GCSAA is excited that the Carolinas GCSA has worked with State Rep. Jon Hardister, North Carolina House Majority Whip, to propose legislation that would create a North Carolina Golf Council within the NC Department of Commerce. The new council would promote golf across North Carolina and work to bring more amateur and professional golf tournaments to the state. The Golf Council, once established, will also attempt to use the sport as an economic driver by promoting golf tourism.

Specifically:

• The act would appropriate $25,000 annually to cover the administrative costs of the Golf Council.
• The legislation calls for the seven-member council to have two appointments from the NC House of Representatives, two from the NC Senate and three from the governor – who will also name the chair of the Golf Council.

The legislation reads: "The Council is charged with the promotion and cultivation of the game of golf in this State and with fostering the economic development, tourism, recreation, and community involvement that the growth of the sport can bring. The Council shall advise the Secretary of Commerce with recommendations on fostering economic growth and advancing the growth of recreational, collegiate, and professional golf. The Council shall meet at least quarterly, and at other times upon the call of the chair."