Headline: The MGA Member Day @ Fall River CC Proves That the MGA Member Day Program is a Win-Win for Golfers, MGA Alike

For Immediate Release: June 7, 2016

Fall River CC hosted an MGA Member Day event on June 7.

Norton, MA — More than 80 golfers took to the links on Tuesday at Fall River CC as part of the MGA Member Day Program, one of the many perks of becoming an MGA member golfer.

Designed for golfers of all ages and playing abilities, the MGA Member Days are open to all MGA member golfers – male of female – who hold a current MGA/USGA Ghin Handicap index with an affiliated MGA member club. The one-day events offer an affordable, casual and fun atmosphere for all, while also providing tournament experience for those looking for healthy and spirited competition.

According to Shawn Bennett, the manager of championships and member services, the MGA Member Days simply connect golfers who share a passion for the sport.

"I think it's great camaraderie," said Bennett. "It's a good way to meet people whom you haven't met before, other avid golfers throughout the Commonwealth, and just play golf."

Although Member Days allow for an individual to play with a group up to four, many use these events to meet new people and play a new course. And because every one of the 15 Member Day sites are private courses, these Member Day are one of the only ways that players can test out a new facility that they otherwise would miss out on.

Such was the case for Trull Brook's Paul Carli, playing in his sixth member day event. He came out to try Fall River CC for the first time, and following his round, he said the experience continues to be something he thoroughly enjoyed.

"This is a great day and a great event," said Carli. "This is what people are really looking for."

Carli recommends anyone interested in trying out the member day to give it a go.

"Member Days are about people getting together, testing their skills, and just meeting new people."

In addition to providing a fun day of golf for all the players, on a beautiful course alongside the banks of the Taunton River nonetheless, Tuesday's Member Day was also an opportunity to showcase the new lottery system that went into place for the 2016 season.

Under the new online registration system on the MGA's website, MGALinks.org, member golfers can pick and choose from any of the 15 member days scheduled throughout the Bay State that they are interested in playing at.

Introduced prior to the 2016 season, this new lottery system allows all members an equal opportunity at playing each event. If selected as a winner in the lottery, the new internet-based system allows golfers to fill out all the necessary information and make payments all in one place.

For Bennett, the transition to the new system allows for maximum involvement for all members interested in partaking.

"We thought it would be a fair way for all MGA members to have the opportunity to play golf courses that they might not otherwise have a chance to play," said Bennett. "With this new system, it is our goal to prevent anyone from getting shutout at all events."

Even Mike Dowling - a former WCVB-TV sportscaster - got into the act by filming an informative video that explains the lottery system step-by-step (click here to view that fun video filmed earlier this spring at Golf House in Norton).

So far, it has been a success.

The next two Member Days are scheduled for July 18 at Franklin Country Club and July 19 at Pawtucket Country Club. For each day, an 18-hole Stableford Format will be in place with handicap indexes being computed using the July 15 revision. Any member interested in playing has until June 20 to put their name in the lottery by logging into their personal My MGA Home page.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the MGA Member Day program... and enjoy an experience that you won't soon forget!