Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
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Membership FAQ
What is the USGA?
The USGA is a nonprofit organization that celebrates, serves and advances the game of golf. Founded in 1894, we conduct many of golf’s premier professional and amateur championships, including the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open. With The R&A, we govern the sport via a global set of playing, equipment, handicapping and amateur status rules. The USGA campus in Liberty Corner, N.J., is home to the association’s Research and Test Center, where science and innovation are fueling a healthy and sustainable game for the future. The campus is also home to the USGA Golf Museum and Library, where we honor the game by curating the world’s most comprehensive archive of golf artifacts.
Why should I become a USGA Member?
When you become a USGA member you are joining a community of players and fans who care deeply about the game. Membership supports a broad range of USGA initiatives, including:
- Increasing opportunities for amateurs, junior golfers, disabled golfers and others to participate in championships and community-based programs.
- Pursuing USGA-supported environmental research and education leading to sustainable course-management practices for the future.
- Maintaining the integrity of the Rules of Golf, equipment standards and handicapping standards that allow golfers everywhere to compete equitably.
- Preserving the history, traditions and defining moments of the game at the USGA Museum and Library.
Where do my USGA Membership dollars go?
Membership dues, above the cost of received benefits, support the work of the USGA that drives the vitality of the game, today and for generations to come.
How do I join the USGA?
Visit the USGA Membership page www.usga.org/join and select your desired membership level. Once you have selected your level of giving you will need to select either individual or dual membership. Follow the steps to complete your membership sign up. You may also join by calling the USGA Membership customer service department at 800-223-0041.
What is the difference between 'Individual' and 'Dual' memberships?
A dual membership covers two individual members. The member benefit package for both members ships to a single address. The cost of a dual membership is less than purchasing two individual memberships while still affording the second member the same benefits.
What benefits will I receive?
Along with our sincere thanks for becoming a USGA Member, you will receive a personalized USGA Member bag tag, a subscription to Golf Journal Magazine; 4 print issues/year and monthly digital editions, the Rules of Golf updates, the USGA Members Insider e-newsletter as well as various members-only special offers and invitations. Click here for a complete list of benefits associated with each membership giving level.
When will I receive my benefits?
Your member benefits packages will be mailed within four to six weeks after your membership payment is received. For membership giving levels of Champion Club or higher the USGA Championship Calendar is shipped in the fall for the coming year’s championship season.
How do I renew my membership?
If you have received a renewal notice via mail you may return the renewal portion of the form with your payment in the envelope provided. To renew online visit usga.org/renew and select your level of membership. You may also call the USGA Membership customer service department at 800-223-0041.
Why am I still getting renewal notices after I already renewed?
Many of our mailings are prepared in advance, and some members receive a notice after they have already sent in their renewal. If you have already renewed your membership, please disregard the notice. If you continue to receive notices, please contact our customer service department at 800-223-0041 to verify that we received your renewal. They will be happy to research the issue and get back to you promptly.
Are there any additional charges for membership if I reside outside of the U.S.?
If you reside outside the U.S. and are joining or renewing at the USGA Member or 1894 Club Membership levels, a $15 surcharge will be applied to cover shipping and handling. If you are paying online this will show as a separate charge on your credit card statement.
Is my USGA membership tax-deductible?
Depending on which membership level you choose, a portion of your annual dues may be tax-deductible. All members with a tax-deductible amount of $75 or greater will be notified via letter about the value of the tax deduction they will be eligible to take. If your membership contribution is under $75 you may request a tax letter by calling our membership customer service department.
Is a Handicap Index® part of my membership?
A Handicap Index® is not a benefit of USGA Membership. Handicap Indexes are issued by private or public golf clubs and authorized golf associations. To get a Handicap Index please visit usga.org/getahandicap.
How do I contact the USGA Membership customer service department?
To get answers for any USGA membership questions, please call 800-223-0041 or email membership@usga.org; Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
Can I give USGA Membership as a gift?
USGA Membership is a perfect gift for anyone with a passion for the game of golf. In addition, you and your gift recipient will each appreciate knowing that your gift is helping to support USGA initiatives for the good of the game.
How will my gift be announced?
Prior to the delivery of the member benefits package, the USGA will mail an announcement card to your gift recipient identifying you as the gift giver. Shortly thereafter, the recipient will receive a benefits package containing the thank you benefits associated with the level of membership you gifted to them.
What benefits will my gift recipient receive?
Recipients of gift memberships are entitled to the same benefits as all other USGA Members. Click here for a complete list of benefits associated with each membership giving level.
Can I give a dual membership as a gift?
Yes, a dual membership is a membership covering two individuals who reside at the same address.
How long will it take my gift to arrive?
It can take 4 to 6 weeks to process your payment and mail out the Member benefits package. If you need a gift for a particular holiday or birthday, please order well in advance.
Are my gift membership purchases tax-deductible?
Depending on which membership level you choose as a gift, a portion of the dues paid may be tax deductible. For gift memberships with a tax-deductible amount of $75 or greater you will be notified via letter about the value of the tax deduction you are eligible to take. If your membership gift is under $75 you may request a tax letter by calling our membership customer service department.
What happens when a gift membership is up for renewal?
When the one-year membership is due for renewal, you, as the gift giver, will receive the first three renewal notices. If you choose not to renew the membership, the following notices will go to the USGA Member who can then decide whether he or she would like to renew.
Donation FAQ
Why has the USGA created a Foundation?
The USGA is committed to leading the future of golf by supporting programs and initiatives that enhance the golfer experience, drive participation by juniors, beginners and golfers with disabilities, reduce the consumption of critical resources and develop the next generations of leaders who will change the face of golf. We established the USGA Foundation to help secure resources to fulfill the USGA’s commitment to invest in programs and innovative solutions that best serve golf for all who love and play it.
Are donations made to the USGA tax-deductible?
Yes, the USGA is a non-profit charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Monetary donations to the USGA are tax-deductible as long as no goods or services are provided in exchange for tax-deductible contributions.
What is the USGA federal tax ID number?
13-1427105 is our Federal Tax ID number (also known as an EIN, Employer Identification Number).
How do I donate to the USGA?
There are many ways you can give to the USGA.
You can donate online using our secure online donation form at www.usga.org/donate.
To donate by mail, please send your check or money order, payable to the USGA to:
USGA
Attention: USGA Foundation
77 Liberty Corner Road
Liberty Corner, NJ 07938
To donate by phone, using your credit card, please call our Customer Service Department toll-free, at 800-223-0041.
Can I make monthly, automatic donations to the USGA?
Yes, you can become a sustaining monthly donor by visiting www.usga.org/donate
and choosing the monthly option for giving.
What is the USGA President’s Circle?
The USGA President’s Circle was established in January 2021 to recognize supporters who gift $1000 or more through their membership, by donation or as a result of the combination of the two. To learn more visit www.usga.org/presidentscircle.
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Yes, all donations are acknowledged. Online transactions receive an email acknowledgment shortly after the transaction is complete. Donations made by phone or through the mail will receive an acknowledgment in the mail. Please be sure to keep the acknowledgment as your receipt.
If I decide to donate, does this change my USGA membership at all? Can I pay for my USGA membership and donate at the same time?
We value your support as a USGA member. Donations to the USGA do not impact your membership or membership expiration date. You may certainly renew your membership and provide an additional donation at the same time.
How can I learn more about workplace and employer matching gifts?
Many employers sponsor matching gift programs and will match charitable contributions made by their employees. If your company is eligible, the impact of your gift to the USGA may be doubled or possibly tripled! Contact your employer’s human resources department for more information. If your employer requires validation of your donation to the USGA in order to process the match, contact Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Gift Planning & Administration by email at susanw@usga.org or by phone at 908.234.2300 ext. 1949.
How do I donate in honor or memory of someone?
It’s easy to celebrate the milestones of a friend or loved one by making a donation to the USGA Foundation in their honor or memory. The USGA will send a card to the person or family in whose name the donation was made. Simply contact Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Gift Planning & Administration by email at susanw@usga.org or by phone at 908.234.2300 ext. 1949.
What assets can I use to make a gift to the USGA?
Whether you are making an outright gift or a legacy gift (bequest) in your will, the USGA welcomes many types of assets. Options include cash, publicly traded securities, non-publicly traded assets, real estate, retirement plans, life insurance policies and other possibilities. If you would like to learn more about USGA planned giving, please visit our website. It has many tools, resources and information to answer questions and help you formulate your plans or simply contact Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Gift Planning & Administration by email at susanw@usga.org or by phone at 908.234.2300 ext. 1949.
I would like to include the USGA in my will. What are the next steps?
A gift in your will is a meaningful way to support the future of golf—and it only takes one sentence in your will or trust. To assist you and your financial adviser in structuring planned gift contributions, we suggest visiting our website. If you plan to add the USGA as a beneficiary, please contact Susan Wasser, Assistant Director, Gift Planning & Administration by email at susanw@usga.org or phone at 908.234.2300 ext. 1949.
What if I have another question about the USGA or USGA Foundation?
For all donation or general questions, please call 800.223.0041 or contact foundation@usga.org.
Make a Donation
Your gift to the USGA helps ensure a strong future for the game.
