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The end of the 2022 USGA championship season is a great time to reflect on and celebrate a successful year. Our championships are open, inclusive, and fair competitions that showcase the best golfers in the world in every category, inspiring millions of fans, golfers, and (hopefully) future golfers alike.
Championships also fuel the lion’s share of funding for the USGA, generating over $200 million in revenue, and a $33 million surplus, annually. In addition, the USGA Members Program, the Club Membership Program and the USGA Foundation together generate over $20 million in revenue and a surplus of $5 million.
As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit, we invest everything we earn back into the game of golf. Aside from conducting championships and team events, we support the game in the following key areas: Sustainability, Rules, Handicapping and Growing the Game.
Environmentally sustainable golf courses and improved golfer experience are important for the game to thrive. Our $10 million annual investment fosters innovation, the adoption of best practices in course care, and funds research grants for the development of advanced grasses that require less water and other resources.
The Rules of Golf provide a global foundation for fair competition anywhere in the world. We invest $10 million annually in education and communication for officials, teaching pros, golfers, and anyone who wants to be well-versed in the rules. Our world-class USGA Research & Test Center applies science and engineering to ensure that success in the game continues to be measured by skill and not solely by the
equipment being used.
The USGA spends roughly $10 million on handicapping, including the World Handicap System™, Course Rating™ and the GHIN platform and mobile app. Through these investments we help connect all golfers so they can compete on a level playing field. In addition, the GHIN app allows players to track their stats and progress.
The USGA invests $8 million annually in growing the game through LPGA*USGA Girls Golf; The First Tee; Drive, Chip and Putt; and the USGA Boatwright Internship Program, and celebrates history through the USGA Golf Museum and Library. For golf to thrive, we need to welcome diversity and youth. LPGA*USGA Girls Golf reaches approximately 100,000 girls each year while teaching life skills and golf in a girl-friendly environment. Boatwright internships create a pathway for diverse talent to work in the golf industry, with more than 2,500 participants over the past 30 years.
Some golfers play the game for fun and camaraderie. Some play to be one with nature. Others play for the competition and achievement. Personally, I play for all these reasons. Whatever your reason, the USGA is behind you, working to keep the game thriving for the next 100 years.
Susan Pikitch is the USGA's chief financial officer.
