Concord, NH – The New Hampshire Open Championship, one of the Granite State’s most prestigious professional golf tournaments, is entering a new era. New Hampshire Golf announces major updates to the 2026 championship format, eligibility requirements, and field structure, reinforcing the tournament’s identity as a professional-first competition while enhancing the experience for players. The 2026 event will be held June 18–19, 2026 at Nashua Country Club in Nashua, NH, one of the state’s most historic and respected golf venues.
Among the major changes, NH Golf has refined tournament eligibility standards. The event will be open to New England PGA Section Members or Associates, non-PGA New Hampshire golf professionals who reside in New Hampshire, and all past New Hampshire Open champions. Amateurs must meet additional criteria, including New Hampshire residency and a verified 2.4 Handicap Index or lower. All PGA professionals, including New England Section and New Hampshire Chapter members, will be required to provide their PGA membership number at registration, while New Hampshire professionals who are not PGA members must clearly designate their non-PGA status when entering. For more information about eligibility criteria, visit the New Hampshire Open Tournament Information Page (TIP).
A new, phased registration timeline has been introduced to ensure professionals receive priority access into the field. From February 2nd through April 14th, 2026, registration will be open exclusively to eligible professionals, with amateur registration opening on April 15, 2026.
Amateur entry opportunities have also been restructured, the most notable change being that amateur registration will make up no more than 20% of the active field. Nashua Country Club, as the host venue, will receive two (2) amateur exemptions into the championship field, while all remaining amateur spots will be awarded strictly based on order of registration. With a limited number of amateur positions available, NH Golf encourages eligible players to register quickly once the window opens.
A new verification process has also been implemented. All players will initially be placed on a pending list upon registration, while NH Golf conducts a full eligibility review to confirm residency, Handicap Index, professional status, and past champion credentials before final field approval is granted.
The 2026 championship will also introduce several exciting enhancements to tournament play. The event will now feature 36-holes of stroke play competition, a change from the 54-hole championship played in previous years. A skins competition will be offered on both days of the event, adding a new level of excitement and earning potential throughout the tournament. In addition to the overall purse, separate purses will be awarded across the Overall Division, NH PGA Chapter Division, Senior Division, and Amateur Division, with final purse amounts to be published once the field size is confirmed. Every competitor in the 2026 New Hampshire Open will also receive a commemorative tee gift to honor their participation in the championship.
“This tournament has long represented the highest level of golf in New Hampshire, and these updates reflect our commitment to strengthening the professional game and elevating the championship experience,” said Kinsey Hoffmann, New Hampshire Golf Tournament Director. “We’re proud to host this next chapter at Nashua Country Club, a venue that embodies the tradition, excellence, and competitive spirit this event was built on.”
With these strategic updates, New Hampshire Golf is positioning the 2026 New Hampshire Open Championship to showcase the state and region’s top professional talent.
