CHAUTAUQUA — The Women’s Golf Association (WGA) of the Chautauqua Golf Club is starting its 65th year of operation this season, and for the first time is offering members each week a choice to compete either in the usual 18-hole game or for those who prefer, a shorter nine-hole competition.

Prizes will be awarded for both 18- and nine-hole competitions with no handicap minimum required. The WGA welcomes all who want to play golf from beginners to well-seasoned players, so the nine-hole options will allow newer players and those with time constraints to participate in the league. There is no commitment to play every week and members can sign up as late as the day before the scheduled game.

Ladies can join the WGA at Chautauqua for a $40 fee for the season and need not be season members of the Chautauqua Golf Club to be members of the WGA. For those not season members, there is a reduced rate for greens fees and cart fees when playing WGA events. The WGA meets every Tuesday with usually an 8:30 a.m. shotgun game except for tournament games which have separate tee times.

The Chautauqua Golf Club has been in existence for more than 100 years, and has two 18-hole courses — the Hill Course and the Lake Course, designed by Donald Ross. The Chautauqua Golf Club’s Lake Course has been named one of Golf Advisor’s Best of 2018, ranking No. 5 in the website’s listing of the publicly accessible courses that delivered the best playing conditions. Chautauqua Golf Club was previously showcased by Golf Advisor in its “Best of 2017” listing as No. 6 on the “Top 25 golf courses in New York, according to reviews.” The club has also hosted the NJCAA Division III National Tournament for the past 20 years.

The club is managed by Troy Moss, head golf pro, and Trevor Burlingame, superintendent as part of Chautauqua Institution’s Department of Recreation. For more information about joining the Women’s Golf Association and the advantages of being a member, call the golf shop at Chautauqua (716-357-6211).