 1st. Refunds will not be granted to anyone past the June 1st deadline.
Yes, the National Invitational will have live scoring and allow friends and family back home to follow along in real time with tournament play.
Magnolia Course: 7,030 yards, Course Rating: 74.2, Slope: 134
Palm Course: 6,892 yards, Course Rating: 73.4, Slope: 137
Falcon’s Fire: 5,901 yards, Course Rating: 73.9, Slope: 129
*Yardage is subject to change based on weather and course conditions
Yes, you are responsible for maintaining amateur status and high school eligibility.
USGA Rule 3-Section 3-2: An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of $750 or the equivalent
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.
The Liability Release and Tournament Participation Terms can be found here. Any questions contact info@highschoolgolf.org.
Tournament CONTACTs
chris@highschoolgolf.org
574-252-9165
matt@highschoolgolf.org