MEMORANDUM TO PLAYERS
The Southwestern Golf Association is grateful to Desert Mountain Club for hosting this 111th playing of the Southwestern Amateur Championship. Please remember that we are guests of the club and our conduct should reflect that.
FORMAT
- The event is a 72-hole stroke play competition, with a cut to the low 36 players and ties in each division after 36 holes. All play will be on the Outlaw Course.
STARTING TIMES AND PAIRINGS
- For the first two rounds, tee times will begin at 7:30 a.m. from #1 tee and #11 tee, with a 10-minute interval and the afternoon tee times will begin at 12:00 p.m. from #1 tee and #11 tee, with a 10-minute interval. All players will play one morning and one afternoon round.
- For the final two rounds, tee times will begin at 7:30 a.m. from #1 tee and #11 tee.
- Players are requested to check in with the starter on #1 or #11 tee 10 minutes ahead of your starting time.
- Pairings for for the first two rounds will be posted on the SWGA website and in this portal no later than Friday, June 5. Changes to pairings or start times are not permitted for any reason.
ON-SITE REGISTRATION
- Players must register in person at the Outlaw Clubhouse between 10:00am and 3:00pm on Tuesday, June 9. We will conduct an equipment survey and distribute tee gifts at registration.
PRACTICE FACILITIES
- All practice facilities will open daily at 6:30 a.m.
- Players may use the practice facilities at Outlaw prior to and after each round. Range balls will be complimentary during the competition.
- Once the cut is made, practice facilities are limited to those players remaining in the tournament.
PRACTICE ROUND AVAILABILITY
- Practice Rounds are available on Monday, June 8 or Tuesday, June 9 and are limited to one practice round per player. To schedule, please email Outlaw Head Professional Riley Hayfield at rhayfield@desertmt.com. Players should identify themselves as a competitor in the 2026 Southwestern Amateur Championship in the email. Practice round fee is included in the entry fee. Complimentary course yardage guides will be distributed to players before their practice rounds.
CADDIES
- Caddies are permitted. Players are responsible for their own caddies as Desert Mountain Club does not employ caddies at the ready. A player is not required to employ a caddie for any stage of the Championship.
USE OF GOLF CARTS
- Although the SWGA encourages walking by all participants and caddies, the use of motorized transportation is permitted for participants during all practice rounds and competitive rounds and is complimentary. Players may also walk and may use a caddie.
- IMPORTANT: There will be a maximum of two (2) carts per group. Having a caddie does not guarantee the caddie will be riding in a cart. A caddie may ride in a cart only if another player is not displaced in doing so and only if space permits. Under no circumstances will three (3) carts be allowed per group. Standing on the back of a cart in motion is a violation of Desert Mountain Club policy as well as against the Southwestern Amateur Championship cart policy.
- When making tee times for the first two rounds, the Committee will try to ensure that as many caddies as possible are able to share a cart with their players. For the final two rounds, groupings will be made by score.
- Spectators/Guests are not allowed to ride in carts. No spectator carts are allowed. Anyone riding in a cart holds the status of a caddie.
USGA POLICIES IN EFFECT
Rules
- The USGA Rules of Golf and the Local Rules and Conditions of Competition for 2026 Southwestern Amateur Championships (Hard Card), and the local Notice to Players govern play in this Championship.
CODE OF CONDUCT
- The Code of Conduct as listed on the SWGA website is in effect.
DRESS CODE
- Golf-style shirts and either slacks, skorts or Bermuda-length shorts are acceptable for contestants (and caddies).
- Caddies' shirts must be tucked in at all times and must have a collar.
- Tennis attire, work-out attire, t-shirts and slacks/shorts of denim/jeans material are not acceptable.
- The Committee in charge decides whether this requirement has been met and has the authority to withdraw the entry of a player who does not comply.
DISTANCE MEASURING DEVICES
- During this Championship, the use of electronic distance measuring devices to measure distance is allowed (subject to certain requirements).
PACE OF PLAY
- It is a condition that player must play without undue delay and in accordance with guidelines established by Committee. Guidelines will be listed in the Golf Genius tournament portal and will be distributed upon arrival at the course.
EVACUATION PLAN
- In the event of a discontinuance of play during the championship, players must adhere to the evacuation plan to be outlined in the Golf Genius tournament portal.
FOOD AND BEVERAGE
- Breakfast and lunch are complimentary for players Wednesday through Saturday.
- Spectators and caddies may purchase food with a credit card only (cash is not accepted).
CELL PHONE POLICY
- The Committee asks that you refrain from using as much as possible and use them responsibly in deference to the Championship and your fellow competitors.
COURSE SETUP/YARDAGE
- The course set up summary will be posted in the Golf Genius tournament portal.
- The Committee reserves the right to alter the yardage based on weather and course conditions on the day of the qualifying.
AWARDS CEREMONY
- Will commence immediately after play on Saturday. A Trophy and a Desert Mountain gift card will be awarded to the lowest scorer in each division. Additional Desert Mountain gift cards will be awarded to the top 15 finishers in each division.
HOST FACILITY
- Desert Mountain – Outlaw Course: 41045 N. Cave Creek Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85262
- For more information, call the Outlaw Golf Shop at (480) 595-4880.
TO WITHDRAW
If you need to withdraw for any reason, you must contact the Southwestern Amateur Golf Association prior to your assigned starting time or you will be listed as a DQ.
OFFICIAL IN CHARGE
Le Ann Finger
Executive Director
Southwestern Amateur Golf Association
(480) 220-3073 - Cell