Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to travel to Westfield Group Country Club to meet with GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans, as well as many other members of the Northern Ohio GCSA and Central Ohio GCSA chapters. Rhett was responsible for addressing the members of the NOGCSA during their June monthly meeting. Rhett's presentation detailed ways that GCSAA is advocating for superintendents and the golf industry as a whole. Here are some highlights that he covered:
- The Clean Water Rule (formerly WOTUS – Waters of the United States) was put forth by the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The rule was jointly released in April 2014 and was finalized in May of this year; the rule has not been submitted into the Federal Register yet, so it has not gone into effect as of now. Under the rule, many golf course body of waters may come under federal jurisdiction. If this is the case, it may be mandatory for golf courses to acquire federal permits for any land management activities in or around the body of water, including pesticide or fertilizer applications. The GCSAA is asking for your help in getting this rule blocked in the Senate. Send a message to your senator through this form urging him/her to vote "yes" on Senate Bill S. 1140. Everything is pre-populated, you only need to enter your name and address. Please go to the website today!
- The association is committed to advancing the superintendent profession and the 'Thank a Golf Course Superintendent' campaign is helping to do just that. Phase one of the campaign aired on The Golf Channel around the time of the Masters and Phase two and three will come out later this year. The campaign was very successful and we had over 1,000 notes of appreciation submitted. GCSAA has selected a winner of the contest correlated with the campaign, who won a trip to this year's PGA Championship taking place at Whistling Straits.
- We all know golf is facing challenges like many other industries, but there are many positives to take away, as well. Even with over 100 courses closing a year, the industry remains in a healthy position. Participants enjoying the game and the amount of rounds played remained steady last year, even with the poor weather much of the U.S. experienced in 2014.
- National Golf Day in Washington D.C. had a strong superintendent showing. Many members of GCSAA made the April trip to D.C. to meet with lawmakers and legislators to make sure golf's voice is heard. Chava McKeel and her government relations team is doing a great job for the association, and with her continued efforts, golf facilities and your interests as a turfgrass manager are well-represented. Advocacy on issues like the Clean Water Rule and the H-2B visa program are just a couple examples of the quality work being done to serve members and the industry as a whole.
- The Grassroots Ambassador program has seen good participation thus far. The goal of the program is to pair a member of GCSAA to a member of Congress. Once paired, the ambassador spends only a couple of hours a month educating the representative on the impact golf facilities have on the economy, the positive environmental contributions golf courses have on local wildlife and the positive effect golf courses have on local communities. Ambassadors are still needed to team up with a member of Congress. If you are interested, find more information on the program and sign up here.
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