What is the USGA?
The United States Golf Association is American golf's governing body — founded in 1894, headquartered in Liberty Corner, New Jersey, and joint author with the R&A of the Rules of Golf that govern the game worldwide.[1]
What does the USGA govern?
The rules and equipment standards (with the R&A); the World Handicap System and course rating; and fifteen-plus national championships — the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open at the summit, the U.S. Amateur and its siblings beneath — plus the Walker and Curtis Cup teams. Wyndham Clark won its 126th U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in June 2026.[1] [2]
Why does the USGA matter?
Its championships are open by name and by design — qualifying is on the record for any player with the game — and its handicap and rating systems are the objective measurement infrastructure of golf itself.[1] [3]
References
- USGA — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- U.S. Open — Clark wins by one at Shinnecock Hills (2026). Accessed August 2026.
- USGA — World Handicap System. Accessed August 2026.