Member Services
Course measuring is an integral
part of golf couse management
Course Rating
As part of its member services package, the MGA rates Member Club courses
in accordance with the United States Golf Association (USGA) Course and Slope
Rating System. The USGA requires that all new golf courses be rated every
three years for a period of nine years and then every 7-10 years thereafter.
With over 90 trained Course Raters, making up seven regional teams throughout the Commonwealth, the MGA rates approximately 50 to 70 courses annually during the rating season, which generally runs from early May to late October. Precise course and slope ratings are provided for each set of tees so that all golfers can enjoy the benefits of an accurate and equitable handicap system. A Course Rating and Slope Rating Calendar detailing the ratings and slope for each Member Club is also distributed annually.
If you are an MGA member club interested in having your course rating, please download and complete the following forms and fax them back to Scott Whitcomb, director of field operations, at 774-430-9101.
Course Rating Preparatory Forms (PDF)
Course Measuring:
With the help of local golf course superintendents, golf professionals,
and club personnel, the MGA accurately measures Member Club courses through
the use of a hand-held electronic laser gun, which measures to within 1/100th
foot accuracy. Each golf hole is measured from tee to green as well as from
sprinkler heads to the center of the green. Precise measurements are essential
for accurate course and slope ratings and necessary to ensure a proper pace
of play.
New for the 2008 Season... is the launch of the MGA Yardage Marker Program. Although we have always allowed our Member Clubs to purchase yardage markers, we have taken that service one step further. This new program will not only offer you a better yardage marker product, it will serve as a way of raising funds to support and expand junior golf programs here in Massachusetts.
As a result of an agreement with TTG Custom Signage, we are able to offer our Member Clubs high quality granite markers at the lowest industry prices. In doing so, the MGA receives $5.00 per marker sold to aid in the development of junior golf programs such as The First Tee of Massachusetts and ForeKids Golf Program.
For more information on this special program...
1) Download a program feature page (PDF) - Download PDF
2) Visit the TTG Custom Signage web site directly - Access Web Site
Course Marking:
In 1998, the MGA launched a new service to its Member Clubs. The Course Marking
Advisory Committee was established to assist clubs with the arduous task of
properly marking a course for hazards, out of bounds, ground under repair
and daily play. This marking system is critically important because it ensures
that all golfers play by the rules.