California golf industry’s voice is heard in Sacramento

Allied golf industry gathers at the state capitol to discuss issues of critical importance to the game

The California Alliance for Golf (CAG), the unified voice for the golf industry in California, visited the California State Capitol in Sacramento on April 19 to discuss issues affecting the industry to members of the California State Legislature.

The delegation was made up of representatives from the California Golf Course Owners Association, California GCSA, Englander Knabe & Allen (lobbyist for CAG), GCSAA, Latina Golfers Association, Moore Minister Communications, Northern California PGA and the Southern California Golf Association.

CAG representing the golf industry at the California State Capitol

The California GCSA and GCSAA were represented by GCSA of Northern California executive director Marc Connerly, Tilden Park Golf Club superintendent Kevin Shipley, GCSAA student member Steven Spatafore (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo), former GCSAA President and CAG board member Bruce Williams of Bruce Williams Golf Consulting and I.

The group met with Alf Brandt, Legislative Director for Speaker Anthony Rendon, staff from the office of Senator Steven Bradford, Kip Lipper, Office of Pro Tempore; staff from the office Assemblyman Chad Mayes, Assemblyman Patrick O’Donnell, Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk Silva and Assemblyman Phil Ting.

Topics included the formation of the California Golf Commission (a commission that would be self-funded through an assessment on greens fees and membership fees), growth of the game programs in the state focused on youth, women and minority groups; the GCSAA/California GCSA BMP template and continuing water conservation goals as the state recovers from five years of severe drought. 

Additionally, the delegation held in depth discussion on the economic impact of the game. The state’s nearly 900 courses have a total impact of more than $13 billion, employ 128,000 creating $4.1 billion in wages and contributes nearly $365 million to charitable causes.

The event marked the third consecutive year that CAG has visited the State Capitol. For more information on the organization and its efforts, visit www.cagolf.org.

Encanterra Country Club plays host to First Green field trip

Program uses golf courses as environmental learning labs

Encanterra Country Club in San Tan Valley, Ariz. recently played host to a First Green field trip.  First Green is an innovative environmental education outreach program using golf courses as environmental learning labs – the only program of its kind in the world.

The field trip marked the inaugural First Green event in the state of Arizona and featured 22 sixth grade students from Navarette Elementary School in Chandler, Ariz. 

Encanterra superintendent Scott Anderson (center) speaking to students

Encanterra’s Class A superintendent Scott Anderson oversaw the proceedings with assistance from USGA West Region agronomist Brian Whitlark, University of Arizona area extension agent Kai Umeda, Encanterra director of golf Mark Black and I. 

The field trip provided students with an introduction to the game of golf and the superintendent profession while providing numerous STEM based learning activities. 

Learning stations included a stream flow calculation, use of a prism and soil moisture meter, a Stimpmeter demonstration, walk mowing demonstration, cup cutting, bunker raking and the opportunity to play a 9-hole putting course set-up by Anderson and his staff. 

The trip was three hours in length and the students were split up into three groups with a school instructor/chaperone also participating in each group. 

This marked the third First Green field trip that I have participated in and the trips illustrate the environmental and community benefits of golf courses while introducing potential players to the

Encanterra director of golf Mark Black discussing the short game

 game (students, teachers and parents).  It also provides an outstanding media/public relations opportunity for participating facilities.

First Green was established in 1997 and over 15,000 students have participated in field trips.  The organization originated in Washington, but field trips are now offered in all regions of the United States. 

First Green has extensive resources for golf course superintendents, including online lesson plans, as well as facilitating the connections between golf courses and local schools and science/horticulture teachers.

For more information on First Green (including how to videos) or to schedule a field trip, visit the website at www.thefirstgreen.org or call at 425-746-0809.