Modified: January 23, 2015 3:10pm
2013 ECAC Event to be Held July 6th & 7th at Elma Meadows Golf Course; Builds on 2012 Inaugural
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Today, Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz announced that the Erie County Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry, in conjunction with the Western New York Section of the Professional Golfers Association (“WNYPGA”), will hold the 2013 Erie County Amateur Championships this summer at Elma Meadows Golf Course. The event, featuring both a men’s and women’s field, will pit the county’s top amateur golfers against each other in a two-round tournament on July 6th and 7th.
“The excitement and competition that we saw at last year’s inaugural championships at Grover Cleveland golf course was unforgettable, showcasing top local talent and bringing out the best in the golfers. That experience will serve as a great building block for this year’s event at Elma Meadows,” said Poloncarz. “Both the men’s and women’s fields went to extra holes last year before a winner emerged, and the galleries were treated to a great display of gritty, pressure golf. I want to thank the WNYPGA for once again partnering with Erie County to host this tournament, and encourage all golfers who meet the requirements to register soon for what is becoming a top amateur golf event.”
For men, the maximum handicap allowed for participation in the Championships is 8.0, while for women the maximum handicap is 20.0. Applicants must provide verifiable proof of their valid USGA handicap index, or have their PGA Professional verify their ability in writing. Failure to provide sufficient proof will result in denial of application.
“We are proud to be working with Erie County again to conduct the Erie County Amateur Championships,” said Joe Bertino, Executive Director of the WNYPGA. “We got lots of great feedback after last year’s event, which drew many of Erie County’s top amateurs, and we are expecting a full field and another great competition this year.”
The 2013 Erie County Amateur Championships will be held on July 6th & 7th at Elma Meadows Golf Course in Elma, NY. The tournament will be open to all applicants who live in Erie County and meet verifiable handicap requirements, with the men’s field limited to the first 80 eligible entries and the women’s field to the first 40 eligible entries. The format calls for 36-hole stroke play, with cuts after Round 1 and provisions for a sudden-death playoff (if necessary) after Round 2 to determine the 2013 Champions.
A $50.00 entrance fee applies (which includes first day course and entrance fee), and an additional $21.00 fee due prior to starting the second round will apply for those making the cut. Pairings will be made by the tournament committee; NO special requests for time or pairing will be honored. All finalized Starting Times and Pairings will be posted on the Parks Department website at www.erie.gov/parks and on the WNYPGA website at www.westernnewyork.pga.com .
Registration and payment must be received at the WNYPGA section office by noon on Thursday, June 27, 2013. Applications received late will NOT be considered. No potential participant is entered into the event until payment is received in the WNYPGA section office; if payment is not received before the June 27 deadline, the applicant will not be included in the event.
During the competition, players will be able to use either a golf cart or caddie, but will not have the option of using both during the tournament. Players who do not have caddies will be permitted to walk as well if they so desire. Distance-only measuring devices will not be permitted during tournament play. All Play is governed by the Rules of Golf of the United States Golf Association. This competition will be conducted by Officials, Staff, and Members of the Western New York Section PGA.
For more information:
On Erie County Parks and Golf Courses, visit www.erie.gov/parks
On the WNYPGA and to complete registration, visit www.westernnewyork.pga.com or call (716)626-7095.