Format

54 holes of stroke play on Sun-Mon-Tue, June 4 – 6, 2023. “The Donna” is a WAGR (World Amateur Golf Ranking) Counting Event for the Open and Senior Divisions, a VSGA Player Ranking event for the Open and Senior Divisions, and a PKBT premiere event with Order of Merit points for those qualifying in the Open and Donna Divisions.

Eligibility

Open to amateur female golfers with an established USGA Handicap index of 5.4 or less for the Open Division, and 14.4 or less for the Senior and Donna Divisions. All players must conform to the USGA Rules of Amateur Status and meet the requirements of the USGA Gender Policy.

The Field and Selection Criteria

The Field will be limited to 96 competitors, selected at the discretion of The Donna Andrews Invitational Committee (the "Committee").

Exempt players will be accepted immediately upon receiving their application and entry fee. All other players gaining entry will be notified on or before May 17th and will be selected based on their submitted profile and past competitive tournament performance. 

Open Division Exemptions

• Past Champions (2019 - 2022)
• Top 15 Finishers (from previous year's Open Division)
• 2022 Donna Division Champion
• Players in the top 500 World Amateur Golf Ranking as of April 15, 2023
• USGA Women’s Open Qualifiers (2019 - current)
• USGA Women’s Amateur Match Play Qualifiers (2019 - current)
• Pinehurst North South Women’s Amateur Match Play Qualifiers (2019 - 2022)
•  Top 25 ranked AJGA junior golfers *new*
•  US Women’s Mid-Amateur Finalists and Semi-Finalists (2019-2022) *new*
• US Junior Girls Amateur Finalists and Semi-Finalists (2019 – 2022) *new*
• NCAA Division 1 National Tournament Finals at Grayhawk Team Participants (2022)

Donna Division Exemptions

• Top 5 Finishers (from previous year's Donna Division)
• Any State Junior Women’s Amateur Champion (2017-2022)
• Other Past State Am Champions (Stroke Play, Four-Ball)
• Collegiate Players (currently competing at an NCAA Div II, Div III or NJCAA recognized institution)

Senior Division Exemptions

• Top 5 Finishers from previous year's Senior Division
• Past Champions from any Tournament Division
• Any Sr. WAGR ranked player as of April 15, 2023 *new*
• USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Qualifiers (past 20 years)
• Any State Senior Women’s Amateur Champion (2010-2021)
• Other Past State Am Champions (Sr. Stroke Play, Sr. Four-Ball from 2010-2021)

 

• Mon, May 29 – Sat, June 3: Practice Rounds… Call Pro Shop at (434) 384-3411 for available tee times, Cart fees apply
• Sat, June 3 – Welcome Reception - Featuring the Ever Popular Taco Night
  • Who: Players, Guests (1 per player) and Boonsboro Members
  • What: Exhibition by Donna followed by Build Your Own Taco Stations and Cash Bar
  • When: 6:30pm
  • Where: Practice Green and Cart Barn patio
• Sun, June 4 – Round 1 (Threesomes)
  • Who: Players, Caddies, Spectators, Volunteers
  • What: Round 1 Tee Times
  • When: 8:00am (at discretion of the Committee)
  • Where: 1st tee (at discretion of Committee)
• Sun All Day – Grab and Go Lunch – Front lawn. Open to All players & Caddies
• Sun, June 4 – Dinner Gala on The Front Lawn
  • Who: Players, 1 Guest and Volunteers
  • What: Menu TBD
  • When: 6:30pm
  • Where: Front Lawn
• Mon, June 5 – Round 2 (Threesomes, re-paired based on Rd 1 results)
  • Who: Players, Caddies, Spectators, Volunteers
  • What: Round 2 Tee Times
  • When: 8:00am (at discretion of the Committee)
  • Where: 1st tee (at discretion of Committee)
• Mon All Day – Grab and Go Lunch – Front lawn. Open to All players & Caddies
• Tue, June 6 – Final Round (Threesomes, re-paired based on Rd 1&2 results)
  • Who: Players, Caddies, Spectators, Volunteers
  • What: Final Round Tee Times
  • When: 8:00am (at discretion of the Committee)
  • Where: 1st Tee (at discretion of the Committee)
• Tue All Day – Grab and Go Lunch – Front lawn. Open to All players & Caddies
• Tue, June 6 – Awards Ceremony
  • Who: Players, Caddies, Parents, Spectators, Volunteers
  • What: Trophy Presentations and Kona Ice Truck
  • When: Immediately following the conclusion of play
  • Where: Main Ballroom or Front Patio

 

Open

Available to any competitor regardless of age who meets all other eligibility requirements. Overall winners will come from this division only. In addition, the prestigious Gretchen Evans Award will be presented to the low-junior (must not have turned 19 as of June 4, 2023) playing in this division

Donna

Available to any competitor regardless of age. In addition to 1st thru 3rd place prize winners, we have created special awards for the low junior and low mid-am playing in this division

Senior

Available for competitors age 50 or older as of June 4, 2023

Course Setup

The Open Division will play between 6100-6300 yards

The Donna Division will play between 5600-5800 yards

The Senior Division will play between 5100-5300 yards

Open

• 1st Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• 2nd and 3rd Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• 4th and 5th Place: Gift Certificate
• Low Junior: Gretchen Evans Award, Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Low Mid-Am: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Top 15 Players get Custom (Design Your Own) FootJoys

 

The Donna Division

• 1st Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• 2nd and 3rd Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Low Junior: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Low Mid-Am: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Top 3 Players get Custom (Design Your Own) FootJoys

 

Senior

• 1st Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• 2nd and 3rd Place: Trophy and Gift Certificate
• Top 3 Players get Custom (Design Your Own) FootJoys

 

Rules

Play is governed by the USGA Rules of Golf, as modified by local rules.

Tournament Eligibility Guidelines

Open to any amateur female golfer with an established USGA Handicap index of 14.4 or less (5.4 or less for the Open division) who conforms to the USGA Rules of Amateur Status and meets the requirements of the USGA Gender Policy.

Receipt of Entry

We will only accept online entries at www.thedonnainvitational.com. No phone, fax or email entries will be accepted. All entries must be paid for by credit card upon registration. No other method of payment will be accepted. Any player not selected to the final field will be given a full refund to their credit card within 7 days of the selection of the final field.

All players, including exempt players and invitees, must submit a properly executed entry form, including the proper entry fee, by the deadline date to secure entry and avoid a late entry fee. The entry deadline is 11:59 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, May 1, 2023. The risk of entry transmission delay or error lies solely with the entrant. Neither Boonsboro Country Club nor the Committee is liable for any such delay or error and is not precluded from rejecting a late entry that results from a transmission delay or error.

The field will be finalized no later than Wednesday, May 17th. All applicants will be informed of their status via email.

Entry Fee

$235 (Payment must accompany registration.)

Refund

Withdrawals prior to the close of registration, up to and including May 1, 2023, will be issued a full refund. Withdrawals after the close of registration up to May 17th will be issued a full refund, minus a $25 processing fee. Withdrawals after May 17th, 2023 will not receive a refund except in cases of extenuating circumstances, which will be handled on a case-by-case basis. All refunds are at the sole discretion of the Committee, whose decision is final.

Late Entries

Since the tournament has historically been oversubscribed, no entries will be accepted after May 1.

Tournament Scholarships

There may be a limited number of tournament scholarships that cover the entire entry fee available to select entrants. If you’d like to be considered for a scholarship, please submit an email with your playing credentials for review by the Committee to thedonna2019@gmail.com

Rejection of Entry/Expulsion

The Committee may, at its sole discretion, reject an entry application, revoke an accepted application, expel from the Championship and/or suspend a player from future championships if the player engages in conduct detrimental to the integrity and image of the game of golf. Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, damage to the golf course or the player’s equipment, verbal or physical abuse of spectators, officials, volunteers, or staff, blatant or excessive profanity, disorderly behavior, failure to abide by the rules, or any other unbecoming conduct.

In addition, at any time prior to, during, or after an event, if it is found that the player was not in compliance with the eligibility guidelines, she will be disqualified.

Course Condition/Inclement Weather

The Committee has no control over weather or the resulting course condition. If the event is played, there will be no refunds granted due to course condition and/or inclement weather.

Club Dress Code

Participants are expected to adhere to Boonsboro Country Club’s dress code when on Club property. Jeans, short-shorts, cut-offs, gym-shorts, tank tops, T-shirts or swim wear are not permitted on the golf course or in the main club facilities at any time (except the locker room and pool areas). Personal coolers are not permitted.

Riding in Golf Carts/Walking

The Committee of The Donna considers walking to be an integral part of the game, therefore ALL Open Division Players are required to walk, and all other participants are strongly encourage to walk if able. However, carts will be provided for Senior Division Players. Players may use a caddie, push/pull carts, or carry their own bags.

Caddies

Caddies are permitted at The Donna. It is expected that caddies will walk. Caddies may ride in carts only if there is an open seat. No one may ride on the back of a cart at any time.

Each caddie must wear a caddie bib, which will be provided by the Committee (a $25 refundable deposit is required).

A number of local Boonsboro members are willing to caddie. These volunteer caddies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Important Note: Local caddies are volunteers, not professionals (no fee required), but must be reserved through the Golf Shop (434-384-3411) by May 27.

All caddies must sign the Caddie Code of Conduct prior to receiving their caddie bib. Absolutely No Exceptions! Failure to abide by the Caddie Code of Conduct will result in the immediate dismissal of the caddie, and could result in Disqualification for the player. The Committee may, at its sole discretion, reject any caddie, revoke a caddie's privileges, or disqualify a player whose caddie exhibits behavior unbecoming the spirit of the game and amateur competition.

Spectators

Spectators are not allowed to ride in player carts at any time. There MAY be a limited number of spectator carts available for a nominal daily fee - first come, first serve.

Distance-Measuring Devices

A player may obtain distance information by using a device that measures distance only. However, if a distance-measuring device has additional functionality that can gauge or measure other conditions that might affect a player’s play (e.g. elevation change, wind speed, etc.), the use of any such additional function would be a breach of Rule 14-3.

Cell Phone Policy

Cell phones may be used as distance-measuring devices, but must comply with Rule 14-3 in the Rules of Golf. Talking on cell phones is prohibited except in cases of emergency. Violation of this prohibition will result in a warning - continued violation shall result in disqualification

Host Family Housing and Area Hotels

Host Family housing is an option available to contestants to help reduce total tournament costs. While host family housing is not guaranteed, we will do our best to accommodate all players who request a Host Family. All private housing inquiries and communications should be sent to thedonna2019@gmail.com.

There are several area hotels available to accommodate any budget. Some popular choices in past years have been:

The Virginian

712 Church St, Lynchburg, VA 24504

 (434) 329-3200

The Craddock Terry

1312 Commerce St, Lynchburg, VA 24504 

(434) 455-1500

Homewood Suites by Hilton

4021 Wards Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 333-6828

Fairfield Inn & Suites

3777 Candler's Mountain Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502

(434) 845-1700

Close of Competition

The competition is deemed closed when prizes are awarded, or in the absence of an awards ceremony, when all scores have been approved by the Committee.

Tournament Committee

The Committee reserves the right to alter the field size and/or tournament format based on the number of entries received. If one or more rounds are not started or completed due to inclement weather, the Committee reserves the right to alter the field size and/or tournament format (e.g. canceling a round(s) or adding additional days to the competition).

By Submission of an entry, each player agrees to the following:

I agree to the regulations included herein. I have read the 2023 Donna Andrews Invitational Player's Guide, Tournament Rules and Policies.

I agree that there are certain risks inherent in the game of golf and accept personal and sole liability for all such risks, including, but not limited to any health-related risks.

I agree that this entry is subject to rejection at any time (including during the Championship) by the Tournament Committee. The reason for rejection may include unbecoming conduct.

I agree that the responsibility for ensuring this application is received by the Donna Andrews Invitational Tournament Committee by no later than the tournament deadline is mine alone. I agree that the risk of delay or error in transmission lies solely with me and that the Donna Andrews Tournament Committee has no liability with respect to any such delay or error and the consequences therefrom, including rejection of entry.

I agree that The Donna Andrews Invitational Committee (the "Committee") or its designees, may record, film, photograph, or otherwise capture my likeness, image, voice, biography, references to me, my quoted statements, and my play in the Invitational (the foregoing, together with my name, constituting my “Appearance”).

In consideration of the opportunity to participate in the Invitational, by submitting my Application, I grant (or have the authority to grant to the Committee in the case of a parent or guardian of a minor or other authorized representative submitting the Application on my behalf) to the Committee, and its licensees, successors and assigns, the perpetual, transferable, assignable, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable right to use my Appearance, in whole or in part, in all manner (including exhibition, distribution, reproduction, publication, display, broadcast, transmission or otherwise), and media now known or hereafter invented or discovered, and for any purpose whatsoever.

I agree the rights granted herein include, without limitation, the right to use the Appearance, or portions thereof, in promotion of the Invitational, now or in the future through any of the above means of distribution, as well as in the design, manufacture and distribution of merchandise related to The Donna Andrews Invitational, that include elements of my Appearance.

I agree the Committee is not obligated to use my Appearance in any matter, and materials embodying any aspect of my Appearance do not need to be submitted to me for approval. I release and discharge the Committee, its licensees, successors and assigns from any claims arising from use of my Appearance, including claims for misrepresentation of me, my character, or my person by any means.

As between the Committee and me, the Committee shall own all right, title and interest, including the copyright(s), in and to any works created by the Committee, its licensees, successors and assigns, that include all or a portion of my Appearance.

I agree this grant shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, and the successors and assigns of the Committee. I hereby waive all privacy, publicity, defamation, libel, and proprietary rights relating to the Appearance as used by the Committee in conjunction with these terms.

I fully understand players are required to cooperate with representatives of the media; however, no pre-Invitational activities outside of those activities which are part of the Invitational will be required.