During National Golf Day week last week, more than 210 individuals from the golf industry participated in more than 264 virtual Congressional meetings. More than 500 individuals in golf participated in National Golf Day activities including Culture of Belonging Industry Roundtable on May 10. The industry forum included a discussion on the diversity, equity and inclusion movement, Make Golf Your Thing and a deep dive on how creating a culture of belonging is a critical path forward.

Individuals who participated in virtual Congressional meetings on May 11 received issues training on May 10. They had a chance to meet the members of their state team and figure out a game plan for their virtual meetings in virtual practice rooms.

Everyone at National Golf Day talked about three important issues:

• S. 3282 -- The Protect America’s Children from Toxic Pesticides Act. The bill would gut the strict, science-based standards already in place for the registration and use of pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).  Opposing this bill offered an opportunity for attendees to talk about the GCSAA’s BMPs 50 States By 2020 initiative. The industry got to showcase the groundbreaking accomplishment of having comprehensive environment and agronomic Best Management Practice guidelines in place in all 50 states.
• The PHIT Act, including asking for co-sponsorship of H.R. 3109 and S. 844 -- The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act to help Americans return to physical activity and achieve healthier lives.
• HR 3897, the bi-partisan “H-2B Returning Worker Exemption Act”, which would permanently exempt workers who have been admitted to and worked in the United States on an H-2B visa during the past three fiscal years from the annual 66,000 visa cap (the “returning worker exemption”). In addition, HR 3897 would address other program integrity measures.

The week was successful, and now planning begins for a physical event in Washington, D.C., in spring 2023, including the return of the Community Service Project. It will be great to be in Washington again with golf industry leaders to share the positive and important story of the role golf plays in this country. Thank you to everyone who helped make the second virtual event a success.