USGA

Making sure golf stays clear of the rough is par for the course at this organization. The United States Golf Association is the governing body for golf in the US, its territories, and Mexico. The not-for-profit group writes and interprets the rules of the game, provides handicap information, offers turf consulting, and funds equipment and course maintenance research and testing. It also holds several national championship events, including the US Open, the US Women's Open, and the US Senior Open. The group generates most of its revenue from the sale of broadcast rights to championship tournaments and other matches, as well as through membership fees. The USGA was founded in 1894.