Pennsylvania Golf Day taking shape

On April 15, GCSAA and other allied organizations in the "We Are Golf" coalition will unite on Capitol Hill for National Golf Day. We will tell golf's story, promote our economic impact, share our charitable initiatives and meet with legislators who govern the land where we reside and work.

On June 9, the Pennsylvania GCSA will come together with our own statewide allies and follow that same model to promote the game at our state capital in Harrisburg. What is the purpose? We want to let our representatives know that golf is a business; it's a green space; it's a wildlife habitat; it creates jobs; and it's a valuable community asset. We want to establish trust with our legislators. We want to be perceived as experts in land management. And we want to help.

If we can build these relationships with our state government, it improves our chance of having a "seat at the table" when new bills are proposed. If we can establish the trust that enables and empowers our legislators to seek our opinions, then we are doing ourselves and our industry a great service.

We currently have seven allied organizations committed to participating in our inaugural state golf day, including the CMA, two PGA sections, Pennsylvania Golf Owners (PGO), Western PA Golf Association, Golf Association of Philadelphia and of course, the PAGCSA. We'd like two superintendents from each of our six Pennsylvania affiliated chapters to come to Harrisburg to participate in the day. That being said, if more want to come and see the event, you are more than welcome!

In addition to meeting with state legislators, we will also have a large space in the main Capitol building for each organization to set up an exhibit. If you have ideas on what we should include at our superintendent's exhibit table, please let me know! We want to make sure we are representing the industry well. PGA will also be setting up nets and tees so people can hit some golf balls and get some tips from a PGA professional - how cool!

I will update you further as details develop and we get closer to the June 9 date. I hope you are as excited as I am about this very important initiative -- one that we hope to continue on an annual basis. Stay tuned!