Around the Green
The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.
DeCordova Bend CC Wins 2023 Texas League Play
Briefly: Granbury’s DeCordova Bend Country Club wins 2023 Texas League Play Playoffs. The club defeated Eagle Pointe Golf Club 8-4 during Sunday’s Championship matches.
Golf Course: Located about 15 miles west of downtown San Antonio, Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club boasts three nine-hole courses designed by Arthur Hills and Associates. The original 18 holes, the Lakes and Oaks Courses, opened for play in 1993. The Creeks Course was added in 2005. Encompassing more than 200 acres, the three nines blend together seamlessly, yet each offers distinct settings from links-style undulating grasslands to a parkland backdrop with tree-shaded plateaus and tranquil lakes and ponds. The Texas League Play Playoffs were played on the Oaks and Creeks courses, with the Oaks being the front nine and the Creeks being the back nine.
Weather: Starting on Thursday, and ending on Sunday, the Texas League Play Playoffs had ideal scoring conditions with near perfect golf weather. The field played through light Thursday morning showers before seeing blue skies and mid to high 80-degree temperatures throughout the weekend.
Championship Match: Sunday’s championship between DeCordova Bend CC and Eagle Pointe GC was all squared as the matches made the turn splitting points 2 to 2. On the back nine DeCordova Bend CC turned the momentum making a late charge, winning the back nine 3.5 to 0.5 and the overall 2.5 to 1.5. DeCordova Bend’s last two matches posted clean sweeps, winning six points between the two matches.
Semifinal Matches: Saturday’s semifinals started with a matchup between Brownwood CC and DeCordova Bend CC. The top overall seeds playoff run came to an end when DeCordova Bend CC defeated them 11 to 1 and secured the first spot in the championship. Eagle Pointe GC and red-hot Nutcracker GC squared off in the second group of semifinal matches. Previously winning their quarterfinals match 12 to 0, the club ran out of steam as they fell the Eagle Pointe GC. Eagle Pointe GC defeated Nutcracker GC 7.5 to 4.5 and punched their ticket to the championship match.
Quarterfinal Matches: Friday’s matches got started again with Brownwood CC as they matched up against Ridglea CC in Match 1. Coming down to the wire, both clubs had all eyes on Brownwood’s Chad Calvert as he lined his putt on 18 green to send the club to the semifinal matches. Under pressure, Calvert rolled in his putt to secure the 6.5 to 5.5 win and advance Brownwood CC to the next round. The second set of matches was between DeCordova Bend CC and Sweetwater CC. DeCordova Bend CC defeated Sweetwater CC with another strong showing from team captain Kevin Grimes and partner Chris Bayler. The duo again took all three points in their matchup leading to an 8 to 4 victory. Match 3 featured Eagle Pointe GC and The Sports Club of Las Colinas. Eagle Pointe defeated Las Colinas 9 to 3, securing their spot in the semifinals. Nutcracker GC won the fourth set of matches with an impressive 12 to 0 victory over Hackberry Creek CC, which had not been done before in the playoffs before.
Round of 16 Matches: Thursday’s first matches off were between top seeded Brownwood CC and Odessa CC – Links. Brownwood CC defeated Odessa CC 7 to 5, winning the West Texas showdown. In the second set of matches Ridglea CC defeated Green Tree CC – North 8 to 4. The third group of matches in the Round of 16 featured Tierra Verde GC and DeCordova Bend CC. DeCordova Bend CC won the match 8 to 4, with three of those points coming from team captain Kevin Grimes and his partner Chris Bayler. Matchup 4 was between Sweetwater CC and TPC Craig Ranch. Sweetwater CC won the matchup 10.5 to 1.5 while not giving up a single full point in the set of matches. In Match 5, Eagle Pointe GC defeated San Angelo CC 7.5 to 4.5. The Sports Club of Las Colinas advanced to the quarterfinals after an unfortunate withdraw from the club they were matches up against for Match 6. The second to last group of matches, Match 7, was between Nutckracker GC and defending champions Odessa CC – Old. Nutcracker GC got the better of the defending champions and won the match 9.5 to 2.5. Match 8, the final matches of the Round of 16, Hackberry Cree CC defeated Green Tree CC – East 6.5-5.5.
TGA League Play: Texas League Play is open to all TGA members clubs that meet the club eligibility requirements. Participating clubs establish a four-club conference and compete over an eight-week regular season. The regular season consists of six interconference matches including three home and three away matches. Eight players represent each club on match day and play Four-Ball matches. Points are awarded in a Nassau style scoring with each of the four matches being worth three points.
What’s Next: The Texas Golf Association will head to Hockley for the playing of the 114th Texas Amateur Championship. The 114th Texas Amateur will be the first major of the year on the men’s competition schedule.
More Info: The Texas Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, members of Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club, for their integral part in making the Texas League Play Playoffs a memorable and successful event. For more information on the Texas League Play, click here.
Around the Green
The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.
Texas League Play Championship Playoffs Start June 1
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club in San Antonio will be the host site for the 2023 Texas League Play Championship Playoffs. The 16-team, single-elimination bracket tournament will be held from June 1-4.
“We are thrilled to have Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club hosting the Championship Playoffs,” said Justin Guthrie, TGA Tournament Director. “We know it will be a fantastic experience for the players and the challenging golf course will be an ideal stage for an exciting four days of competition and camaraderie.”
Located about 15 miles west of downtown San Antonio, Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club boasts three nine-hole courses designed by Arthur Hills and Associates. The original 18 holes, the Lakes and Oaks Courses, opened for play in 1993. The Creeks Course was added in 2005. Encompassing more than 200 acres, the three nines blend together seamlessly, yet each offers distinct settings from links-style undulating grasslands to a parkland backdrop with tree-shaded plateaus and tranquil lakes and ponds.
Texas League Play was established by the Texas Golf Association in 2006 as part of its commitment to support and grow amateur competition at the public and private club level. This year, 13 regional conferences were formed around the state where four member clubs in the same geographical area played a home-and-away series for a total of six matches during the regular season, which ran from March 1 to May 7. The teams compiling the best record in their respective conferences earned a spot in the playoffs to determine the overall state champion. A total of four wild-card teams, including one as a substitution for a regional conference winner, were added to postseason play in 2023 to complete the 16-team bracket.
Club teams are comprised of eight players and each team match consists of four, four-ball matches: one played at scratch and three by handicap indexes arranged from low to high. Within each of the four-ball matches that make up one team match, there is one point awarded for winning the front nine, one for the back nine and one for the overall 18-hole match. A total of 12 points are available within each team match and at least 6.5 points are needed for a team victory.
Five past Texas League Play champions qualified for the postseason in 2023, including defending champions Odessa Country Club, who also won the title in 2019. The other four clubs are Green Tree Country Club in Midland (2012, 2021), Nutcracker Golf Club (2020) and DeCordova Bend Country Club (2007-08, 2018), both in Granbury, and Tierra Verde Golf Club in Arlington (2013-15).
The 12 regional conference winners and four wild-card teams are seeded into the Championship Playoffs based on the total number of points accumulated during the regular season. Brownwood Country Club in Brownwood earned the No. 1 seed with 52 points. Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu claimed the No. 2 seed with 51 points. The first- and second-round matches will be played June 1-2, semifinals on June 3 and the final on June 4. All matches are 18 holes and will be contested on the Oaks and Creeks Courses.
At last year’s championship held on the Slick Rock Course at Horseshoe Bay Resort, Odessa Country Club’s Old Course team defeated Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club in Rockwall, 9.5-2.5, in the final match.
Live scoring updates and daily recaps from the 2023 Texas League Play Championship Playoffs will be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club.
2023 Texas League Play Championship Playoffs
Finals Seeding
June 1-4 at Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
- Brownwood Country Club, Brownwood (52 points)
- Eagle Pointe Golf Club, Mont Belvieu (51 pts)
- Nutcracker Golf Club, Granbury (47 pts)
- Tierra Verde Golf Club, Arlington (45.5 pts)
- Sweetwater Country Club, Sugar Land (44 pts)
- Hackberry Creek Country Club, Irving (42 pts)
- Sports Club of Las Colinas, Irving (41 pts)
- Ridglea Country Club, Fort Worth (40.5 pts)
- Green Tree Country Club (North), Midland (38.5 pts)
- Barton Creek Country Club, Austin (38 pts)
- Green Tree CC (East), Midland (37.5 pts)
- TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney (37.5 pts)
- DeCordova Bend Country Club, Granbury – Wild Card (44 pts)
- Odessa Country Club (Old), Odessa – Wild Card (42 pts)
- San Angelo Country Club, San Angelo – Wild Card (41.5 pts)
- Odessa Country Club (Links), Odessa – Wild Card (41 pts)
Texas League Play
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
June 1-4, 2023
TEXAS LEAGUE PLAY INFORMATION
Texas League Play was created in 2006 to provide an opportunity for TGA member facilities to play against each other in a team match play competition each spring. Regional conferences are formed all across the state and consist of four teams representing four different clubs from the area. A league play conference may be established anywhere in the state where there are four TGA member clubs who are interested in competing against each other in a six match regular season. Each team will host three matches, and will play an away match against each opponent at their course. By utilizing the GHIN handicap system, the TGA can provide a fair competition that is enjoyable for a variety of ages and skill levels. League Play matches are a great opportunity for your club and members to participate in a fun and exciting team competition with other clubs in your area.
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director – Justin Guthrie
Click here to purchase a Strackaline Yardage Book
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: January 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Entries Close: February 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $600 per team
Entry Procedure: A team wishing to participate in Texas League Play must register and pay the entry fee through Golf Genius. The entry fee must be paid through Golf Genius via credit card. Alternative payments methods will not be accepted.
Club Eligibility: Open to all TGA member clubs who own/operate at least one 18 hole regulation length golf course. The club must have a current and valid USGA Course Rating/Slope issued by the TGA in the last 10 years. The club must follow all TGA membership policies and be in compliance with the USGA club license agreement. Each club must have a certified handicap chairman and have completed the required TGA or USGA handicap seminar training. To ensure your club has met all the necessary requirements, you may call the TGA Membership Services Department.
Player Eligibility: Open to male amateur golfers and club professionals who meet the following:
- Club Membership: Amateur golfers must be full dues paying golf members of the club by the start of the regular season.
- GHIN: A player must have an active GHIN number that is listed on the clubs handicap roster.
- Score History: A player must contain at least 10 scores in the previous year’s GHIN scoring history.
- Age: A player must be 21 years of age by the date of the match they wish to participate in.
Professional Club Staff Eligibility: A member of the clubs professional staff who is a full-time employee of the club is encouraged to participate. Professionals must have an active GHIN number and compete in the Four-Ball scratch match. Touring professionals belonging to the club are no eligible to participate. Teaching professionals using the club facilities to strictly teach are not eligible.
Team Captain’s
Team captain’s are instrumental in the success of Texas League Play. Each team is required to designate at least one (1) team captain who will serve as the representative for the team in league matches and the other teams within their conference. It is strongly encouraged that each team also have an Assistant Captain to help throughout the season. Captain’s are responsible for match scheduling, match arrangements, and utilizing the Team Portal through Golf Genius. For full Team Captain responsibilities, view Section 9: Team Captain Duties in the Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
General Information
Teams/Conferences: Each team will be comprised of eight (8) players, including one (1) club professional. Conferences will be comprised of four (4) teams all representing different clubs. Teams will establish their own conferences by coordinating with other clubs in the area.
League Schedule: The regular season will be played March 1 – May 7, 2023 and will consist of six matches. All regular season matches (including any make ups or rain outs) must be complete by May 7, 2023. Each conference will set their own schedule by team captain’s & club pro’s coordinating with the other teams. Once the final schedule is set, a conference representative will send the schedule to the TGA for posting to the website. Schedule’s must be submitted by February 24, 2023.
Rules of Play: The USGA and R&A Rules of Golf, Texas League Play Notice to Players, and host club Local Rules will govern play.
Substitutions: Within 24 hours of the match, substitutions must be communicated directly with the opposing club’s team captain or golf professional. The TGA must also be made aware of the substitution. A substitution must be made in the League Play module and place in the correct lineup position.
Match Format: A team match will consist of four (4) four-ball matches. One (1) scratch matches and three (3) handicapped matches will be played. Teams and pairings must be arranged by handicap index, low to high. Any player can play in the first match and if a club professional is playing he must play in the first scratch match. The other three (3) handicapped matches will be played off the lowest handicap player in each match. For example, in a match Player A is a 2 handicap, Player B is a 4 handicap, Player C is a 6 handicap, and Player D is a 8 handicap. The match would be played off Player A’s handicap as he is the lowest in the match group. Player A would receive 0 strokes, Player B would receive 2 strokes, Player C 4 strokes and Player D 6 strokes. All handicapped matches will be played off the players current WHS handicap index from the day before the match is scheduled to take place.
Tees: Matches 1 & 2 will be played from the tees which is closest to the target yardage of 6,800 yards. Matches 3 & 4 will be played from the tees which is closest to the target yardage of 6,500 yards. In the scratch match (Match 1) if all players in the match agree, it may be played from a yardage greater than 6,800 yards.
Scoring: All matches will be worth three points each, using a NASSAU point system. One (1) point is awarded for a win on the front 9, one (1) point for the back 9, and one (1) for the overall 18 for a total of 3 match points. Any ties are worth 1.5 points to each side. The team earning 6.5 points or more out of the possible 12 points is the team match winner.
Conference Winners: Conference winners will be decided by the team’s overall regular season record. Points accumulated through he regular season will be used to determine playoff bracket seeding.
Playoffs: Texas League Play Playoffs will take place June 1-4, 2023 at Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club. Conference champions will be invited to compete in the single elimination style playoff event.
Rules Questions/Infraction: The TGA Championship Department will have final say on rules situations should they arise. Questions regarding the Rules or match outcomes must be called into the TGA prior to submitting match results. Issues regarding eligibility will be handled by the TGA on a case-by-case basis.
Forfeits: A forfeit will be scored as a loss to the team forfeiting team and a win to the opponent. Forfeits are detrimental to the overall success of the league. The inability to field a full team, or lack of interest once a team has been eliminated from playoff contention are not acceptable reason to forfeit a match. If a team is granted a forfeited victory, the match will be scored 6.5 to 5.5 in favor of the opponent. Circumstances causing a forfeit will be reviewed by the TGA Championship Committee for possible suspension from future Texas League Play participation.
Cancellation/Withdraws: If a team withdraws from Texas League Play anytime after the regular season schedule has been set, the team will be subject to a Texas League Play suspension and forfeit their entry fee for the current season.
Policies & Procedures
To ensure competitors the best experience during Texas League Play, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
Texas League Play
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
June 1-4, 2023
Texas League Play Information
Regular Season: March 1 - May 7, 2023
Playoffs: June 1-4, 2023
Playoff Host Club: Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director - Justin Guthrie
Entry & Club Eligibility
Registration Opens: January 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Registration Closes: February 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $600 per team
Entry Procedure: A team wishing to participate in Texas League Play must register and pay the entry fee through Golf Genius. The entry fee must be paid through Golf Genius via credit card. Alternative payments methods will not be accepted.
Club Eligibility: Open to all TGA member clubs who own/operate at least one 18-hole regulation length golf course. The club must have a current and valid USGA Course Rating/Slope issued by the TGA in the last 10 years. The club must utilize the World Handicap System for issuing/maintaining handicaps for members. The club must have a designated handicap committee in place as required by the TGA Membership Agreement and USGA handicap system manual.
Player/Professional Eligibility: Open to male amateur/club professional golfer who are 21 years of age of older and reside in the state of Texas. All golfers must have an active GHIN number and must be listed on the club's handicap roster. Golfers must have a WHS Handicap Index of 18.4 or less. Amateurs must be full dues paying members of the club and club professionals must be a full-time employee of the club.
For complete Texas League Play Information, click here.
Registration
Open: January 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Close: February 22, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Regular Season
Start: March 1, 2023
End: May 7, 2023
Playoffs
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club | San Antonio, TX
Friday, May 12
TXLP Playoff Information & First Round Matches Start Times sent to conference champions by 5:00 PM
Wednesday, May 31
Unofficial Practice Rounds starting at 12:00 PM
Thursday, June 1
1 seed vs 16 seed from 8:00-8:30 AM
8 seed vs 9 seed from 8:40-9:10 AM
4 seed vs 13 seed from 9:20-9:50 AM
5 seed vs 12 seed from 10:00-10:30 AM
Starter's Time from 10:40-10:50 AM
2 seed vs 15 seed from 11:00-11:30 AM
7 seed vs 10 seed from 11:40 AM - 12:10 PM
3 seed vs 14 seed from 12:20-12:50 PM
6 seed vs 11 seed from 1:00-1:30 PM
Friday, June 2
Quarterfinal Matches (#1 tee) from 8:00-10:30AM
Additional play available for eliminated teams
Saturday, June 3
Semi-final Matches (#1 tee) from 8:00-9:10 AM
Additional play available for eliminated teams
Sunday, June 4
Championship Matches (#1 tee) from 8:00-8:30 AM
Additional play available for eliminated teams
COURSE INFORMATION
hyatt hill country golf club
9800 Hyatt Resort Drive, San Anotnio, TX 78251
(210) 520-4040
| www.hyatthillcountrygolf.com
Around the Green
The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.
Odessa Country Club Wins Texas League Play Playoffs
Horseshoe Bay — Odessa Country Club-Old defeats Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club at the 2022 Texas League Play Playoffs hosted by Horseshoe Bay Resort. Odessa CC won 9.5-2.5 to claim their second playoff championship, both captained by Mark Jones.
Click here for full leaderboard
Championship Match: Sunday, June 5 – The Championship match was a faceoff between No. 9 seed Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club and No. 10 seed Odessa Country Club-Old. Texas League Play Playoffs are nothing unfamiliar to team Captain’s CJ Brock of Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club and Mark Jones of Odessa Country Club. Brock previously captained the Dallas Athletic Club team who won in 2016 and Jones was the captain of the 2019 Odessa Country Club team who won the playoffs.
The first match of the finals was between Jay Weiss and Michael Shirley of Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club and Darren Seglem and Mark Jones of Odessa Country Club. Seglem and Jones set the tone early for Odessa Country Club with a clean 3-0 win in their match.
The second match of the day was a showdown between Charles Archer and Randy Durant of Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club and Robert Rigney and Brandon Warne of Odessa Country Club. The two teams went back and forth all day and ultimately halved the match, 1.5-1.5.
Nick Loar and Marc Nelson of Rockwall Golf and Athletic Club went up against Luke Groves and Jim McNeil of Odessa Country Club in the third match. Like Seglem and Jones, Groves and McNeil got hot early and never looked back winning their match 3-0, and ultimately securing the team victory.
The fourth and final match of the playoffs was a battle between Rockwall Golf & Athletic Clubs CJ Brock and Mike Frias and Odessa Country Club’s Aaron White and Jerry Dugan. Brock and Frias were the anchor for the Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club team all week but came up short, falling to White and Dugan 2-1.
Semifinal Matches: Saturday, June 4 – Semifinal matches got underway with a matchup between No. 9 seed Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club and No. 13 seed Denton Country Club. Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club came out firing early taking 3.5 out of 4 points in the opening nine holes of their matches. Carrying their momentum to the backside, the club secured the win 9.5 to 2.5, advancing to the finals.
The second Semifinal matches of the day was a West Texas showdown between No. 3 seed Abilene Country Club and No. 10 seed Odessa Country Club-Old. The two clubs went head-to-head all day and ended their matches tied 6-6. It took one playoff hole to decide the team to join Rockwall Golf & Athletic club in the finals when Jerry Dugan dropped a 15-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to send Odessa Country Club to the finals.
Quarterfinal Matches: Friday, June 3 – Quarterfinal matches started with No.1 seed Nutcracker Golf Club and No. 9 seed Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club. The entire match came down to the final putt on 18 with team captain CJ Brock rolling in a seven-foot birdie putt for Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club to send them to the Semifinals with a winning match score of 6.5 to 5.5.
The second set of matches, No. 13 seed Denton Country Club carried the momentum from their Round of 16 win and defeated No. 5 seed Odessa Country Club-Links. Denton Country Club won the match 8.5-3.5 and will advance to the Semifinals. The third matches of the day included No. 2 seed Golf Club of Houston and No. 10 seed Odessa Country Club-Old. Lead by Luke Groves and Jim McNeal’s 3-0 victory in their respective match, Odessa Country Club-Old won the match 9-3, knocking off the No. 2 seed.
The final match of the Quarterfinals was a faceoff between No. 3 seed Abilene Country Club and No. 11 seed Ridlgea Country Club. The two clubs went back and forth all day and ultimately the matchup came down to the final match of the day with Abilene Country Club winning 6.5-5.5. Abilene Country Club was the only team with a Round of 16 bye to advance to the Semifinals.
Round of 16 Matches: Thursday, June 2 – Ten teams went head-to-head Thursday during the Round of 16 at the Texas League Play Playoffs. The three top seeds had a bye into the second round of quarter final matches. Those teams included No. 1 seed Nutcracker Golf Club, No. 2 seed Golf Club of Houston, and No. 3 seed Abilene Country Club. The first matches of the Round of 16 was contested between No. 8 seed Tierra Verde Golf Club and No. 9 seed Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club. The two clubs were tied 6-6 at the competition of all four matches. A playoff between the two clubs went six holes before Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club won the playoff and moved on to the next round.
The second matches of the day included No. 4 seed The Hills Country Club and No. 13 seed Denton Country Club. Coming down to the final match, Denton Country Club defeated The Hills Country Club 7-5. The third matches of the round were played between No. 5 seed Odessa Country Club-Links and No. 12 seed Lakewood Country Club. An all-around team effort was needed with all matches contributing to the final match score of 7-5 in favor of Odessa Country Club-Links.
The fourth matches featured No. 7 seed Eagle Pointe and No. 10 seed Odessa Country Club-Old. The second Odessa Country Club team to advance to the Texas League Play Playoffs cruised to the next round of matches winning 10-2, keeping the hopes of an Odessa vs Odessa finals alive.
The fifth and final match of the day was between No. 6 seed The Golf Clubs at the Tribute and No. 11 seed Ridglea Country Club. After multiple 3-0 match scores, Ridglea Country Club defeated the No. 6 seed 8.5-3.5.
Course: Horseshoe Bay Resort is hosting the Texas League Play playoffs for the twelfth consecutive year in a row, and the thirteenth time overall. This year’s playoffs will be contested on the Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Slick Rock course. The Slick Rock course is most known for its breathtaking par-4 fourteenth hole, also know as the “Million Dollar” hole. The hole features 35-yard waterfall players are forced to carry with their tee shot before winding down, though, and around the water feature.
Tournament History: The Texas League Play Playoffs have been around since the introduction of Texas League Play in 2006. Regular season conference winners advance to a single-elimination bracket tournament to determine the overall state champion. Conference winners are seeded into the Playoff Bracket based on the total number of points accumulated during the regular season.
TGA League Play: Texas League Play is open to all TGA members clubs that meet the club eligibility requirements. Participating clubs establish a four-club conference and compete over an eight-week regular season. The regular season consist of six interconference matches including three home and three away matches. Eight players represent each club on match day and play Four-Ball matches. Points are awarded in a Nassau style scoring with each of the four matches being worth three points.
What’s Next: The TGA heads out East to Tyler where the 113th Texas Amateur Championship will be contested. The state championship will be played June 16-19 at Willow Brook Country Club. The field consists of 144 of the best amateurs in the state who will all be competing for the coveted H.L. Edwards trophy and Texas Amateur title.
About the TGA: The Texas Golf Association was established in 1906 with a mission to promote the playing and advancement of the royal and ancient game of golf in Texas. The association is one of the most respected in the country with an ongoing commitment to its members, contestants, volunteers and all who strive to preserve the great traditions of the game.
For more information about Texas League Play, click here. To see all the scores from the playoffs at Horseshoe Bay Resort, click here.
Around the Green
The latest golf-related news, notes, and feature stories from the TGA.
Texas League Play Championship Playoffs Start June 2
Thirteen regional conference winners from around the state have moved on to the postseason and will meet at Horseshoe Bay Resort from June 2-5 for the 2022 Texas League Play Championship Playoffs.
Texas League Play was established by the Texas Golf Association in 2006 as part of its commitment to support and grow amateur competition at the public and private club level. During the regular season, regional conferences are formed where four member clubs in the same geographical area play a home-and-away series for a total of six matches. The conference winners then advance to a single-elimination bracket tournament to determine the overall state champion.
“It was great to have all the clubs participating this year and seeing members enjoying the team atmosphere of Texas League Play,” said Justin Guthrie, TGA Tournament Manager. “We are thrilled that Horseshoe Bay Resort will once again be hosting the Championship Playoffs and we are looking forward to an exciting week of competition and comradery.”
Club teams are comprised of eight players and each match consists of four separate four-ball matches using a Nassau point system. Three points are available for each match – front nine, back nine and overall 18 holes – and the team that scores 6.5 points or more wins the match.
A pair of past Texas League Play champions were the only two clubs to make the playoffs this year with a perfect 6-0 record during the regular season, which ran from March 3 through May 8. They were Nutcracker Golf Club (winners in 2020) in Granbury and Golf Club of Houston (2017) in Humble. The Hills Country Club in Austin finished 5-0-1.
In addition to Nutcracker and Golf Club of Houston, two other past Texas League Play champions also qualified for the postseason. They are Odessa Country Club (2019) in Odessa and Tierra Verde Golf Club (2013-15) in Arlington.
The 13 regional conference winners are seeded into the Championship Playoffs based on the total number of points accumulated during the regular season. Nutcracker Golf Club earned the No. 1 seed with 57 points. The first- and second-round matches will be played June 2-3, semifinals on June 4 and the final on June 5. All matches are 18 holes and will be contested on the Slick Rock Course.
At last year’s championship held at Horseshoe Bay Resort, Midland’s Green Tree Country Club won its second League Play title by defeating Granbury’s Pecan Plantation, 8.5-3.5, in the final match. Green Tree also won the playoffs in 2012.
Green Tree was knocked out of this year’s postseason by conference rival Odessa Country Club.
Live scoring updates and daily recaps from the Championship Playoffs will be available on the TGA website once the action gets underway from Horseshoe Bay Resort.
2022 Texas League Play Championship Playoffs
Finals Seeding
June 2-5 at Horseshoe Bay Resort
- Nutcracker GC (57 points)
- Golf Club of Houston (50.5)
- Abilene CC-North (50)
- The Hills CC (47)
- Odessa CC-Links (47)
- Golf Clubs at the Tribute (44.5)
- Eagle Pointe GC (44)
- Tierra Verde GC (43)
- Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club (42)
- Odessa CC-Old (41)
- Ridglea CC (39.5)
- Lakewood CC (38.5)
- Denton CC (36.5)
Texas League Play
Horseshoe Bay Resort (Slick Rock GC)
June 2-5, 2022
Texas League Play was created in 2006 to provide an opportunity for TGA member facilities to play against each other in a team match play competition each spring. Regional conferences are formed all across the state and consist of four teams representing four different clubs from the area. A league play conference may be established anywhere in the state where there are four TGA member clubs who are interested in competing against each other in a six match regular season. Each team will host three matches, and will play an away match against each opponent at their course.
By utilizing the GHIN handicap system, the TGA can provide a fair competition that is enjoyable for a variety of ages and skill levels. League Play matches are a great opportunity for your club and members to participate in a fun and exciting team competition with other clubs in your area.
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director – Justin Guthrie
Entry & Eligibility Information
Entries Open: January 3, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Entries Close: February 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $550 per team
Entry Procedure: A team wishing to participate in Texas League Play must register and pay the entry fee through Golf Genius. The entry fee must be paid through Golf Genius via credit card. Alternative payments methods will not be accepted.
Club Eligibility: Open to all TGA member clubs who own/operate at least one 18 hole regulation length golf course. The club must have a current and valid USGA Course Rating/Slope issued by the TGA in the last 10 years. The club must follow all TGA membership policies and be in compliance with the USGA club license agreement. Each club must have a certified handicap chairman and have completed the required TGA or USGA handicap seminar training. To ensure your club has met all the necessary requirements, you may call the TGA Membership Services Department.
Player Eligibility: Open to male amateur golfers and club professionals who meet the following:
- Club Membership: Amateur golfers must be full dues paying golf members of the club as of March 3, 2022.
- GHIN #: A player must have an active GHIN number that is listed on the clubs handicap roster.
- Score History: A player must contain at least 10 scores in the previous year’s GHIN scoring history.
- Age: A player must be 21 years of age by the date of the match they wish to participate in.
Professional Club Staff Eligibility: A member of the clubs professional staff who is a full-time employee of the club is encouraged to participate. Professionals must have an active GHIN number and compete in the Four-Ball scratch match. Touring professionals belonging to the club are no eligible to participate. Teaching professionals using the club facilities to strictly teach are not eligible.
Team Captain’s
Team captain’s are instrumental in the success of Texas League Play. Each team is required to designate at least one (1) team captain who will serve as the representative for the team in league matches and the other teams within their conference. It is strongly encouraged that each team also have an Assistant Captain to help throughout the season. Captain’s are responsible for match scheduling, match arrangements, and utilizing the Team Portal through Golf Genius. For full Team Captain responsibilities, view item #9 in the Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
General Information
Teams/Conferences: Each team will be comprised of eight (8) players, including one (1) club professional. Conferences will be comprised of four (4) teams all representing different clubs. Teams will establish their own conferences by coordinating with other clubs in the area.
League Schedule: The regular season will be played March 3 – May 8, 2022 and will consist of six matches. All regular season matches (including any make ups or rain outs) must be complete by May 8, 2022. Each conference will set their own schedule by team captain’s & club pro’s coordinating with the other teams. Once the final schedule is set, a conference representative will send the schedule to the TGA for posting to the website. Schedule’s must be submitted by Friday, February 25.
Rules of Play: The USGA and R&A Rules of Golf, Texas League Play Notice to Players, and host club Local Rules will govern play.
Substitutions: Within 24 hours of the match, substitutions must be communicated directly with the opposing club’s team captain or golf professional. The TGA must also be made aware of the substitution. A substitution must be made in the League Play module and place in the correct lineup position.
Match Format: A team match will consist of four (4) four-ball matches. One (1) scratch matches and three (3) handicapped matches will be played. Teams and pairings must be arranged by handicap index, low to high. If a club professional is playing he must play in the first scratch match. The other three (3) handicapped matches will be played off the lowest handicap player in each match. For example, in a match Player A is a 2 handicap, Player B is a 4 handicap, Player C is a 6 handicap, and Player D is a 8 handicap. The match would be played off Player A’s handicap as he is the lowest in the match group. Player A would receive 0 strokes, Player B would receive 2 strokes, Player C 4 strokes and Player D 6 strokes. All handicapped matches will be played off the players current WHS handicap index from the day before the match is scheduled to take place.
Tees: Matches 1 & 2 will be played from the tees which is closest to the target yardage of 6,800 yards. Matches 3 & 4 will be played from the tees which is closest to the target yardage of 6,500 yards. In the scratch match (Match 1) if all players in the match agree, it may be played from a yardage greater than 6,800 yards.
Scoring: All matches will be worth three points each, using a NASSAU point system. One (1) point is awarded for a win on the front 9, one (1) point for the back 9, and one (1) for the overall 18 for a total of 3 match points. Any ties are worth 1.5 points to each side. The team earning 6.5 points or more out of the possible 12 points is the team match winner.
Conference Winners: Conference winners will be decided by the team’s overall regular season record. Points accumulated through he regular season will be used to determine playoff bracket seeding.
Playoffs: Texas League Play Playoffs will take place June 2-5, 2022 at Horseshoe Bay Resort. Conference champions will be invited to compete in the single elimination style playoff event.
Rules Questions/Infraction: The TGA Championship Department will have final say on rules situations should they arise. Questions regarding the Rules or match outcomes must be called into the TGA prior to submitting match results. Issues regarding eligibility will be handled by the TGA on a case-by-case basis.
Forfeits: A forfeit will be scored as a loss to the team forfeiting team and a win to the opponent. Forfeits are detrimental to the overall success of the league. The inability to field a full team, or lack of interest once a team has been eliminated from playoff contention are not acceptable reason to forfeit a match. If a team is granted a forfeited victory, the match will be scored 6.5 to 5.5 in favor of the opponent. Circumstances causing a forfeit will be reviewed by the TGA Championship Committee for possible suspension from future Texas League Play participation.
Cancellation/Withdraws: If a team withdraws from Texas League Play anytime after the regular season schedule has been set, the team will be subject to a Texas League Play suspension and forfeit their entry fee for the current season.
Policies & Procedures
To ensure competitors the best experience during Texas League Play, it is helpful to be knowledgeable of Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
Texas League Play
Horseshoe Bay Resort (Slick Rock GC)
June 2-5, 2022
Texas League Play Information
Regular Season: March 3 - May 8, 2022
Playoffs: June 2-5, 2022
Playoff Host Club: Horseshoe Bay Resort (Slick Rock GC)
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Director - Justin Guthrie
Entry & Club Eligibility
Registration Opens: January 3, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Registration Closes: February 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: $550 per team
Entry Procedure: A team wishing to participate in Texas League Play must register and pay the entry fee through Golf Genius. The entry fee must be paid through Golf Genius via credit card. Alternative payments methods will not be accepted.
Club Eligibility: Open to all TGA member clubs who own/operate at least one 18-hole regulation length golf course. The club must have a current and valid USGA Course Rating/Slope issued by the TGA in the last 10 years. The club must utilize the World Handicap System for issuing/maintaining handicaps for members. The club must have a designated handicap committee in place as required by the TGA Membership Agreement and USGA handicap system manual.
Player/Professional Eligibility: Open to male amateur/club professional golfer who are 21 years of age of older and reside in the state of Texas. All golfers must have an active GHIN number and must be listed on the club's handicap roster. Golfers must have a WHS Handicap Index of 18.4 or less. Amateurs must be full dues paying members of the club and club professionals must be a full-time employee of the club.
For complete Texas League Play Information, click here.
Registration
Open: January 3, 2022 at 9:00 AM
Close: February 23, 2022 at 5:00 PM
Regular Season
Start: March 3, 2022
End: May 8, 2022
Playoffs
June 2, 2022: Practice Rounds & Round 1 Matches
June 3, 2022: Quarter Final Matches
June 4, 2022: Semi-Final Matches
June 5, 2022: Texas League Play Championship Match
COURSE INFORMATION
Horseshoe bay resort (Slick Rock GC)
1306 Hi Stirrup, Horseshoe Bay, TX 77657
(830) 598-2561 | www.hsbresort.com
Texas League Play
Hyatt Hill Country Golf Club
June 1-4, 2023
CAPTAIN’S CORNER
Captain Quick Links
- New to Texas League Play
- How to Host Texas League Play
- Golf Genius Team Matches Instructions
- How to Update/Adjust Handicap Indexes Before Match
- 2023 League Play Match Rule Sheet
Team Captain Duties
Overview: Captains are instrumental in the success of Texas League Play. Captains are generally responsible for scheduling, fielding a team each week, lineup/pairings, and submitting results.
Scheduling: Captains are responsible for setting the regular season schedule. Captain should coordinate with the other clubs in the teams conference before submitting the final schedule to the Texas Golf Association. Schedules must be submitted to the TGA no later than February 24, 2023 by 5:00 PM.
Match Arrangements: Captains must communicate with the other clubs in their conference to establish the following:
- Match fees and payment method
- Specific day of the week and starting time for matches (a standard day of the week and time are preferred)
- Acceptable pace of play at each club for matches
- Caddies (if required – fees & gratuity policy)
- Gratuity policy for outside service staff
- Club policies (attire, hats, cell phones, etc.)
Additional Team Captain information can be found in Section 9: Team Captain Duties of the Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
Host Club Responsibilities
Tee Times: The host club is responsible for making sure the matches begin at the established starting time. The club should communicate the playing order if different than the pairings sheet.
Paperwork: The host club is responsible for printing and providing the following documents to each play before the matches: Scorecards with handicap strokes, pairings sheet, pace of place guidelines, and Local Rule sheet.
Scoreboard: The host club must provide a scoreboard or scoring area to identify when a match is considered final. Scores and match results posted in the Team Matches Portal are considered to be final and should reflect the outcome of the matches. If the results shown on the Team Match Portal are incorrect, it is the winning team captain’s responsibility to reach our to the TGA immediately.
Additional Team Captain information can be found in Section 10: Host Club Responsibilities of the Texas League Play Policies & Procedures.
Texas League Play
Horseshoe Bay Resort
June 3-6
TEXAS LEAGUE PLAY GENERAL INFORMATION
Texas League Play was created in 2006 to provide an opportunity for TGA member facilities to play against each other in a team match play competition each spring. Regional conferences are formed all across the state and consist of four teams representing four different clubs from the area. A league play conference may be established anywhere in the state where there are four TGA member clubs who are interested in competing against each other in a six match regular season. Each team will host three matches, and will play an away match against each opponent at their course.
By utilizing the GHIN handicap system, the TGA can provide a fair competition that is enjoyable for a variety of ages and skill levels. League Play matches are a great opportunity for your club and members to participate in a fun and exciting team competition with other clubs in your area.
TGA Staff Contact: Tournament Manager – Andrea Daly
Club Eligibiity:
Open to all TGA member clubs who own/operate at least one 18 hole regulation length golf course. The club must have a current and valid USGA Course Rating/Slope issued by the TGA in the last 10 years.The club must follow all TGA membership policies and be in compliance with the USGA club license agreement. Each club must have a certified handicap chairman and have completed the required TGA or USGA handicap seminar training. To ensure your club has met all the necessary requirements, you may call the TGA Membership Services Department.
Entry Deadline:
March 3
Entry Fee:
$550 per team
Team Captain:
Each team is required to designate at least one team captain who will serve as the representative for the club in league matches with the TGA League Office and the other teams within the conference. It is strongly encouraged that each team also have an Assistant Captain to help throughout the season.
Team Size:
8 players (men only) per team. No limit to the size of players on a team roster
Conferences/Team Selection:
The TGA will permit teams to create their own conference if there is an agreement from all four clubs to participate against one another during the regular season. To establish a conference, a Registration form (click here) must be submitted identifying the teams wishing to form their own conference. If a team is not part of an established conference, the TGA will attempt to pair the team with others in the same region with other similar type clubs. However, there must be four teams to create a conference.
Season Start Date:
March 4 – May 9
Regular Season Schedule:
The regular season consist of six matches, which must be completed over 9weeks. All regular season matches (including any make ups or rain outs) must be complete by May 9th.
Each conference will set their own schedule by team captains & pros coordinating with the other teams. Once the final schedule is set, a conference representative will send the schedule to the TGA League Office for posting to the website.
Match Day & Starting Time:
All teams should indicate on their Team Registration if they wish to play on a Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Each conference must establish the day of the week and a standard starting time for the matches to be played during the regular season.
Green Fees for Matches:
Teams within a conference must determine what (if any) the green fee amount will be for league play matches. It is strongly encouraged that if a green fee needs to be collected, that it is a predetermined league play rate that all clubs have agreed to. It is also important that team captains determine method of payment of the fee (reciprocal charge or cash) so players will know in advance what to expect at each facility.
Player Eligibility:
Open to male amateur golfers and club professionals who meet the following: Club Membership: Amateur golfers must be full dues paying golf members of the club as of March 3, 2021
Professional Staff:
A member of the clubs professional staff who is a full time member of the club is encouraged to participate
GHIN #:
All players must have active GHIN #, and be listed on the clubs handicap roster.
Score History:
Amateur’s must have at least 20 scores in GHIN score history. Age: Must be at least 18 years of age as of the date the match is to be played.
Max Handicap:
The maximum allowable handicap is 18.4. Match Format: A team match consists of (4) four ball matches worth three points each, using a nassu point system. The team earning 6.5 or more points out of the possible 12 is the team match winner.
Tees/Yardage:
Two different sets of tees are used for a team match. The first two matches are played from the set of tees closest to a target yardage of 6,800 yards, while the remaining two matches should be played from the set of tees which is closest to 6,500 yards.
Handicaps:
The league play matches will utilize 100% of a players LHI (Low Handicap Index) not their Current Handicap Index. Players in matches 2-4 will play off the player with the lowest course handicap within the group to determine the number of strokes for the match.
Conference Winners:
The team with the best overall record within the conference will advance to the League Play playoffs. See complete rules for tiebreakers.
Playoffs:
Conference winners will compete in a single elimination bracket with other conference winners from across the state at Horseshoe Bay Resort.
Round 1: June 3
Quarterfinals: June 4
Semifinals: June 5
Finals: June 6