As 2024 draws to a close, the United States Golf Association (USGA) celebrates advancements made by the USGA Green Section and U.S. National Development Program as well as organizational investments in national junior golf programs and career development that helped propel golf forward.

Capitalizing on the incredible growth and momentum the game is experiencing and an appetite for innovation across the industry, the USGA proactively addressed issues important to golf’s future, with a focus on driving sustainability, accessibility and inclusion.

“This has been a landmark year for both the USGA and the game, as we’ve seen continued growth in the number of people who play, excitement for our national championships, investments in golf course venues and a renewed commitment to ensuring the future is even stronger than our past,” said Mike Whan, USGA CEO. “From developmental pipelines that help shape tomorrow’s leaders – both on the course and in the boardroom – to serving as the industry’s trusted advisor on water and sustainability, to making the game more accessible and diverse, the efforts put forth by the USGA and those that support us have achieved levels we’ve never reached before.”

With 45 million people who play golf in the U.S., and millions more who are involved with the game through employment, volunteerism and fandom, the work put forth by the USGA impacts nearly every individual connected to the game, helping to ensure its vitality.

Key highlights from 2024 include:

Launch of U.S. National Development Program (USNDP) to expand access for top talent:

• 72 athletes and their families received 2024 grants through USNDP, totaling more than $650,000.
• An 18-player U.S. National Junior Team was established in March 2024, representing the country’s elite junior golf talent and providing them financial support and resources to reach the highest levels of the sport.
• With our Allied Golf Associations and the PGA of America, announced the State Junior Team Program to provide a pathway for athletes within each state to compete at higher levels of the game.

Leading the Way on Golf Course Sustainability and Innovation:

• With 47 projects in the pipeline focused on water conservation and sustainability, the USGA Green Section is proactively addressing golf’s usage of water, designed to arm golf courses with additional ways to manage resources more effectively.
• Named for the former USGA CEO, the Mike Davis Program for Advancing Golf Course Management develops and supports independent research for a healthier environment, community and playing conditions for the game of golf. Over $50 million has been invested across 800+ projects since 1983, with $1.6 million directed toward 88 current projects in 2024.
• Continued rollout and adoption of GS3, the Smartest Ball in Golf, giving superintendents more robust data to improve playing conditions by measuring putting green speed, trueness, smoothness and firmness through one easy-to-use device.