NEGA Announces Introduction of Girls to Junior Amateur

Norton, MA – Beginning in 2019, the New England Golf Association (NEGA) will introduce a girls’ component to the New England Junior Amateur Invitational. It marks the first time in the association’s 92-year history that teams of female junior competitors will have a chance to compete for a New England team title.

​“We could not be more excited to make this important announcement and expand our championship offerings,” said Greg Howell, who serves as Manager of NEGA Operations. “Providing these young female competitors with a chance to compete as a team against other New England states will be a tremendous opportunity for them and is an important stepping stone for future growth and exposure for our association.”
 
Established in 1926, the NEGA is a 501(c)3 amateur golf organization comprised of leaders from the six New England golf associations – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. Each of its championship events are held on a rotating basis at golf clubs located at one of the six New England member state associations.
 
In 2019, the girls’ component will be held in concert with the New England Junior Amateur Invitational. Each of the six association states will be responsible for fielding a team of three female junior amateurs to represent their state in the 54-hole event held over two days. Those three competitors from each of the six states will compete for a team championship as well as an individual medalist title.
 
The New England Junior Amateur Invitational will continue to feature seven junior boys’ competitors from each state with the best five of seven scores from each round counting towards a separate team score as well as an overall boys’ individual title.
 
The Junior Amateur Invitational will be held on August 11th – 13th, at Mill River Country Club in Stratford, Connecticut.
 
“We will start with three female competitors from each state and then build from there in years to come,” said Howell. “Our six collective states represent a wealth of young talent, so it is now time to let them shine on a New England stage.”
 
The announcement was made following a successful 2018 season in which the NEGA hosted its three major championships: New England Amateur Championship, New England Junior Amateur Invitational and New England Senior Amateur Championship. Champions from this past season included Maine’s Reese McFarlane (New England Amateur), Team Connecticut (New England Junior Amateur) and Massachusetts’ Jack Kearney (New England Senior Amateur).
 
“I have been fortunate to serve this association for many years and I could not be prouder of this announcement,” said Harry McCracken, NEGA’s executive-secretary. “We have always made it our mission to provide the best opportunities for our young talent. Giving these young girls a chance to shine in their own team championship is important for them and historic for us as an association.”
 
About the New England Golf Association (NEGA): negagolf.org
The New England Golf Association ®, established in 1926, is a 501(c)3 amateur golf organization comprised of leaders from the six New England golf associations – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.

In addition to serving the needs of golf in New England, the organization's primary purpose is to conduct the following premier tournament events: New England Amateur Championship ®, New England Junior Amateur Invitational, New England Girls’ Junior Amateur Invitational, and New England Senior Amateur Championship.