News

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

This past week I was fortunate to attend the USGA Annual Meeting in Napa, CA.  While the weather was not as warm as I had hoped, the energy of CEO Mike Whan and incoming President Fred Perpall has me excited for the direction our great game is heading.

I was also there to attend a meeting of the Allied Golf Association Council.  The USGA has a formal relationship with 57 State and Regional Golf Associations across the United States, and I am proud to say that the NYSGA is one of those Associations.  The USGA realizes the importance of our role in supporting golf at the regional and local level and has granted us the right and responsibility of delivering its Core Services (Rules, Handicapping, Course Rating, & USGA Qualifying) in our territory.

Beginning in 2023, I have been nominated to serve a three year term on the AGA Council, representing the Northeast along with Kevin Purcell of the New Jersey State Golf Association and Jesse Menachem of MassGolf.  Our role on the Council is fairly simple - to facilitate regular communication with the USGA and to work on common goals and initiatives.  

Right now we are working on a number of different projects, but first and foremost we are working together to double membership nationally over the next five years.  It is a bold initiative - but the statistics tell us that only about 10% of golfers actually keep a handicap index.  If we can find a way to get even a tenth of those folks to join our community we will be well on our way.

Last year the NYSGA eclipsed 40,000 members for the first time, and this year is already shaping up to be 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.