GCSAA’s advocacy efforts were on display at two recent events in the Mid-Atlantic region this month. Director of Congressional & Federal Affairs Director Bob Helland spoke at both the National Capital Club Manager’s Association Roundtable and the National Golf Course Owners Association Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting the week of October 16. Golf course owners are interested in learning more about GCSAA advocacy efforts, specifically in the area of environmental policy.

The NGCOA Mid-Atlantic Annual Meeting on October 18 brought together golf course owners and professionals for a full day of education, networking, and golf. The event was open to all Mid-Atlantic owners/operators (whether or not NGCOA members at present) and their guests, GMs and/or CMAA members, MAPGA professionals, VGCSA and MAAGCS members, club reps, and vendors. 

Helland was on hand to alert golf course owners and other attendees to important government relations issues affecting the golf industry including the efforts by the Trump Administration to repeal and replace the Clean Water Rule.  Helland stressed that even in these times of partisan division, work is still being done in Congress and federal agencies that impacts golf.  He discussed the GCSAA’s ongoing effort to make sure that the new rule for water takes into account the water features on a golf course. 

The need to remain vigilant was a message that Helland also stressed in his remarks before the NCCMA Roundtable.  He discussed GCSAA’s proactive advocacy efforts, including not only direct advocacy but its Grassroots Ambassador program, which links every Member of Congress with a golf facility in his or her district.  Golf courses are valuable greenspace and golf course superintendents are protecting this greenspace through best management practices (BMPs) plans for nutrient, drought, water and integrated pest management.  Helland made sure to stress these points at the roundtable and to let everyone know that golf will continue to have a seat at the table.