Golf Beginners Should Know Golf Organizations

Golf is one of the most well known sports in the world. It can be played both mans and women as well as the old or young. Because of its big popularity there are several golf organizations.

These organizations help to set standards, make rules, hold tournaments and provide information to further the game of golf. Golf organizations are primarily divided between amateur and professional. There are many local branches of organizations that provide information and sponsor local and regional golf tournaments. There are golf organizations throughout the world.

When determining the applicable rules of golf you can turn to your local golf organization for information. When searching for golf equipment you can look for items that have been sanctioned by these golf organizations. You can be sure that this equipment is high quality and meets the standards put forth by the organization. The organizations also sponsor youth events and scholarships for interested and talented young adults.

Amateur Organizations

USGA:
The United States Golf Association is one of the main amateur golf organizations in the world. It sanctions the US Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. The USGA offers educational information on the game of golf and provides rules and handicap status to players.

RCGA:
The Royal Canadian Golf Association governs men amateur golf in Canada including the rules of golf as well as the amateur and junior championships. Among these tournaments are the Canadian Open, the Canada Senior Open and the Canadian Women's Open.

ELGA:
The English Ladies' Golf Association is the governing body for women's amateur golf in England. It helps to further the game of golf for women in England by providing educational information as well as sponsoring tournaments. An offshoot of the LGA, other groups are located in Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

Professional Organizations

PGA:
The Professional Golf Association is recognized as the premier professional association of the world. It has representation in most large countries including the United States, Britain and Canada. It is responsible for maintaining the rules of golf and for sanctioning professional tournaments including the PGA championship and the Masters.

LPGA:
The Ladies Professional Golf Association is the professional association for women players around the world. It maintains leader boards and point standings for professional women golfers. It also updates golf rules as they apply to women.

Tournaments

Masters:
This tournament is an annual event held each year since 1934 in the United States. This is an invitation only tournament and features only the best players of the year. This is a week long event culminating in the top golfers competing on the final weekend.

US Open:
A major United States men tournament, this annual US event is held each year at a different course. The event is known by its very difficult course configurations. British Open - This is the world's oldest men golf championship. It is held each year and features top players from around the world. A prestigious event, the tournament is difficult and play is among the best players.