FFG (French Golf Federation)

What is the FFG in golf?

The FFG, or French Golf Federation, is the organization responsible for organizing and promoting golf in France. It currently uses the short name ffgolf, in lowercase, which you'll see on its license, website, and documents. It is an association to which the country's golf courses and sports associations are affiliated.

She was born on November 24, 1912, under the name'Union of French Golf Clubs, and then became the French Golf Federation on January 13, 1933.

What is the purpose of the French Golf Federation?

• The License: It issues the FFGolf license, which includes liability insurance and grants access to official competitions.
• The Handicap: It calculates and maintains the handicap of licensed golfers in accordance with the World Handicap System (WHS).
• The Rules: It enforces the Rules of Golf published by The R&A and the USGA in France and trains referees.
• The Courses: It standardizes the courses—that is, it measures their difficulty so that the handicap is calculated the same way everywhere.
• Competitions: It organizes the French championships and the schedule of amateur federation events, and supports the French national teams.
• Development: golf schools for youth, school golf programs, course access for beginners with the Carte Verte golf permit, and golf for seniors and people with disabilities.

How is the FFGolf organized?

The federation relies on regional leagues and departmental committees, which carry out its work on the ground: local competitions, training, and support for clubs. French golf has more than 700 organizations (golf courses and associations) affiliated with the federation.

Internationally, the ffgolf is a member of the European Golf Association and the International Golf Federation, which oversees golf at the Olympic Games.

Le Golf National, owned by the federation

The FFGolf owns the Golf National, in Guyancourt (Yvelines), which opened on October 5, 1990. This site was home to the 2018 Ryder Cup, the first to be held in France, followed by the golf tournaments of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Do you have to be a member of the FFGolf to play?

Not just for trying it out: the introductory classes offered at the clubs are open to everyone. A membership is required for:

• take the final exam for the PASS Carte Verte;
• obtain and develop a handicap;
• participate in competitions official documents, along with a medical certificate or the health questionnaire, as applicable.

Many golf courses also require a license—or proof of skill level—to book a tee time. You can usually obtain the license through your club for the calendar year.

FFG, PGA France: Who Does What?

The ffgolf represents all golfers and clubs. PGA France is the association of golf professionals, particularly instructors. The two work together—for example, on training beginners—but they are two separate organizations.