International Golf Federation facts for kids
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| Sport | Golf |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | International |
| Abbreviation | IGF |
| Founded | 2 May 1958 |
| Affiliation | International Olympic Committee |
| Headquarters | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| President | Annika Sörenstam |
| Vice president(s) | Ty Votaw |
| Official website | |
The International Golf Federation (IGF) is the main group for golf around the world. It was started on May 2, 1958. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) sees the IGF as the official world leader for the sport of golf.
The IGF has two main types of members. These members help manage golf globally.
- 132 national golf groups from 126 countries are members.
- 22 professional golf groups, like professional tours and associations, are also members.
Contents
History of the IGF
The IGF began in May 1958. Its first goal was to set up international golf competitions. It organizes two big team championships for amateur players. These are the Eisenhower Trophy for men and the Espirito Santo Trophy for women.
The group was first called the World Amateur Golf Council. In 2002, it changed its name to the International Golf Federation. This new name showed that it now helps manage all parts of golf, not just amateur play.
Where the IGF is Located
The main office for the IGF is in Lausanne, Switzerland. This city is right by Lake Geneva.
Who Makes the Golf Rules?
The IGF is different from many other sports groups. It does not create or manage the actual rules of golf. Instead, two older and very important golf groups handle the rules.
These groups are the United States Golf Association (USGA) and The R&A. The USGA sets rules for the United States and Mexico. The R&A, which came from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, sets rules for most other places. Together, they make sure golf rules are fair everywhere.
Major Golf Events
The IGF helps organize some of the biggest golf events.
Golf at the Olympics
Golf has become popular all over the world. Because of this, the International Olympic Committee decided to bring golf back to the Olympics. This happened after a vote in 2009.
Golf was part of the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Olympic Games. It will continue to be a main sport in all future Olympic Games. Golf was also played in the early Olympics in 1900 and 1904.
World Amateur Team Championships
The World Amateur Golf Team Championships started in 1958 for men and 1964 for women. These events bring together the best amateur golfers from different countries.
Men's Championship: Eisenhower Trophy
The Eisenhower Trophy is a world team championship for amateur men golfers. It happens every two years. The first event was in 1958. It is named after Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was the President of the United States at that time.
Women's Championship: Espirito Santo Trophy
The Espirito Santo Trophy is a world team championship for amateur women golfers. This event also happens every two years. It started in 1964. Mrs. Henri Prunaret and Lally Segard helped organize it. The trophy is named after Ricardo and Silvia Espirito Santo, who were friends of Segard and donated the trophy.
IGF Members
The IGF works with many different golf groups around the world.
National Golf Groups
The IGF includes 132 national golf groups from 126 different countries. These groups help manage golf within their own nations.
Continental and Regional Golf Groups
There are seven regional golf groups that work with the IGF's national members. These groups help organize golf in larger areas.
- Africa Golf Confederation
- Americas Golf Association
- Arab Golf Federation
- Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation
- Caribbean Golf Association
- European Golf Association
- South American Golf Federation
See also
- SportAccord
