Spring has sprung, so what does that mean for us in the golf advocacy world? State legislatures are in session all across the country, and that means Golf Day season. Not only is National Golf Day – the industry’s single largest advocacy day – teed up for May 4-6 this year in Washington, D.C., but state golf days are also currently happening in many state capitals from sea to shining sea. 

I’ve had the fortune of recently attending two such meetings: the first in Phoenix and the second in Atlanta. Both events were a wonderful showcase of all that golf has to offer and a great opportunity to meet with legislative and executive leadership in those states.

Gathering for the first time in 20 years and hosted by the Arizona Alliance for Golf, Arizona’s leading golf organizations welcomed over 100 legislators and staff outdoors on a beautiful sunny day to the Senate Lawn for lunch, networking and fellowship centered around the state’s $6B industry. Attendees relished the opportunity to step away from their desks for a swing lesson, chipping and putting games, and environmental education, which were just some of the offerings available to attendees looking to learn more about how golf impacts The Grand Canyon State. 

One week later, I found myself under the golden dome in Atlanta for Georgia Golf Day. In a well-adorned capital atrium, the golf industry again engaged with legislative leaders and curious members of the general public, stopping by to learn more about tournaments, youth programming, best management practices and more happening in the industry. We were pleased to be joined by Georgia’s 83rd Governor, Brian Kemp, for conversation and putting. The governor was gracious with his time and expressed his appreciation for our industry, which brings the greatest tournament in professional golf to the state every year, and tremendous investment and tourism dollars along with it. A busy day at the bustling state capital ended with a proclamation honoring Georgia Golf Day being read on the House floor.

If you would like to participate in a state golf day happening near you, first go here to see what events might be happening in your state. Then reach out your chapter executive to learn more. If GCSAA can help you host a golf day, or schedule a meeting with elected officials at the local, state or federal level, please contact Michael Lee, senior manager of government affairs, at mlee@gcsaa.org.