Invitational Information

Please fill out the form to stay up to date on National Invitational competitors, scores and updates for the event.

The Courses & Tournament Set Up

*yardage is subject to change based on weather and course conditions*

Pinehurst No. 7

6,945 Yards – Rating: 74.1 – Slope: 139

pinehurstno7

No. 7 unfolds over dramatic, hilly terrain that’s dotted with wetlands in lower-lying areas. No. 7 has many colorful flourishes. Every hole on No. 7 features something to test your game. Just ask Tiger Woods, who won his lone Pinehurst title to date here in the 1992 Big I Junior Classic.

Pinehurst No. 8

6,770 Yards – Rating: 72.6 – Slope: 132

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

6,913 Yards – Rating: 72.9 – Slope: 137

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

789 Yards of fun

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”.

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. 

National Invitational Field

Learn more about which players & states will be competing at the National Invitational.

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.

The National Invitational will be recognized by the Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS). The Junior Golf Scoreboard typically receives results for over 2,100 tournaments worldwide and ranks approximately 10,000 – 11,000 players at any one time. The JGS is the foremost used junior golf ranking system by varsity college golf coaches since 1998.

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.

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Pinehurst Lodging

The Carolina – Four diamond hotel – each room comes equipped with 2 double beds
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The Holly Inn – 2 double beds and bathrooms with a shower/tub combo
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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
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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.
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Carolina Villas – 4 private separate keyed guest rooms, private bathrooms & shared parlor room.
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Parent & Family 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

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

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.

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.

The Golf Coaches Association of America is a part of the event. College golf coaches nationally are invited and to 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 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.

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 accommodations 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. 7: 6824 yards, Course Rating: 73.5, Slope: 138

Pinehurst No. 8: 7099 yards, Course Rating: 74.1, Slope: 137

Pinehurst No. 9: 7118 yards, Course Rating: 74.2, Slope: 135

*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 NOBLE
NHSGA Manager

chris@highschoolgolf.org
574-252-9165

MATT WEINBERGER
NHSGA Commissioner

matt@highschoolgolf.org