2018 National
Golf Day BY: JEFF SWEET, CGCS MIGCSA VICE PRESIDENT
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hanks to an early morning flight from Lansing, I was sightseeing in our nation’s Capital by 10:00 am. After a long winter that lasted well into spring it was nice to see some leaves on trees and flowers blooming, it is hard not to be awestruck by all the history and beauty that surrounds you. It was a little difficult to get close to The White House and the Capitol steps because the President of France was in town and the streets were busy. After a nice lunch it was down to the business that brought me here, National Golf Day. Tuesday afternoon started with our keynote speaker, Bret Baier. He was a very good presenter with some entertaining stories. Then it was onto various speakers to help us navigate our upcoming meetings, Wednesday. I would compare it to a briefing with the goal of informing all the participants about the issues that we would discuss with our Legislators and their staffs. From the Farm Bill and the PHIT Act to H2B Visas, all topics were covered so we could go in prepared and on point. That night was a very well done Congressional Reception at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center, it was a great networking opportunity. Wednesday morning was the start of a packed schedule. First off were
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opening remarks, group photos and Golf Day Kick Off. The Golf Channel and other media outlets were there to cover the events. After the opening it was off to see our Michigan legislators. With a joint session of Congress, we knew that we would meet mostly with the staff of our Senators and Representatives. But don’t discount that, like Golf Course Superintendents, the people behind the scenes usually are the ones to get the real work done. I met with Sen. Stabenow’s staff, Sen. Peter’s staff, Rep. Bishop’s staff, Rep. Moolenaar’s staff and I also met with Rep. Walberg face to face. John Moolenaar is the Representative for Michigan’s 4th District (my home district), a quick hello before he had to go to the floor for a vote, his staff was great as well as everyone else I met this day. Each meeting was productive as we discussed the benefits of golf; economic, environmental and social. Chava McKeel, GCSAA’s Director of Government Affairs did an excellent job of planning the activities of the week. I would say that GCSAA had the largest participant level compared to other organizations. A quick Wednesday evening flight home and I was able to tuck my daughters into bed. Overall, it was a quick trip that was productive and eye opening. You may not be able to
Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association
| www.migcsa.org
make it to National Golf Day, but you do have the opportunity to attend Michigan Golf Day on June 7th and have some of the same types of meetings on a local level. All politics are local and your elected officials rely on you to help them form policy. If you can’t attend Michigan Golf Day and you want to see policy change write a letter or call your elected official’s office. Your voice matters and golf’s voice is heard thanks to the efforts of GCSAA.
MiGCSA Vice President Jeff Sweet, CGCS with keynote speaker Bret Baier from Fox News.