Want to become a member of the Players Association, click here to download an application.
How does the SIGA serve its membership?
1. SIGA/USGA Handicap. The SIGA administers the USGA handicap system throughout its area, assuring compliance with all system requirements.
2. Course Rating. Member courses are rated at no charge in accordance with USGA course rating system, evaluating obstacles and factors which affect the effective playing length of the course. It calculates and publishes course ratings and slope ratings for all SIGA golf courses. Courses are rerated at least once every 10 years or, more often, if there are significant changes in the course.
3. Course Marking/Setup. Provides assistance and advice for marking water hazards, ground under repair, out of bounds, etc., in accordance with USGA procedures and assists clubs with placement of holes and tee markers as requested.
4. Calendar. Provides an annual pocket and wall poster size calendar of all men’s and women’s golf events in Southern Illinois which is available early each spring.
5. Junior Golf. Supports junior golf programs.
6. Regional and National Golf Organizations. Cooperates with golf associations throughout the country, such as the USGA, the Professional Golfers Association of America, the National Golf Foundation, the Golf Course Superintendent’s Association of America, and the International Association of Golf Administrators. Executive Director Brandon Bullard is a member of the USGA Regional Affairs Committee and Vice President Sarah Haas is a member of the Women’s Committee.
7. Hall of Fame. Has a Hall of Fame to recognize and honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to golf in Southern Illinois and is working to research and collect information concerning the history of golf in Southern Illinois of which the souvenir booklet at our 75th anniversary tournament is the first example. Maintains the SIGA Hall of Fame display at Crab Orchard Golf Club.
8. Amateur Status. Monitors compliance of amateur golfers with USGA rules of amateur status. Assists those wising to regain amateur by providing information on procedure, the necessary reinstatement forms and final endorsement before filing with the USGA.
9. Seminars. Conducts periodic seminars dealing with rules, handicapping, and course rating.
10. Media. Provides local coverage to all area newspapers and national publications transmitting tournament results.
11. Player of the Year. Maintains a player of the year point system for both men and women to determine the Men’s Player of the Year and the Women’s Player of the Year. This award is then given at the annual awards banquet.
12. Awards Banquet. Conducts an annual banquet in November of each year.
13. Tony Stevens Cup Matches. Conducts competition among member clubs competing as six-man teams. The matches are rotated among 18-hole member clubs. Champions are recognized both overall and 9-hole club divisions.
14. Players Cup. The SIGA’s answer to the “Masters” with 14 different ways to qualify. Tournament winners, club champions, and Tony Steven Cup Match winners are some ways to make this elite field held each spring.
15. Illinois Amateur Qualifiers. Conducts local qualifying with the Chicago District Golf Association for the Illinois State Amateur. In 1998, the Illinois Amateur Championship was held at Rend Lake Golf Course, the first ever since the state amateur south of Champaign. The SIGA hopes again to host the Illinois State Amateur in the future.
16. Team Championships. Two-man teams and two-women teams compete in an alternate shot and four ball format to determine winners.
17. SIGA Championship. Longest running amateur tournament in Illinois. It has a tremendous history and is very difficult to win. Senior and Junior Championships are also included.
18. Tournament Assistance. Supplies tournament directors of member clubs with current handicap lists along with SIGA preflighted tournament scores from prior years. Clubs also receive “tournament regulations” guide developed by the SIGA so there is uniformity among each sanctioned tournament.
19. Distinguished Service Award. Recognizes individuals who have contributed their time and effort for the betterment of golf with the Association’s Distinguished Service Award.
