Are you a member of the USGA?

[Artimas]

If so, why.

If not, why not.

I'm trying to decide if I should join.

[boogielicious]

I like to be a member of the governing body of the sport I am involved with.  Did the same when I was bike racing.

[iacas]

I'm a USGA member and a PDGA member. And a PGA member. And I quite literally think that's about all of the official organizations to which I'm a member...

[dfreuter415]

Originally Posted by Artimas

If so, why.

If not, why not.

I'm trying to decide if I should join.

I've been a member since 1991. I believe in and support their goals, and what better way than through a membership.

From usga.org:

The United States Golf Association promotes and conserves the true spirit of the game of golf as embodied in its ancient and honorable traditions. It acts in the best interests of the game for the continued enjoyment of those who love and play it.

When you join, for $25 you get:
• Member-only U.S. Open golf hat
• Latest edition of The Rules of Golf
• USGA Championship Preview
• Personalized Members bag tag
• Advance priority to purchase U.S. Open ticket packages
...plus much more!

This alone is a great deal.

(https://members.usga.org/enroll/index.aspx?id=&source;=)

[David in FL]

Yep.  Have been for over 20 years.  I like to support the game, and supporting the organization that probably does the most to preserve the game is one of the easiest ways to do it.

Gotta admit, getting my U.S. Open hat is a highlight of every year too......and my Merion hat just came a couple of weeks ago!

[Fourputt]

Member since 1987 (except that back then, individuals were called associates, only clubs or organizations were members).

[Dave2512]

I am, the dues are so afforable there really isn't  a reason not to be. For the cost of a couple of burgers you get a rule book and a cool US Open hat as well as some other stuff.

[jamo]

I've been a member for a few years.

[newtogolf]

I joined mid-year in 2010.

[Golfingdad]

I don't know. Am I automatically a member if I am an scga member with a usga handicap? If not ... Then no. :)

[David in FL]

I don't know. Am I automatically a member if I am an scga member with a usga handicap? If not ... Then no. :)

Nope. Best $25 you'll spend though. Did I mention the hat?! :-D

[McObra]

Yes, I am.  The membership is well worth the cost. Probably cost at least that much to purchase the rules booklet, bag tag and hat.

[caniac6]

I have been a member since the 80's, But I am not going to renew. The last several years, I have had to call numerous times to get my benefits, and numerous times I have gotten the run around. I am just tired of having to beg for the things that they have promised to send me. This is probably an isolated case, but it has happened to me the last three years.

[NM Golf]

Did not renew my membership due to the upcoming anchoring ban. I'm sure my missing $25 will make them reconsider their position! lol

[dave67az]

FYI, you can order rules booklets for free whether you're a member or not.

https://www.usga.org/PublicationStore/PubStoreProductDetails.aspx?id=21474843679

No excuses not to have one, even if you don't want to pay for a membership.

[montru]

Yep, been a member since I moved here to the US. in 2004. If you you think about it, you'll pay $25+ for a hat at one of the clubs anyway, plus you get a personalized bag tag etc, and you are supporting a great organization.

[WACzpm89]

If you are an avid golfer who really enjoys the game, there is no excuse for not belonging to the USGA. You don't join for the "benefits." As others have said, you join to support the organization that  governs the world's greatest game. For example, the USGA donates millions of dollars to research organizations for turf management and other agronomic research directly related to maintaining golf courses. They also test equipment, manage the rule book, handicap system and also provide millions in grants to under-privileged and disabled individuals.

[Chas]

Yep, been a member since I moved here to the US. in 2004. If you you think about it, you'll pay $25+ for a hat at one of the clubs anyway, plus you get a personalized bag tag etc, and you are supporting a great organization.

Yes, but how many golf hats with U.S. Open stuff on them do you really need? :>) I wore the latest one to a gun show last weekend - maybe I interested some shooters ;)