2019 High School Golf National Invitational
Overview
Dates
June 23 – 25
Wednesday through Friday
Location
Pinehurst Resort
Area Airports
Raleigh Durham International Airport (RDU)
Raleigh, NC
70 miles from Pinehurst
Questions?
Contact Chris Noble
Chris@highschoolgolf.org
Past Results
ABOUT
The 2021 Girls High School Golf National Invitational is headed back to historic Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, NC. This invite-only tournament field will be made up of the top high school golfers across the country competing at a place as timeless as the game itself.
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 state championship performance. The Invitational brings together a wide variety of golfers from nearly all 50 states. Public or private. Small or large. All high school state championship teams, individuals, and their families are welcome at the Invitational.
The Girls Invitational is a 3-day, 54 hole stroke play event including team and individual competition. Competition rounds will take place on Pinehurst No. 6, No. 8, and No. 9 courses.
Learn more about which players & states will be competing at the National Invitational.
Qualifying & tournament scoring
Team qualifying procedures
The state champions in each division of every state will receive an 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 2020-2021 season based on availability. In the event a state’s season and or state championship is canceled, we will revert to the most recent season’s champions for a respective state championship. Additionally, due to COVID-19’s cancelation of the 2020 spring season & effects to the fall 2021 state tournaments landscape – application based team & individual entry will be awarded based on merit.
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 (ELH) 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. In the event that the medalist cannot attend, the runner-up will be invited. Additional bids may be awarded to the top-ranked individuals in the NHSGA rankings at the end of the 2020-2021 season based on availability. In the event a state’s season and or state championship is canceled, we will revert to the most recent season’s medalist for a respective state championship.
Tournament Scoring and Recognition
The Girls Invitational is a 3-day, 54-hole stroke play event 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”. In the event that a team only brings 4 players, all 4 scores will be counted toward the “team score”.
The World Amatuer Golf Rankings will recognize the Invitational – WAGR coverage includes more than 10,000 players from 102 countries, and more than 4,000 ranking tournaments played in 104 countries.
AJGA PBE points will be awarded to the top finishers for both the Boys & Girls Invitational. The Girl's individual medalist will receive 8 Performance Stars, Top 3 finishers will receive 4 Performance Stars & the top 5 will receive 1 Performance Star.
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!
Pricing & Travel accommodation
The cost to compete in the 2021 National Invitational is $375 per player. This includes three tournament rounds on Pinehurst No. 6, No. 8 & No. 9, lunch during all tournament rounds, Tuesday’s Cradle Par 3 round & meal along with player gift bag and awards. All taxes, resort fees, and gratuities are also included in this tournament fee. The $375 per player tournament fee does not include lodging or practice round costs.
Discounted lodging at the Pinehurst Resort is available for players, families, and spectators on a first come first serve basis. A discounted room block has been established on-site at Pinehurst at five of their properties (Carolina Hotel, The Manor, Holly Inn, Condos at Pinehurst & Carolina Villas). Book directly with Pinehurst by calling 1-888-665-5746, reference the group as “2021 High School Golf National Invitational” and/or booking ID#93508. If a receptionist is not immediately available to take your call, leave a voicemail with your name, phone, and the group number as they return the calls in the order they were received. After you book your room, an invoice will be created for you by the NHSGA team.
Note: staying on-site will give you complimentary access to the fitness room, resort pools, as well as resort-based transportation.
Optional, discounted practice rounds are available for the Invitational up to three days prior (June 20th) to the start of the tournament rounds.
The Courses
Pinehurst No. 6
No. 6 is a departure from other Pinehurst courses in both design and temperament. Designed by Tom Fazio with the help of his uncle George, and provides one of the tougher challenges that Pinehurst has to offer. This course provides many more tree-lined fairways and has significantly less bunkers and waste areas than courses No. 2, No. 4, or No. 8.
Pinehurst No. 8
Pinehurst No. 8 finds itself on North Carolina’s Top Golf Courses on almost every list you can find. Designed by Tom Fazio, the course is a nod at Pinehurst No. 2 with some added elements. Natural wetlands, rolling terrain, and incredible variety between holes makes this course one of the most complete on Pinehurst’s property.
Pinehurst No. 9
Jack Nicklaus constructed a masterpiece set amidst the longleaf pines. An intriguingly well-balanced course which, according to Golf Digest, “has come to enhance even the lofty Sandhills image for world-class golf amenities.”
The Cradle - Short Course
Pinehurst’s Cradle (Short Course) is a 9-hole track located right at the Resort’s main complex. National Invitational players will have the option to play the Cradle on prior to championship rounds. Don’t miss out on playing what The Golf Channel called “the most fun 10 acres in all of golf”.
2020 Competing Team North Carolina (COX)
“I will tell anyone that has a chance to play in this event not to miss it, the best thing for high school golf, right at the top and just as exciting as winning a State Championship”
– Coach Moses Smith
Schedule of Events
Pre-tournament
Practice Rounds – Sunday, June 20th – Tuesday, June 22nd
Tournament participants are able to play practice rounds the week of the event at discounted rates. Parents, coaches and spectators are permitted to book practice rounds at the adult discounted rate when playing with a tournament participant.
Tuesday Registration & Cradle par-3 contest (9:00 am-5:00 pm)
Registration will be taking place adjacent to the main Pinehurst clubhouse. Players will register, receive a meal, pick-up their gift bags, and play the Cradle 9 hole par-3 course. The round on the Cradle & meal is included in the player entry fee.
Championship Rounds - June 23, 24 & 25th
Course Set Up –
Pinehurst No. 6: 5,784 yards, Course Rating: 74.5, Slope: 130
Pinehurst No. 8: 5,951 yards, Course Rating: 74.5, Slope: 133
Pinehurst No. 9: 5,849 yards, Course Rating: 73.4, Slope: 128
Tee times will be a morning double tee each day
*Yardage is subject to change based on weather and course conditions
Awards & prizes
- All players will receive a welcome gift bag
- The National Invitational boys & girls winning teams will receive
a team trophy, individual medals, custom Titleist golf bags and Lie + Loft prints - Runner-up and 3rd place teams receive a team trophy and individual medals
- Individual medalists receive a trophy, tournament flag, and a custom Titleist golf bag
- 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 top finishers
- The winning teams along with the top 10 individuals for both the Boy’s & Girls Invitational will receive an automatic bid to the 2022 National Invitational
Pinehurst Accommodations
Pinehurst Lodging
The Carolina – Four diamond hotel – each room comes equipped with 2 double beds
More Info
The Holly Inn – 2 double beds and bathrooms with a shower/tub combo
More Info
The Manor Inn – 2 Queen beds or 1 King bed All rooms are equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, LED 4K televisions, marble bathrooms and walk in showers
More Info
The Condos at Pinehurst – Perfect for families and teams. Each two & three bedroom condos are located a short distance from the center of the Resort.
More Info
Carolina Villas – 4 private separate keyed guest rooms, private bathrooms & shared parlor room.
More Info
Parent/Family Activities
Activities
Village of Pinehurst – Shops, boutiques and restaurants to please any member of the family
Lake Pinehurst – Boat, fish, swim and sunbathe on our private 200-acre lake located just a short shuttle ride from The Village of Pinehurst.
The Cradle short course – Parents will have an opportunity to play in an adult only night on this 789 yard gem
Pools – Go for a swim or lounge by the pool at the Carolina Hotel and Holly Inn.
Thistle Dhu putting course – Resort guests can take the entire family out on this 18 hole putting course at no cost – perfect for golfers of all levels
Learn more about activities and what to do at The Home of American Golf
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 their first semester of college
Teams and individuals who qualified for the 2020 Invitational but were unable to participate due to CVOID-19 restrictions are permitted to compete in 2021 as long as the player(s) graduation year is 2021 or beyond.
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 or individual must have a designated coach (this can be a coach, parent or any adult).
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.
In certain situations, exemptions may be made allowing a team or individual to qualify for the National Invitational. E.g. a State Championship is canceled due to inclement weather the reigning champion can be invited (based on field availability).
All participants must be attending a high school level institution and all-star teams will not be eligible for 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 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 release the number of stars that will be awarded once we are in the 2021 tournament calendar year.
Yes, the National Invitational will be recognized on the World Amatuer Golf Rankings. WAGR coverage includes more than 10,000 players from 102 countries, and more than 4,000 ranking tournaments played in 104 countries.
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).
The NHSGA has secured discounted rates for all practice rounds for participants and their families. For additional information on pricing, please contact NHSGA manager Chris Noble at Chris@highschoolgolf.org
Competitors, coaches and families will be staying at the Pinehurst Resort along with an off site option. Please see Pinehurst accomodations for more information
Reservations at Pinehurst Resort may be booked on a first-come first-served basis. Please email NHSGA Manager Chris Noble at Chris@highschoolgolf.org for more information on how to secure discounted lodging at Pinehurst.
A limited number of discounted rooms have been blocked at Pinehurst. If staying on Pinehurst property, there is free shuttle service available to and from your hotel to all of the Pinehurst courses. We encourage players to stay on Pinehurst 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 Pinehurst will be available from Saturday, June 20th through Friday, July 3rd.
Hotel refunds requested before May 15th will result in 90% of the hotel payment refunded. Due to contractual agreements with Pinehurst, hotel refunds will NOT be able to be issued after May 15th.
There is more than just great golf at Pinehurst. From tennis courts, swimming pools, carraige rides, great shops and much, much more!
In the event that the Invitational is shortned to 18 or 36 holes – co-champions will be awarded on each course.
Pinehurst Resort offers complimentary shuttle service to all those staying at the Resort to owned facilities and to Pinehurst Village proper during regular operating hours. Click here for more info.
Yes, spectator carts will be available – subject to availability. Carts will be prioritized for spectators who bring their handicap sticker or car sign to the pro shop.
No, caddies will not be allowed during competition rounds. During practice rounds, players are allowed to have caddies/family members walking alongside the competitor.
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.
Withdrawals made before May 15th will result in a 75% refund for any practice round or entry fees paid.
Withdrawals made after May 15th will result in a 50% refund for any practice round or entry fees paid.
Withdrawals made within 7 days of the 1st day of competition (June 21st) 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 Nextgengolf, Inc and mailed to 162 Saratoga St, Boston MA 02128. 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
Yes, the National Invitational will have live scoring and allow friends and family back home to follow along in real time with tournament play.
Pinehurst No. 6: 5,784 yards, Course Rating: 74.5, Slope: 130
Pinehurst No. 8: 5,951 yards, Course Rating: 74.5, Slope: 133
Pinehurst No. 9: 5,849 yards, Course Rating: 73.4, Slope 128
*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