398 - Kevin Hammer: President of the USGA

Kevin Hammer discusses his path into golf administration and his role as president of the USGA. He says he grew up around golf in South Florida, with a father who played college golf, competed on the PGA Tour, and later worked as a club director of golf. He also says he played junior and college golf, but moved into administration through state and regional golf work before joining the USGA.

He explains that his interest in administration began in part through helping with junior golf for his daughter and wanting to improve events for all players. He says his family had long given back to the game through charity events and club work, and that this set an example for him. He adds that he still values the game and hopes to remain involved in it for years to come.

Hammer describes the USGA as a broader organization than it once was. He says its traditional roles include championships, rules, and handicapping, but that it now also works in areas such as development programming, internships, environmental research, and a new rules AI tool. He says the USGA’s role is to steward the game, welcome different forms of golf, and protect its traditions.

He also discusses the balance between growing golf and preserving its values. He says the USGA and the R&A need to act as a counterbalance to extremes while accepting increased interest in the game from media, celebrities, and younger players. He says golf should remain respectful, and that how the game is played matters as much as the competition itself.

On championships, Hammer says the USGA plans venues far in advance because long-term partnerships allow for repeated hosting, investment, and improved championship conditions. He says this approach helps clubs and can encourage other clubs to support the game in smaller ways.

He says the golf ball distance issue remains under discussion, and that recent talks with professional players have helped build more agreement that the topic needs to be addressed. He also says the USGA is working to expand match play coverage and is preparing to release a rules AI tool in the next 12 to 24 months.

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