BACKGROUND:  MISGA (Maryland Interclub Seniors Golf Association) was founded in 1975 as a non-profit association with the purpose of developing greater interest, enjoyment, communication and participation in golf by senior members of golf clubs in the State of Maryland. Its geographic reach has since been expanded to include clubs in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Its goal is to foster friendship and camaraderie through tournaments and mixers on a host and guest basis and to provide an opportunity to play at other member golf and country clubs. As of the 2004 season, MISGA is affiliated with 58 member clubs having an average of 4400 Associates. Efforts are continually underway to increase membership. Member clubs are assigned to one of six semi-autonomous geographic divisions.

MIXERS: The most important thing that MISGA does, and what sets it apart from the usual golf association, is to schedule and hold hundreds of mixers each year. Simply, a mixer is a meeting of senior golfers from two or more member clubs, one of which is the "home" or host club and the others are the "away" or visiting clubs. The date for this event is scheduled well in advance (usually 6 to 12 months) by the club representatives with further coordination a few days beforehand. The host club representative, preferably with help from the golf professional, makes up foursomes (two members from each club), attempting to keep combined handicaps equal. The format of play, usually best two balls of four or modified Stableford, is determined by the host club. After the round of golf, it is customary for the players to lunch together. To facilitate this, a shotgun start is generally used. Each player contributes a small sum of money (currently $5.00) for prizes which are awarded as gift certificates for merchandise in the host club’s golf shop. Green fees are not charged the visitors. Each participant pays his share of the golf cart rental. It is important to note that this is not a competition between two clubs – a match. Rather, it is an opportunity to meet and form friendships with other senior golfers. At some other date during the same golf season, the roles are reversed and the visiting club members become the hosts at their club. Mixer fees are presently $28-$35. Typically, the cost breakdown is as follows: cart fee -- $15.00, lunch -- $12.00, prize pool -- $5.00. All of the prize money collected is paid out (pro shop certificates) to the winners of the day – no carry over. The rest goes to the host club for food and carts.

TOURNAMENTS: MISGA holds two tournaments each year – a two-man team event and an individual stroke play competition. Participation is determined through club and divisional qualifying tournaments. The field for these MISGA-wide tournaments and the division qualifiers consists of a maximum of 128 participants. Costs for these events runs from $40-$55.

MISGA-SPONSORED OUTINGS: In addition, MISGA sponsors fall and winter outings in the Sun Belt at significant savings. Outings are scheduled to such places as Sea Trail, NC; Seabrook Island, SC; Fripp Island, SC,  Jekyll Island, GA, Cape Coral, FL, Admiral Lehigh, FL, and Plantation Inn, FL.

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS: To belong to MISGA, a club must be a member of the USGA and provide a rated 18-hole golf course of not less than 5,500 yards. Member clubs must have an active Handicap Committee. The club must have an active seniors organization, preferably with a minimum of 32 members. These members must be at least 50 years old and pay membership dues, or at least an annual greens fee, to their club. Member clubs must have the ability to pay such dues, fees and other charges that may be established by the MISGA Board of Directors.  The club management must be willing to accept the items listed on the New Club Agreement Form.