Tournament History

Welcome to the OWGA state park tournament. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources provides us with excellent facilities each year for this event. The assistance given to us by Mike Bailey, Chief Division of Parks and Recreation is greatly appreciated.

A historical perspective: In June 1979, Carole Smith and Buddy Konold, along with Diana Schwab, Pat Rothhaar, Marilyn Green and Doris Dolin met in Columbus with Melvin Rebholz of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Ken Gibbons, golf pro at Salt Fork and Hueston Woods. The purpose was to organize an Ohio Women’s Open medal play championship tournament. To this end, the Ohio Women’s Golf Association was formed. Carole was our first president; Buddy was our first secretary, and Diana Schwab the treasurer and tournament director. Both Carol and Buddy served in those capacities for 10 years. Buddy has since past on. Our first tournament was at Salt Fork in 1980 with 72 participating.

In 2009, Cynthia Pratt our current tournament director was given the reins by retiring director Diana Schwab.

Rotating Trophies

GOVERNOR’S TROPHY – Champion (regardless of division)
PRO’S TROPHY – Senior Champion (age 50 and over)
SUPER SENIOR’S TROPHY – (AGE 60 & over)

The Format

The OWGA golf tournament is a two-day event held in September. The location of the event rotates between 6 Ohio State Park golf courses. Prizes are awarded for both net and gross scores. All entrants must be a resident of the state of Ohio or a student enrolled at an Ohio college. HANDICAP INDEX LIMIT OF 30 OR LOWER. Handicap must be computed under the current U.S.G.A. slope system, and may not be changed once submitted on entry application. If you do not have GHIN handicap index, please provide FIVE of your most recent 18-hole round scores with course names to the Tournament Director and a handicap will be assigned to you.

Players may carry their own clubs, bring a caddy, or use a cart.

Getting a GHIN Handicap

Getting a GHIN Handicap is easy. Just visit your local pro shop. All Ohio courses have access to the GHIN system. Some clubs allow on-line posting of your scores; some clubs require you enter your scores at their facility. Once your scores are entered, the GHIN system will issue you a handicap index based on your (1) score and the (2) slope and (3) rating of each course you played. As you add scores to the system, your handicap will be updated.

If you have any questions about the OWGA Tournamet, please contact the Tournament Director.