This piece was first published in the The USGA website.
In 2009, World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Watson, then 59, was close to becoming the oldest major champion in history. After a near-perfect iron shot on the 18th green landed firmly and rolled onto 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 father, the longtime golf pro at Delray Dunes Golf & Country Club, have forged a strong friendship. Father wanted to congratulate him for his inspiring performance. Knowing that Tom had probably received hundreds of messages, I thought it unlikely that we would ever hear from him after his legendary almost message.
To my surprise, Tom replied the next day: “Really appreciate your kind comments. It’s an amazing game that we all share.”
I will carry Tom’s elegant sentiment with me as USGA President.
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 the leaders of major golf organizations are increasingly coming from other sports, bringing valuable perspectives. Many of these comparisons and changes are justified.
Jason E. Miczek/USGA
Yet golf also enjoys tremendous popularity among amateur and recreational players. The game’s expansion to new audiences—including women, youth, and people of color—has been remarkable. A renewed desire to spend time outdoors and together, along with robust social media outreach, have helped spur interest in our game. Golf can put its hooks in you like few other passions. Its popularity is also growing through alternative versions and outside 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 paths in more traditional golf.
Alongside these new forms of play and the growing interest in golf lies an important reminder: golf is always different. It is meant to be different, and 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 their values. People from all walks of life, all abilities and from all parts of the world can enjoy playing together.
Golf is an antidote to isolation, it promotes communication and connection between its participants. It takes place in the midst of varied landscapes, fresh air and sunshine. It teaches us to look each other in the eye, to take turns, offer encouragement, shake hands and challenge.
These are qualities that the USGA knows are worth defending.
The USGA is working diligently to steer the game in a healthy direction. We also recognize that the golf ecosystem is unique and wonderfully diverse. Their partnership and ongoing partnership have evolved over hundreds of years, engaging millions of golfers – including players, volunteers, coaches, USGA members and countless others who give a hand to the game.
As a governing body, the USGA must work throughout the golf community to address and resolve differences. We take our engagement with fellow gamers – 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. We remember that it takes everyone to unify, show, rule and advance the qualities that make this game so special.
We will do our part, and we thank you for doing yours.