The Rhode Island Golf Association is an association of Member Clubs. Individual members of a member club have the ability to join the RIGA and be eligible to participate in RIGA events. The RIGA conducts championships for Men and Women for higher level golfers and Weekly events that are intended to be more social.
There are different methods available to join the RIGA:
- For most clubs your membership is included with your club's GHIN fee.
- For all other RIGA member clubs you'll be able to register online. Clubs that do not include the RIGA membership and will need to pay online are as follows: Connecticut National Golf Club, Country View Golf Club, Crestwood Country Club, Crystal Lake Golf Club, Exeter Country Club, Foster Country Club, Green Valley Country Club, Laurel Lane Country Club, Montaup Country Club, New England Country Club, Newport Country Club, North Kingstown Golf Course, Quinnatisset Country Club, Sakonnet Golf Club, The Misquamicut Club, Segregansett Country Club and Weekapaug Golf Club.
The Rhode Island Golf Association is a non-profit organization of private and public clubs and courses dedicated to the service of golf in Rhode Island. Founded in 1902, our primary mission is to promote and preserve the traditions of the game of golf in the State of Rhode Island.
There were ten founding member clubs. They include Agawam Hunt, Choppequonset GC, Long Meadow GC, Melrose GC, Mianatuck GC, The Misquamicut Club, Newport CC, Pawtucket CC, Quinnobequin GC and Wannamoisett CC. Of the original ten, five are still active in the Association. The RIGA is now comprised of 54 member clubs. The Association is operated by an Executive Committee and Operating Committee. The day to day operations are managed by an Executive Director and his staff.
In 2013, the RIGA took another step to advance its mission by merging with the Rhode Island Women’s Golf Association. The merger provided the opportunity for the RIGA to serve all golfers in Rhode Island, regardless of gender.
For the 2024 season, the RIGA will conduct over 20 men’s and women’s major championships and over 50 Weekly Play dates.
Also, as the state representative of the United States Golf Association (USGA), the RIGA conducts local qualifying for both the USGA Amateur and Open Championships. Also in accordance with the USGA, the RIGA acts as the local authority on the Rules of Golf, and maintains a course rating and handicap system for member clubs.
MEMBER SERVICES
HANDICAPPING- Almost 13,000 Rhode Island golfers are served through the USGA’s Golf Handicap and Information Network (GHIN). With over 2 million golfers receiving handicaps, GHIN is the largest provider in the world. The RIGA provides the GHIN software, which includes a comprehensive tournament pairings program, the installation of the software, and any necessary training, as a complimentary service to our RIGA member clubs.
COURSE RATING - As part of our member services, the RIGA rates Member Club courses in accordance with the USGA Course and Slope Rating System. The USGA requires that all new golf courses be rated every three years for a period of nine years and then every seven to ten years thereafter.
RULES OF GOLF - The RIGA plays an important part in the Rules of Golf by being the official liaison between the ultimate authority on the Rules, the USGA, and the clubs. During the course of the year, the RIGA answers numerous phone inquiries regarding the Rules. As an additional member service, the RIGA will go to a member club and conduct a Rules seminar for its members for their everyday play.
COMMUNICATION - Through our website, www.rigalinks.org, we are able to inform our members as to what is happening in the Rhode Island golfing community and beyond. Schedule, results, general golf news and features are posted on our social media channels and on rigalinks.org.