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2027 Membership Dues & Billing Changes
To continue providing the programs, services, and support that Arizona golfers and member clubs rely on, AZ GOLF will implement a $5 annual dues increase beginning with the 2027 membership year. This marks the Association's first dues increase since 2021. The multi-member rate for each additional club membership will remain unchanged at $15.
In addition, there are important updates regarding member billing, roster rollover settings, and the discontinuation of the pre-payment option effective October 1, 2026.
AZ GOLF is currently scheduling Course Ratings due in 2027 and 2028. If you know your course will be due, please feel free to submit the course rating scheduling form.
Rules of Golf AI
Rules of Golf AI is currently being beta tested by multiple clubs across the country, including a few in Arizona. It is expected to be launched to all GHIN users in the Spring of 2027.
GHIN App Redesign
USGA GHIN Mobile App Redesign is currently in Alpha and Beta testing and is expected to be launched to all GHIN users this fall. It will not only feature a new look and feel, but enhanced functionality as well.
What to expect:
- Built-in GPS improvements
- Green-reading heat maps
- Post-round 'GHINsights' to follow up on where your game is trending
Private Clubs: Merge Your Club Rosters
For private clubs managing the billing and payment for multiple associated clubs (GHIN Rosters), we ask that you consider merging the rosters if it makes sense for the clubs and staff. This will not only consolidate invoices and payments, but also make event management even easier with all members on one roster. In addition, when it comes time for the WHS Annual Assessment or Education requirement, only one submission would be required. If you would like more information or would like to schedule a merge of your associated club rosters, please contact Eric Hickenlooper (eric@azgolf.org) to coordinate.
Supporting Golf Course Excellence Since 1920
For more than a century, the USGA Green Section has been committed to helping superintendents and agronomists enhance the golfing experience by supporting turf health, renovations and resource management. They are dedicated to delivering scientific excellence, impartial expertise, and education for better playing conditions and enhanced environmental responsibility.
Meet Arizona's USGA Green Section Agronomist
Brian Whitlark joined the Green Section staff in 2008 and currently serves as the Regional Director in the West Region. He is located in Gilbert, AZ and makes Course Consulting Service visits in Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada, California, and New Mexico.
Brian graduated from the University of Arizona (1999) with a Masters in Soil Science with an emphasis in Turfgrass Science. He worked in the turfgrass industry for almost 10 years prior to joining the USGA Green Section in 2008 as an Agronomist for the West Region. Brian is a certified professional soil scientist and visits over 80 golf courses per year while conducting Course Consulting Service (CCS) visits.
bwhitlark@usga.org | 480-215-1958
Last week, AZ GOLF announced the launch of the AZ GOLF Foundation, a relaunch and evolution of the organization formerly known as the Arizona Golf Foundation.
Developed under the governance of AZ GOLF, the Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization supporting programs and initiatives which showcase golf's ability to change lives across the state. Its work centers on three primary pillars: Access, Pathways & Stewardship.
As of August 12 — 23,339 rounds have been recorded by 11,575 Youth On Course members at participating Arizona golf courses. This equates to a total subsidy of more than $125k back to the facilities.
Currently, 56 courses, all four Arizona Top Golf locations, three Golf Galaxy locations, Dick's House of Sport, and one Dick's Sporting Goods location are participating in the YOC program, which provides rounds of golf to junior member for $5 or less. If your facility is interested in learning more about becoming a YOC facility, click the button below to learn more. Link to YOC Facility Flier.
We would like to welcome the following new golf courses to the YOC Arizona family:
Oakcreek Country Club - Sedona
Junior National Golf Club - Goodyear
The Lakes at Ahwatukee - Ahwatukee
Palm Creek Golf Club - Casa Grande
Desert Sands Golf Course - Mesa
Sunland Village Golf Club - Mesa
TPC Scottsdale - Scottsdale
Stonecreek Golf Club - Phoenix
McCormick Ranch Golf Courses - Scottsdale
6 Years, 19 Million Trials, 4 Million Growth
'Okay Boomer'
Interesting Trend: According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of Americans aged 65+ has increased from 49.2 million to 64.6 million since 2016, which equates to a 97% increase of on-course golfers in the same age bracket over the same time period.