About Maine Golf
Overview
Maine Golf is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen today’s game, launch tomorrow’s, and lead the collective effort to grow the game of golf in Maine. Founded in 1917 as the Maine State Golf Association, Maine Golf is currently comprised of 123 member clubs and approximately 18,000 golfers from across all 16 Maine counties.
Maine Golf is one of 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGA) of the United States Golf Association. The association provides an approved Handicap Index® in conjunction with USGA, conducts statewide championships for golfers of all abilities, fosters junior golf, oversees a longstanding scholarship fund, and promotes the game for the golfers of Maine.
The Maine Golf Scholarship Fund, once known as the Maine Caddie Scholarship, is the primary charity of the association. A portion of all revenue generated by Maine Golf is set aside for the fund, which has assisted more than five hundred Maine students with the cost of higher education since its inception in 1950. To date, the Scholarship Fund has given more than $2.1 million to deserving Maine students with an interest in golf. Annually we award nearly $100,000 to each class of graduating seniors.
Core Services
As an Allied Golf Association of the USGA, Maine Golf provides numerous services both for the players and golf clubs around the state. For a general overview of the services we provide, see the list below. Click on any of the headers below for more detailed information on any of these services we provide for the state.
Competitions and Play Days
Maine Golf has been running tournaments since its start in 1917, and conducting fun and competitive championships remains part of our foundation. We conduct individual and team championships for men and women throughout the year to determine state champions, but also run Play Days, more casual events but still a fun way to play around and see some of Maine’s great courses. No matter your age or ability, there is a Maine Golf tournament for you.
Administration of World Handicap Service / GHIN
Golfers can obtain and maintain a Handicap Index through our member clubs or the USGA, which allows players of all abilities to compete on an equitable basis. Perhaps you’re just getting your handicap for the first time? Use the link above to learn how to create a Digital Profile so you can start posting scores today and get started with your new Handicap Index!
Youth on Course / Junior Golf
Golf is nothing without the next generation of young players, so we work hard to support programs that develop and foster Maine’s future golfers. Youth on Course provides access to junior golfers to play golf at participating facilities for $5 or less.
Scholarship Fund
The charitable branch of Maine Golf, the Scholarship Fund has donated more than $2.1 million since 1950 (and nearly $100,000 on an annual basis) to deserving Maine students to pursue higher education.
Regional/National Advocacy for the Golf Industry
Maine Golf works on behalf of our member clubs to attend meetings with government leaders every year to educate them on the industry and stay on top of pertinent topics (pesticides, water use, etc.) that can affect the game here at home. We also work with the Maine Tourism Association and Maine Department of Outdoor Recreation to ensure golf remains a major player in the tourism industry of our state.
Course Ratings
As part of the World Handicap System, Maine Golf is responsible for overseeing staff and volunteers to conduct Course Ratings at more than 120 courses around the state.
Golf Genius
All member clubs are given access to Golf Genius, a powerful yet simple tool to help golf course staff administer tournaments and leagues at the club level.
Maine Golf Center Freeport
As part of our rebranding in 2022, Maine Golf began a lease with L.L. Bean to oversee the 9-hole facility in Freeport. The course and driving range provides a stress-free environment for players of all abilities to work on their games.
Find a Maine Golf Course
We hope to drive golfers to courses through our website. We utilize a regional approach similar to the websites of the Maine Office of Tourism and Maine Tourism Association.
Member and Community Message Boards
A part of our website, this allows members to find other members looking to play in our events and a place where charity events can be posted for all to see.
