A group of golf leaders, including Jack Nicklaus, representing the industry spent a day in Washington, D.C. for the seventh year to promote and educate legislature members about golf’s economic, environmental and social impact. WE ARE GOLF’s National Golf Day was attended with executives and industry members from golf’s leading organizations including the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America (PGA), PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association, United States Golf Manufacturers Council and World Golf Foundation.
The event emphasized the game’s $70 billion in revenue and $4 billion in charitable contributions plus its value as a positive force in protecting the environment and fitness benefits.
Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) said, “As a lifelong golfer, I’ve been pleased to participate in National Golf Day with the good folks at WE ARE GOLF on their visit here to Capitol Hill today. Golf is a great game, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss expanding diversity in all aspects of the game.”
There was a day-long exhibit in the Cannon Caucus Room with live lessons for Members of Congress and staff from 2012 PGA Teacher of the Year Michael Breed, host of “The Golf Fix” on Golf Channel, and LPGA Professional Dana Rader. Special exhibits and activities included a “Closest to the Pin” contest utilizing an aboutGolf simulator; state-of-the-art swing analysis from GolfTEC; Birdie Ball, the latest at-home training technology; and a Republican vs. Democrat “Putting Challenge.”
“Today, we stood together in D.C. to represent the two million men and women whose livelihood depends on the golf industry,” says Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation and administrator of WE ARE GOLF. “Our unified voice helps Congressional Members better understand the profound influence golf has on the American economy.”
Jack Nicklaus image courtesy of Craig Condon / PGA TOUR
