Being neighborly

Over the course of the past couple months, in the spirit of bringing members together, chapters have held events with their neighboring chapter. Beginning in mid-April, the Bluegrass GCSA and Kentuckiana GCSA brought their members together for the annual Powell Cup. Following suit in May, the Michigan GCSA crossed over country lines to go head-to-head against the Ontario GSA in the Can-Am competition; and taking place next week, the Southern Illinois GCSA will compete against the Mississippi Valley GCSA chapter in a friendly competition outside of St. Louis.

Members from the BGCSA & KGCSA heading out for the Powell Cup at Champions Trace Golf Club.

Chapter competitions are nothing new. A couple of these events have been going on for decades, and other similar events in the region are coming up throughout the season. Many of the cross-chapter events allow members to play with and meet new members with whom they previously would not have had the opportunity. It also gives members the chance to see additional venues outside of their immediate area. The networking opportunities which arise from these events help bring the industry together and elevate the profession. Events like these help showcase the unity within the industry and offer members education from additional sources.

Not only do these events tend to be some of the most popular events on the schedule each year, they lay the foundation for chapters to work together on future projects and initiatives. Bringing the industry together for events like these, shows all involved, both in, and out of our industry the professionalism which lies in our industry, and the passion all members share throughout the profession.

Golf advocacy at National Golf Day

Speaking with golf industry professionals and representatives from GCSAA who have attended National Golf Day over the past several years, I had heard how great the event is. Having not experienced National Golf Day myself, combined with the fact I had not been to Washington, D.C. since my eighth grade field trip, and throw in that it was the 10-year anniversary of National Golf Day, I was beyond excited for this opportunity to represent GCSAA in our nation's capital to discuss the positives of the golf industry.

To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the trip, Chava McKeel, GCSAA's director of government affairs, worked with Michael Stachowicz, turf management specialist for the National Park Service and a retired 25-year member of GCSAA, as well as members of the Mid-Atlantic GCSA to set up a National Service Project. Over 100 individuals representing GCSAA were on hand to spruce up the National Mall. Some of the activities which took place during the national service project included: repairing irrigation heads, aerifying the National Mall turf, edging pedestrian paths, cleaning benches and spreading turfgrass seed. This project was one of the highlights of the week and allowed golf industry professionals, especially those from GCSAA, to continue golf’s proud tradition of giving back. Everyone involved, including myself, had a great time, and found it a true honor to be working on such a recognized and historical area of our country.

GCSAA president Bill Maynard, CGCS, repairing irrigation during the National Service Project with the Capitol Building behind him.

Following the National Service Project, National Golf Day commenced with over 200 individuals from the golf industry, more than 70 of whom were representing GCSAA, meeting on Capitol Hill to advocate on golf’s behalf. Being part of this important event was truly an honor and many positives came from the meetings with U.S. senators, representatives and their staff members. It was fantastic to be able to connect with passionate industry professionals from every facet of the golf industry and deliver golf’s positive message to policymakers. This event has grown each of the past 10 years, and the effects of our advocacy is paying off.

From left: Greg Martin, Don Ferreri and me as we begin our legislative visits.

For the day’s meetings, I joined current president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects Greg Martin, of Martin Design in Batavia, Illinois, and 30-year GCSAA member Don Ferreri, superintendent of Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, Illinois. The three of us made up the Illinois contingent. We met with senior staff members from the offices of Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Representative Bill Foster of Illinois’ 11th District and Representative Randy Hultgren from Illinois’ 14th District. During our meetings, we were able to convey golf’s economic impact in Illinois and explain our positions on various policies which will affect the golf course management profession. Each office was receptive to our message and this created a relationship which will grow as we continue to communicate with staff members throughout the year.