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.