Ohio Golf Journal April 2019

W ith the multitude of golf rules violations this season on the PGA Tour, the USGA has been receiving some very negative press. In 2019, the USGA and The R&A, keepers of the Rules of Golf, introduced sweeping changes to the rules, that were meant to speed up play and make the rules easier to understand. The jury is still out on the new rules, but hopefully over time, they will become better understood and accepted. The question we asked Ohio’s Golf Associations, How does the USGA help Ohio Golfers? Robb Schulze, Executive Director of the Northern Ohio Golf Association said, “The game of golf is so great because it’s the only game where players of every age, background and skill level can all participate together. The USGA How The USGA Helps through its regional golf associations wants to drive golf forward and enhance the experience, celebrate traditions, as well as, build the future leaders of golf.” The USGA is involved in golf in a variety of capacities. They oversee 14 national championships, that identify the best golfer in the land. All golf equipment used in tournament play must be approved and conform to USGA Standards. In addition, they oversee the national handicapping system, rate courses for slope and indexing, plus work to make golf courses eco-friendly for future generations. The USGA’s Green Section provides support to each region through the USGA Resource Management Tool to help ensure golf courses continue to maintain environmental stewardship. In an effort tomake golfmore inclusive, eachUSGA regional Allied Golf Association opened their memberships to include public, as well as, private clubs. In Ohio there are currently five Allied Golf Ohio Golfers Ohio Golf Journal