On Oct. 8, Mark Finch, CGCS, The Country Club of Vermont, hosted a group of state, tribal, and territorial pesticide inspectors at his course to teach them about golf’s handling of pesticides and use of best management practices (BMPs). The presentation and tour were part of a larger program for pesticide inspection and investigation training. Representatives from state departments of agriculture and environment across the country gathered in Vermont to attend a week-long conference put together by the National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA).

Good news out of the state of California: Earlier this year, Senate Bill 72 passed through the legislature, and on Oct. 1, it was signed by the governor. The California Alliance for Golf (CAG) was happy to endorse this significant piece of legislation, which focuses on modernizing California's water management framework. Titled "The California Water Plan: Long-Term Supply Targets," it amends the state's long-standing California Water Plan, which has guided water resource management since the late 1800s. “With unpredictable winter precipitation and the rapidly deteriorating conditions on the Colorado River, CAG realizes the importance of a balanced approach to conservation, management and new water technologies,” said Jeff Jensen, Southwest field representative for GCSAA. 

A new study by Edgeworth Economics has been released that found that every H-2B worker supports about three to five local U.S. jobs and that areas that have more H-2B workers experience higher wages. The study provides a new comprehensive economic analysis that explores the impacts and realities of the H-2B Visa Program.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) heat stress standard rulemaking entered the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) stage on Aug. 30, 2024, after years of public engagement. The public comment period for this proposed rule, titled "Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings," ended on Jan. 14, 2025, after being extended to allow for more input. GCSAA submitted comments on the NPRM in January.

We want you to be part of GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador program, which connects GCSAA members directly with elected officials. Sign up in the new Advocacy section of gcsaa.org. Join 600 of your colleagues to receive our educational resources, attend message training and stay updated on the issues that directly impact you and your business. For more information, reach out to GCSAA's Grassroots Advocacy Specialist Kelly Lonker, who has taken over program management.

The U.S. Adaptive Open is one of the most inspiring events in golf. Held annually by the USGA, it showcases elite golfers with physical, intellectual and sensory impairments competing at the highest level. The 2025 edition just wrapped up at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, Md., from July 7–9.