This piece was first published on the USGA’s website.
In 2009, World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson, then 59, was on the verge of becoming the oldest major champion in history. After a nearly perfect iron shot into the 18th green landed firmly and rolled over the putting surface, Tom made bogey and lost in a playoff. Even so, it was an incredible runner-up finish.
Over the years, Tom and my dad, the longtime head golf professional at Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club, forged a strong friendship. Dad wanted to congratulate him on his inspiring performance. Knowing Tom had likely received hundreds of messages, I thought it unlikely we would ever hear back from him following his legendary near-miss.
To my surprise, Tom replied the very next day: “Truly appreciate your kind comments. It is an amazing game we all share.”
I carry Tom’s elegant sentiment with me as president of the USGA.
In today’s golf world, we see many attributes of the game that align with other major sports, particularly at the elite level. Professional golfers are remarkably athletic. The game has become a significant business and leaders of major golf organizations increasingly come from other sports, bringing valuable perspectives. Many of these comparisons and changes are justified.
;)
Jason E. Miczek/USGA
Yet golf is also enjoying tremendous popularity among amateur and recreational players. The game’s expansion to new audiences – including women, young people and people of color – has been remarkable. A renewed desire to spend time outdoors and together, along with robust social media outreach, have all helped drive interest in our game. Golf can get its hooks into you like few other passions. Its popularity is also growing through alternative and off-course versions of the traditional game, from driving ranges and golf entertainment complexes to indoor golf, screen golf, putting courses and more.
How wonderful that we have more golf around us. We should embrace these additional forms of the game because they break down perceptions and barriers while creating pathways into more traditional golf.
Alongside these new forms of the game and the growing interest in golf lies an important reminder: Golf is still different. It is meant to be different, and it has always been different. Much of the game’s beauty lies in its unique offerings. This is the game where three generations can share a course and teach one another its values. People from all walks of life, across all abilities and from every part of the world can enjoy playing together.
Golf is an antidote to isolation, promoting communication and connection among its participants. It takes place amid varied landscapes, fresh air and sunlight. It teaches us to look one another in the eye, take turns, offer encouragement, shake hands and challenge ourselves.
These are qualities we at the USGA know are worth defending.
The USGA works to diligently steward the game in a healthy direction. We also recognize that golf’s ecosystem is unique and wonderfully diverse. Its ongoing collaboration and partnership have evolved over hundreds of years, with the engagement of millions of golf-minded people – including players, volunteers, coaches, USGA members and countless others who give back to the game.
As a governing body, the USGA must work across the golf community to address and resolve differences. We take our engagement with fellow stewards of the game – and the insights we receive – very seriously. We are fortunate to share a common appreciation and love for the game.
What makes golf different is worth protecting. Let us remember that it takes all of us to unify, showcase, govern and advance the qualities that make this game so special.
We will do our part, and we thank you for doing yours.
