Far Hills, N.J. (August 30, 2010) – The Indian Golf Union has joined the United States Golf Association’s Golf Handicap and Information Network® (GHIN®), becoming part of a growing number of international federations within the GHIN family.
Founded in 1955, the Indian Golf Union (IGU) is the governing body of golf in India. Comprising 194 member golf courses and approximately 10,000 individual golfers throughout the country, the IGU manages an established junior golfer development program, conducts more than 20 annual championships for golfers including the Indian Open, and runs training programs for instructors and tournament officials through its subsidiary, the National Golf Academy of India. The organization also manages India’s participation in leading international amateur competitions including the World Amateur Team Championships.
“We are very pleased that GHIN’s important services will now be available to clubs and players throughout India,” said Maj. Gen. Abhi Parmar (retired), director general of the Indian Golf Union. “As evidenced by Indian-born Arjun Atwal’s recent victory on the PGA Tour, Indian golfers are making an impact throughout the world. Our association with the USGA and GHIN will bring an even higher level of professionalism to the game of golf throughout our country.”
“As the USGA Handicap System™ becomes more universally adopted by golf associations, federations and unions internationally, the GHIN Service is now positioned to be a true global handicap and member service provider,” said Christie Austin, chairman of the USGA GHIN Committee. “We look forward to serving these organizations and their members.”
Started in 1981 at the request of state and regional golf associations, the GHIN service has grown to serve more than 12,000 golf clubs and more than two million golfers. It is an optional offering for clubs in meeting the requirements of the USGA Handicap System that allows all golfers to compete on a relatively equal basis.
About the USGA
The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico. The USGA annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open and 10 national amateur championships. It also conducts two state team championships and helps conduct the Walker Cup Match, Curtis Cup Match and World Amateur Team Championships.
The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, maintains a Handicap System and celebrates the history of the game. Since 1983, the USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program has awarded more than $31 million to more than 400 research projects for better turf and a better environment at universities across the country. The USGA also funds an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to programs that bring the game’s values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org. |
