International Golf Federation facts for kids
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| Sport | Golf |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | International |
| Abbreviation | IGF |
| Founded | 1958 |
| Affiliation | International Olympic Committee |
| Headquarters | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| President | Annika Sörenstam |
| Vice president(s) | Ty Votaw |
| Official website | |
The International Golf Federation (IGF) is like the main boss for golf around the world! It was started in 1958. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognizes the IGF as the group that helps manage golf globally. The IGF has two main types of members:
- 132 national golf groups from 126 countries.
- 22 professional golf groups, like big golf tours and associations for pro golfers.
Contents
History of the IGF
The IGF used to be called the "World Amateur Golf Council" until 2003. When it was first created in 1958, its main job was to set up international competitions for amateur golfers. It still organizes two big world championships for amateur teams: the Eisenhower Trophy for men and the Espirito Santo Trophy for women.
Where the IGF is Located
The main office for the IGF is located near Lake Geneva in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Who Makes the Rules of Golf?
Unlike many other international sports groups, the IGF doesn't create or manage the official rules of golf. Instead, these rules are made and looked after by two different organizations:
- The United States Golf Association (USGA) handles the rules for the United States and Mexico.
- The R&A (which came from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews) takes care of the rules for the rest of the world. This group has historically been in charge of golf's rules.
Golf Events and Championships
Golf at the Olympic Games
Golf was one of the very first sports in the Olympics way back in the 1904 Games in St. Louis, USA. At that time, only the United States and Canada competed. Golf became popular all over the world, and after a few tries, the International Olympic Committee decided to bring golf back to the Olympics in 2009. Golf was part of the 2016 Summer Olympics and the 2020 Olympic Games.
World Amateur Golf Team Championships
The World Amateur Golf Team Championships started in 1958 for men and 1964 for women. These are big competitions where amateur golfers from different countries play as teams.
Men's Championship: Eisenhower Trophy
The Eisenhower Trophy is a world team championship for amateur men golfers. It happens every two years. The first one was held in 1958. The event 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. It also happens every two years. It started in 1964 and was organized by Mrs. Henri Prunaret and Lally Segard. The trophy is named after Ricardo and Silvia Espirito Santo, who were friends of Segard and donated the trophy.
IGF Members and Groups
National Golf Federations
The IGF includes 132 national golf groups from 126 different countries. These are the main golf organizations within each country.
Continental and Regional Golf Groups
There are seven regional golf associations that work with the IGF's national members. These groups help organize golf in different parts of the world:
- 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
