Information Network (GHIN), simplifying
the Rules of Golf; a shared membership
program; and updated technology tools to
better engage golfers.
“I live by the motto that if it’s not broken, break it, because it’s going to break.
Let’s try and stay ahead of the curve,”
Conkling said enthusiastically. “This collaboration deal with the USGA, I think, is
very timely. I have been very supportive in
working with them and will do whatever
we can, but it’s also going to create some
headaches down the road.”
Conkling was referencing the surplus
of regional associations in some states.
The VSGA, founded in 1904, is the only
association in Virginia. As it stands, 29
34
states have multiple associations. Four
states alone—California, New York, Ohio
and Pennsylvania—make up 30 percent
of the country’s SRGAs. Indications suggest that consolidation may make the
most fiscal sense for many. Conkling
cited one example at the VSGA in which
it merged with its women’s division.
Not only did it bring more women onto
the VSGA board of directors, but it also
provided more revenue to the division.
It just made sense.
That said, the USGA is preparing for
the future.
“My personal opinion is this is one of
the most important things the USGA will
do,” said Pete Giorgio, a sports consulting
V I R G I N I A G O L F E R | N O V E M B E R /D E C E M B E R 2 0 16
leader at Deloitte, which has helped guide
the USGA.
Many eyes will be transfixed on how the
transformation from GHIN—which provides handicapping services to SRGAs—to
a burgeoning technology program will
work. It’s a crucial piece because SRGAs
derive revenue from providing handicapping services. In the case of the VSGA, a
Handicap Index is just one of the many
member benefits.
Of course, the primary connections
between the USGA and SRGAs have
always been the administration of handicapping and, by extension, conducting tournaments and championships.
The infrastructure of both serves as the
foundation of the relationships.
Hirshland wouldn’t reveal details about
the new handicapping model, but added it
will be a vast improvement over the outdated G HIN and out-moded Tournament
Pairing Program (TPP). Licensee contracts
are set to expire soon, too, making it attractive for the USGA to pare down third-party
vendors they work with.
“I completely understand what the
USGA is trying to accomplish,” said Jane
Geddes, executive director of the International Association of Golf Administrators,
an organization that represents 81 associations, including the USGA. “They’re trying
to narrow whom they have to work with
while they try to make the product better.”
vsga.org
CHRIS LANG (2)
Qualifiers for USGA championships
are one way that the USGA and State
and Regional Golf Associations already
work together.