With 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 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 to make golf more inclusive, each USGA regional Allied Golf Association opened their memberships to include public, as well as, private clubs. In Ohio there are currently five Allied Golf Associations, Northern Ohio, Miami Valley, Ohio (Columbus), Toledo and Greater Cincinnati, that collect data and provide USGA services to the grass roots golfer.
Steve Jurick the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Golf Association told us,
“Amateurs and casual golfers at local courses are the foundation of the game of golf. The USGA through it handicapping system and administration of a standard set of rules assures a fair game for all. In Ohio, the Allied Golf Associations support USGA programs and provide resources and education for area golfers. To help with this effort the USGA provides Grants and Staffing to the regional associations through the P.J Boatwright Program, which has been in existence for over 25 years.”
Matt Lefferts from the Ohio Golf Association also talked of the importance of the USGA along with the Allied Golf Associations,
“The USGA provides USGA Handicaps and Course Ratings for their member courses. These local associations are also entrusted to conduct USGA Championship Qualifiers in each region and disseminate educational materials to keep members informed on golf related topics.”
The Governing body of Golf in the United States, the USGA, is working through the five Allied Golf Associations in Ohio to keep golf vibrant and growing in the state.
