GEM PROGRAM (Golf Enjoyed More)

To enhance the enjoyment of the game of golf the PHGA Board has adopted the GEM Program allowing members to play from tees based upon their age and/or ability for all PHGA sanctioned events. If you are interested in participating in GEM contact the GEM Committee at by clicking the GEM Request button below.

PHGA Tee Assignments and GEM Program

Members (including new members) are assigned a Blue Tee or Blue/White Combo based upon handicap index 1) before the start of any season; and 2) once again during the season on July 15th.  Absent a notification pursuant to 1) or 2), a member will remain on a tee previously played in a prior season or a current season. 

  • Members can request one of the other tees based upon age and handicap index.  Requests must be made to the GEM committee before July 15th in any season.  A member may make ONE non-medical request per calendar year.

  • A new member can make a GEM request for one of the other tees based upon age and handicap index upon joining the PHGA.

  • The tee available to a member is limited by age and/or handicap index as described below.

  • Members can make a medical request to play a different tee box based upon a temporary or permanent disability and may petition the GEM Committee for tee adjustment

  • The PHGA scoring system uses a player's index to calculate a playing handicap used in all PHGA events based upon the tee used.  There is no adjustment to the player’s index made by the PHGA

Blue Tees —>Index below 20
Blue/White Combo —> Index at 20 or more or 2) Can be requested by members 60 or older
White Tees —> 65 years or older or age (60 or older) + index is at least 80
White/Gold Combo —> 70 years or older or age (60 or older) + index is at least 90
Gold Tees —> 75 years or older or age (60 or older) + index is at least 95.

 

SPECIAL NOTES

  • The PHGA Scoring web site is the official reference for tee assignment.  If you are unsure of your tee assignment, please check the Scoring section of the website.

  • GEM Players are allowed to play only from the tee that they have qualified. Indiscriminate changing of Tees will result in disqualification with NO REFUND

  • Those who are currently in GEM may remain in their category even though their handicap may have dropped below the minimum requirements

  • If you do not wish to continue in GEM please send a note to the GEM Committee

  • You can only switch in/out of GEM once per PHGA season prior to and including July 15th.

  • New PHGA members who are requesting to get into the GEM Program will become GEM members with 3 rounds played either from the Blue or Blue /White combo tees for men and Men’s Gold tees for women.

  • Men or women may petition the GEM committee to play higher slope tees.

  • PHGA members that have a temporary or permanent disability may petition the GEM Committee for tee adjustment.

  • PHGA members that are 80 years old or more may request the tee of their choice from the GEM Committee