I had the opportunity to spend 3 days this week in Washington D.C. where on Monday and Tuesday I participated in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Government Relations Committee meeting. I have the privilege to be 1 of 10 superintendents from around the country who serve on this committee. During the meeting we discussed priority Government Relations issues affecting the golf industry. Some of these issues included the proposed Waters of the United States (WOTUS), pesticide and fertilizer regulations, water quality and quantity, the H2B visa program, ADA accessibility and the past exclusion of golf from disaster relief funds.
Tuesday we had the opportunity to meet with the offices of Senator David Vitter (R-LA), Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS). These Senators all chair committees important to the GCSAA Government Relations Committee agenda.
GCSAA Government Relations Committee with Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS)
On Wednesday, the Government Relations Committee and the GCSAA Board of Directors participated in National Golf Day, which is organized by WE ARE GOLF. GCSAA, along with the Club Managers Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners Association, the PGA of America and the World Golf Foundation are founding members of WE ARE GOLF. On National Golf Day participants divided and conquered "The Hill" meeting with many Senators, Representatives and their offices to discuss the benefits of golf and ask for help on golf related issues. I was privileged to have meetings with the offices of Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th), Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16th), and Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL-25th).
Myself with Rep. David Jolly (R-FL-13th) and Winter the Dolphin
Founded in 2009, WE ARE GOLF was formed in part because it was evident the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Perceptions of the game simply did not coincide with reality. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry. As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation and our elected officials have a better understanding of the myriad of benefits the game brings to their communities.
The nearly two million U.S. jobs generated by the nearly $69 billion golf industry, and its vast economic reach are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. In addition to better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.
We were also fortunate to be in Washington D.C. At the perfect time for cherry blossoms!
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