News

A monthly column from the NYSGA’s Executive Director, Bill Moore

A couple of weeks ago I attended the USGA Annual Meeting at Pinehurst.  While I spent most of the trip in meetings with my peers, I did get a quick nine in at The Cradle.  It is so much fun to play a short course where you can just hit a few wedges and enjoy some good company when you don’t have the time for a full round of golf.  With the winter we have had this year, I am not sure I was up for a full 18 holes anyway!

As you might expect there was lots of good news to celebrate at this year’s meetings, with the game growing at the local, state, and national level.  The message was clear to those in attendance - this is the time to double down and reinvest in the game at every level.

The NYSGA is doing just that, hiring two new staff members to better serve our members.  We are running a record number of events in 2025, not only bringing more championship opportunities to the top golfers in the state but conducting more net events than ever to give everyone a chance to compete.  We are also investing in communications, expanding our staff to bring you the stories, videos, and photos that bring golf in New York to life.

Three years ago the USGA, along with Allied Golf Associations like the NYSGA, embarked on an ambitious goal to double membership in 5 years.  While we have made some progress, we are not quite there yet.  Last year the NYSGA reached 44,000 members for the first time, and this year we are trending towards another record season.  If you are on the fence about becoming a member and keeping a handicap index, give it a try.  I think you will find it to be a worthwhile investment in your game and I know we would love to have you join us.

Most importantly, make a personal investment in the game.  Make a commitment to yourself to play more golf this year than you did in 2024.  Even if you don’t reach your goal, you’ll still enjoy the journey.