Association/Organization
Some of the well-known associations in golf may be the most noteworthy businesses of them all – in terms of making money, growing the game and influencing the industry.
There certainly aren’t many organizations with more clout in the sport than the professional tours, which make millions of dollars from corporate sponsorships and television deals while also activating player-development and charitable initiatives. Other noteworthy trade associations in this category provide vital education, information and advocacy to their nationwide, and often global, membership.
The First Tee, meanwhile, is more than a player development program; it’s more about providing youth with educational programs that build character, instill life lessons and promote healthy choices – all through the game of golf.
Another diverse bunch, there are seven associations in the NGF GOLF 100.
American Junior Golf Association
The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is regarded as one of the premier junior golf associations in the world — a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to the overall growth and development of young men and women who aspire to earn college golf scholarships through competitive junior golf.
View CompanyAmerican Society of Golf Course Architects
The ASGCA is comprised of experienced golf course designers located throughout North America, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering professionalism, supporting golf design excellence, helping grow the game, and expanding opportunities to help association members better serve their clients.
View CompanyFirst Tee
The First Tee has been golf’s most influential youth development program for more than two decades, using the platform of golf to offer character education and long-term life skills to kids and teenagers.
View CompanyGCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is the professional association for more than 18,000 men and women members who manage and maintain the game’s most valuable resource: the golf course.
View CompanyGolf Canada
Golf Canada is the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada, which is home to the third-most courses of any country in the world.
View CompanyLPGA
The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women, founded in 1950 and growing from its roots as a playing tour into a nonprofit organization involved in every facet of golf.
View CompanyNational Golf Course Owners Association
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is the leading authority on the business of golf course ownership and management, providing information and education to owners and operators, while also serving as an advocate for their best interests.
View CompanyPGA European Tour
The PGA European Tour is an organization that operates three of the leading men’s professional golf tours in Europe: the European Tour, the European Senior…
View CompanyPGA of America
The PGA of America is among the world’s largest sports organizations, comprised of almost 29,000 men and women golf Professionals who are recognized experts in teaching and growing the game.
View CompanyPGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is the biggest, richest and most powerful platform in professional golf — a $2 billion business that oversees far more than the tournaments and star players that fans see playing for millions of dollars in prize money every week.
View CompanyThe R&A
Formed in 2004, the R&A’s mission is to engage in and support activities undertaken to benefit the game. Although it derives its name from the membership club, it is separate and distinct from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
View CompanyUSGA
The USGA celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf, and has been committed to the best interests of the game since its founding more than 120 years ago in 1894.
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