I received a mailing from the USGA (U.S. Golf Association) today (I am not a golfer although I do watch from time to time when Tiger Woods play). Here is what the letter shows:
Individual, and Junior Membership Benefits ($15 a year – $25 for dual membership)
• Latest edition of the “The Rules of Golf”
• USGA Championship Annual and U.S. Open Program publications
• Personalized USGA bag tag, Member ID and Member Handbook
• Preference over the general public to apply for USGA Championship tickets, including the U.S. Open
• An annual subscription to Inside the USGA
• Special Member Discounts on merchandise from our catalog and online store
• Exclusive Members-only U.S. Open Hat
• Volunteer opportunities at USGA Championships
• Discount car rental pricing at Hertz.
• Just added! Special USGA Member only rate to any 1-day ESPN Golf School Program.
• All items listed above plus:
• USGA Calendar and U.S. Open Ball Marker/Repair Tool
• One year of Travel + Leisure Golfsubscription value is $19.90, etc.
In the mailing, this website is also included: https://members.usga.org/join
I had no interest to join the USGA prior to this mailing. But because I received the mailing and how things were worded, I joined online. After I joined, I immediately got the following message:
Congratulations and thank you for supporting the USGA and our Members Program!
By becoming a Member, you are helping the USGA to write and interpret the “The Rules of Golf”, promote the amateur game and introduce men and women to the sport.
Your confirmation number is XXXXXXXXX. Your credit card will be billed for $15. Your Membership Benefits Package will arrive in 4-6 weeks.
If you would like to make any changes or if you would like to speak to a customer service representative, please call 800-XXX-XXXX (9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET) or e-mail us at membership@usga.org.
I remember similar promotional effort back in the 80’s and 90’s from the USCF. What would attract you to join any organization?
I paid $25 for my USGA membership.
Good bargain. That’s what I look for.
When my pawns get down to the sixth or seventh rank, I like to use a well-crafted putter to ‘nudge’ them on to victory!
Susan, if you are AT ALL considering taking up golf, I would urge you to do so. It’s one of the best participation sports out there. It can be played well into old age, you’re out with nature and it’s also a very social game. Golf also has a long tradition of honor and respect, two things I know you value. Besides, Texas is home to some very famous golfers as well as golf courses. It is a wonderful sport.
Oh, I forgot to mention…here’s a fascinating news article about two boys getting back-to-back holes-in-one at TPC Sawgrass…
Enjoy!
Brother Al
I would consider paying a fee to join an organization if I felt I was getting good value for the money and if it is active in promoting women’s participation. Based on the information you posted, the list of benefits provided by membership certainly seems to provide good value in return for the $15 membership fee. I also liked the fact that you received an immediate email confirmation that thanked you for joining and said that by joining you are helping promote the game of golf among potential players, including women. One doesn’t have to be a golfer to admire the way the USGA is promoting itself and golf. USGA has also evidently put its money where it’s mouth is in promoting the game to women. There are now more female golfers than ever before and more women on the pro tour.
Jan Newton
http://www.goddesschess.com