By Michael Lee

Working for GCSAA, I’ve been to the Orange County Convention Center many times for the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, which returns to the theme park capital once again in 2026. However, until this year, I had never been to the PGA Show, which occurs there on an annual basis. My reason for attending this year was to participate in an advocacy panel featured on their Industry Stage which presented a great opportunity to discuss the current state of public policy and government affairs matters impacting the golf industry.

In addition to sharing with attendees the numerous issues facing golf course superintendents at the federal and state level in the year ahead, I focused my remarks on the budding advocacy partnership between the GCSAA and PGA happening at the grassroots level.

For more than 10 years, GCSAA has prioritized congressional relationship development at the district level through its Grassroots Ambassadors program. Currently, more than 600 GCSAA members participate in the program, and now, we’re adding PGA members to the ranks.

Seven PGA sections now feature grassroots advocacy programs aligning with GCSAA’s Ambassadors. Those PGA sections include Southern California, the Southwest, Met, Carolinas, Nebraska, Iowa, and soon, Southern Texas.

I enjoyed the opportunity to promote this program and partnership at the PGA Show. Grassroots advocacy is new turf for the PGA, and its members are enthusiastically digging in. The energy in the OCCC that week seemed to accurately reflect the exciting growth golf is experiencing currently across the country. New players, new tech, new colorful brands – there is a lot happening for golf at the moment, and grassroots advocates from the GCSAA and PGA stand at the ready to tell that good story.

If you are interested in better connecting with lawmakers to share the numerous benefits the game of golf and golf courses provide communities, including environmental, economic, health, and charitable contributions, please reach out to me at mlee@gcsaa.org.

Michael Lee is GCSAA’s Senior Manager of Government Affairs.