Golf takes over Michigan capitol

Michigan legislators were once again consumed with all things golf during the annual Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol in early June. The Michigan Golf Alliance, made up of the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, the Michigan Section PGA, the Greater Michigan Club Managers Association, the Michigan Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship Program, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation and the Golf Association of Michigan, organizes and assembles the event each year.

This year's event was another huge success, as Michigan Senate and House offices were visited by professionals from the golf industry. During visits this year, I joined Harrell's Golf Representative and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation treasurer Doug Johanningsmeir, as we met with members and staff from the Michigan Senate.

We were far from alone representing the golf course management industry, however. Current Michigan GCSA President and 22-year GCSAA member Mark Ostrander, MiGCSA Vice President and 20-year GCSAA member Dan Dingman, as well as MiGCSA Executive Director Adam Ikamas, CGCS, an 18-year member of the association, were all on hand meeting with state Senate and House Representatives throughout the day.

Mark Ostrander (left), Adam Ikamas, CGCS (center), and Dan Dingman representing the MiGCSA board at the 2017 Michigan Golf Day.

The day's advocacy efforts focused on Michigan's nearly 800 golf courses and the role they play in the state's economy. Michigan golf plays a vital role in the state's tourism industry and has massive economic ($4.2 billion), wage income ($1.4 billion), job total (58,000) and charitable ($118 million) impacts on the state.

Adam Ikamas, CGCS, has been a long time staple at Michigan Golf Day and knows how important the event is for the industry, "We are very proud to be part of the Michigan Golf Alliance and help produce this important day every year. I am often asked why do we do it, as there are no pressing regulations working their way towards golf, why spend the time and resources on this day. But that is precisely why we do it, to maintain a good working relationship with the legislators in Lansing and the departments. It is hard to measure the lack of regulation. We are not specifically against any regulations but we just want to be involved in making smart decisions on any issues that may affect our industry. It is important that the folks in Lansing know who we are, what we do and why we do it, Legislative Golf Day is one of the many ways in which we accomplish this." says Ikamas.

This was Mark Ostrander's first trip to Lansing for the event, and he emphasized, "It is an honor to represent the MiGCSA at Legislative Golf Day. Our partnership with the Michigan Golf Alliance gives us the strength needed to have a presence when it comes to regulations that affect our industry. All of the legislators that we have the opportunity to talk to appreciate the impact the game of golf has on our state."

Dan Dingman joined Mark as a first-time attendee of the event, and encouraged others to attend in the future, "Taking part in the 2017 Legislative Golf Day was a great experience. During a beautiful summer day on the front lawn of the capitol building, the Michigan Golf Alliance continued their commitment to maintain relationships with the legislators in Lansing. This year’s event was well attended and resulted in a successful day for golf in Michigan. I highly recommend attending this great event in the future to anyone in the golf industry.”

'Lunch at the Turn' on the Capitol Lawn.

Aside from legislative visits, Michigan Golf Day also provides 'Lunch at the Turn' for all House and Senate Representatives, as well as their staff. This is a great way to meet, and continue conversations with state legislators in a relaxed and informal setting. It allows industry professionals tell their story and communicate the positive effects they have on the community and state. Following lunch, Michigan's Lt. Governor Brian Calley spoke on the importance of golf in the state and presented the Michigan Golf Alliance association presidents with the 'Pure Michigan Golf Month' proclamation.

While advocacy events are extremely important, there are also costs involved. The Michigan GCSA utilizes GCSAA's Chapter Outreach Grant to help offset some of these and keep chapter costs to a minimum.

Hats off to the Michigan Golf Alliance on yet another great day of advocacy. Please plan on joining us in 2018, as next year's Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol will undoubtedly be a success.