Are you a member of the USGA?

[Artimas]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm going to pony up for a membership..

[BuckeyeNut]

I'm not a member..........I guess I am selfish.

[bkuehn1952]

Have been an associate and now a "member" for many years.  I feel one should support the governing organization if one is an avid golfer.

While I support the organization, I think the USGA is too much of an old boys (& now girls) network insulated from the real world.  The entire board consists of private club members and true membership in the organization is limited to clubs (not individuals, not public access courses).  They are starting to come around a bit to address real issues like pace of play but still seem too wrapped up in issues that only affect the "1%" rather than the other "99%" like you and me.

[SandhillsGal]

BKuehn seems to be the only one here who gets it. The USGA is an organization of golf CLUBS and the by-laws limit voting to clubs run by members as opposed to owners.  In other words, the USGA is basically run by the representatives of a few thousand overwhelmingly private clubs.  As for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who send them money every year, here's what the USGA has to say: "individuals who pay prescribed annual amounts to the Association, called Associates prior to July 1, 1991, will be called Members but will have the same status as Associates had before that date. They will not have any of the rights or obligations of Member Clubs".  Individuals are simply making a donation and getting a few benefits in return.

If it's worth $25 a year or whatever to you to feel like you're supporting golf, or to get first crack at tickets few people can use or a rule book you can buy for $4, that's your choice and good for you.  But if you think it will actually make you a member and you'll get any say whatsoever in running the organization or setting the rules, you're falling for a snow job.  The USGA couldn't care less what you think.  That I was a USGA "member" for more than two decades, and they never so much as sent me an opinion survey proves that.

[Meltdwhiskey]

I am not a USGA member, but I am a GSGA member for my handicap and such.  I don't get a hat, but they did give me a membership to Golf Digest.  And I get a handicap.

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by SandhillsGal

BKuehn seems to be the only one here who gets it. The USGA is an organization of golf CLUBS and the by-laws limit voting to clubs run by members as opposed to owners.  In other words, the USGA is basically run by the representatives of a few thousand overwhelmingly private clubs.  As for the hundreds of thousands of individuals who send them money every year, here's what the USGA has to say: "individuals who pay prescribed annual amounts to the Association, called Associates prior to July 1, 1991, will be called Members but will have the same status as Associates had before that date. They will not have any of the rights or obligations of Member Clubs".  Individuals are simply making a donation and getting a few benefits in return.

If it's worth $25 a year or whatever to you to feel like you're supporting golf, or to get first crack at tickets few people can use or a rule book you can buy for $4, that's your choice and good for you.  But if you think it will actually make you a member and you'll get any say whatsoever in running the organization or setting the rules, you're falling for a snow job.  The USGA couldn't care less what you think.  That I was a USGA "member" for more than two decades, and they never so much as sent me an opinion survey proves that.

So what's your point? I didn't join to vote, I joined 26 years ago to keep up on the rules and other news pertinent to the game I love.  My dues goes to things like turfgrass research, which  has led directly to better golf courses and more pristine greens, even on the muni which has been my home course for 35 years.  That is all the benefit I expect or require.  I'd be happy to give them my $25 each year even if I didn't get a hat and rule book.

$25 is a pittance.  Most people drop more than that each week on junk food.

[BuckeyeNut]

Originally Posted by Meltdwhiskey

I am not a USGA member, but I am a GSGA member for my handicap and such.  I don't get a hat, but they did give me a membership to Golf Digest.  And I get a handicap.

I'm the same way....... I've paid for and maintained and official USGA HC since 1996, so I feel that is enough to support the organization.

[Bobtrumpet]

I like the bennies, but I like supporting the research they do, especially in course maintenance.

[GaijinGolfer]

Yup, Ive been a member of the USGA since '98.  I feel like I should support the governing body of golf and give a little back to this game.

[MPtheKid]

I was just thinking about this. I haven't been a member of the USGA to date, although I was thinking that I should become one. I would like to show a little support for the governing body of a sport that I love. Not really concerned if I have a say in anything or not, but it would be nice to make a small contribution.