Norton, MA - After a review of previous Championships including feedback from competitors, the NEGA has announced a slate of changes to the format, registration process, and awarding of prizes for the New England Women's Amateur Championship. The changes will go into effect at this year’s event being hosted at North Conway Country Club in New Hampshire. 
 
“It is important that we continue to listen to our competitors and be inclusive in this process to better our events,” said Karen Ammerman, NEGA President. “We are confident that these updates will provide the amateur women in New England with a lasting competitive experience.”
 
The changes include a second tee set to allow for players of varying levels to enjoy the Championship, while testing the region's top amateurs. Additional changes include a change to a first-come, first-served registration format, and an increase in the maximum handicap index allowed for the event.
 
“We are thrilled with the direction that the Women’s Championship has taken,” said Greg Howell, Manager of NEGA Operations. “These adjustments will make the historic event even more inviting and enjoyable while also providing a competitive stage for some of the best amateur golfers in the region.”
 
The 2020 New England Women’s Amateur will be conducted at North Conway Country Club in North Conway, New Hampshire, June 29th - July 1st. Players interested in the Championship can find more information HERE.  

A full list of the changes for 2020 can be found below. 
Two Divisions, Two Sets of Tees
2020 will mark the first year the Championship will have two divisions.
The Championship Division will play from tees set at approximately 5,900 - 6,100 yards. This division will award prizes to the top players based on gross scores. Players who wish to compete for the Overall, Runner-Up, Junior, or Senior Championships will play from the Championship tees. 
The Tournament Division will play from tees set at approximately 5,600 - 5,800 yards. This division will award prizes to the top players based on gross and net scores. Players who wish to compete for the Legends Championship will play from the Tournament tees. 

First-Come, First-Served
Starting in 2020, players will be confirmed in the Championship as soon as they register. With a field size of up to 120 players, players may register starting Thursday, February 13th at 10:00am and the first 120 players will be confirmed participants. This allows players to coordinate travel plans, take time off from work and schedule other events in their competitive schedule. 

18.0 Handicap Index Maximum
To align closer to the six New England states and their Amateur Championships, the handicap index maximum for the Championship has been increased to 18.0. 

Any questions regarding the 2020 New England Women's Amateur Championship can be directed to the Manager of NEGA Operations, Greg Howell. 

 This past month, two long time New England Golf Association rules officials, were given awards respectively within their home state golf associations. Mike Pearce (Maine State Golf Association) was presented the Dave Child Volunteer of the Year Award on October 30th and Joe Kane (New Hampshire Golf Association) was awarded the Inaugural Joe Kane Distinguished Service award on October 17th.