From staff reports

MARIETTA, Ga. ” Entries are now being accepted for the 88th annual Georgia Amateur Championship, which takes place July 9-12 at Country Club of Columbus. This event is open to male amateur golfers who are GSGA members and Georgia residents.

The format of the event is 72 holes of stroke play. The field will be cut to the low 70 and ties after 36 holes.

Last year, Russell Henley of Macon came back from a four-shot deficit midway through the final round on his home course, Idle Hour Club, to win the 87th annual Georgia Amateur Championship over defending champion and University of Georgia teammate Harris English of Thomasville.

Eighteen-hole qualifying rounds for the Georgia Amateur Championship begin June 1 and run through June 22 at ten sites located throughout the state.

Qualified players must enter online at the GSGA website (www.gsga.org) by clicking the Online Registration quick link. A tournament FAQ page is also available via download as a PDF file through the GSGA website. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, May 6 at 5 p.m.

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APRIL 1 FOUR-BALL DEADLINE: Entries will be closing on April 1 for the 38th annual Georgia Four-Ball Championship, which takes place April 24-26 at Governors Towne Club in Acworth. This event is open to two-man teams of male amateur golfers who are GSGA members and Georgia residents, with a maximum handicap differential of six strokes.

The format of the event is 54 holes of four-ball stroke play over three days. The field will be cut to the low 40 teams and ties after 36 holes.

In last year’s championship event, Woodstock’s Mark Strickland and Newnan’s Louis Brown posted birdies on the last hole of regulation and on the second hole of a playoff to defeat Jeff Knox of Augusta and Jack Larkin of Atlanta.

Knox and Brown exchanged birdies on the first playoff hole but Strickland made good on a 15-foot birdie putt on the second to secure the victory. Both teams finished the 54-hole event at 19-under-par 197.

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GREATER ATLANTA WOMEN’S OPEN: The entry period is also currently open for the Greater Atlanta Women’s Amateur Championship (through April 22).

Any questions regarding GSGA competitions may be directed to the Rules and Competitions Department at (770) 955-4272 or (800) 949-4742, or via email at info@gsga.org.