How do you lobby the USGA?

Question

I would like to lobby for all golfers to have some sort of "card" that qualifies them to be on any given golf course. To get this card you must have gone through a class on golf etiquette and/or passed a test to qualify to be on a golf course. This would effectively eliminate idiots with zero etiquette who have no business being on the the golf course in the first place.

Answer 1

Start with your local country club, the one you belong to and challenge the Golf Committee to educate their own membership through the news letter, bulletin board information, golf cart inserts and general postings in the locker rooms. Then petition the state golf association to do something constructive  like developing  an orientation and short quiz for all new incoming members to either the public or private courses as handouts citing Section 1 Rules of Golf - Etiquette. No one should be on the course who doesn't know this basic premise of golf.

Answer 2

Perhaps you should go through the class first.  The tone of your question suggests that you are someone who needs to learn etiquette.

While it's a nice thought, the fact that golf courses are losing revenue in a soft market means that they won't be turning away golfers - respectful or otherwise, anytime soon.

Answer 3

Although the Idea seems great, It is hard to get the USGA to agree to do anything.

Answer 4

I like your idea.  I think eveyone should have a golfer's license that says they are qualified to be on the course.  Study would involve at least one season of caddying (this would increase the number of caddies available).  But with junior golf way down, the USGA is trying to encourage as many people as possible to play, and this course would only make it more difficult for people to start, so I don't think they will help us.