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Dear CAG Friends of CAG,
As president of the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) this statewide organization is fully committed to protecting and advocating on behalf of Golf. It is my responsibility to share the accomplishments and challenges of CAG as we continue to battle legislation that is detrimental to Golf.
Challenges
This year required double duty for golf leaders as we were not only battling proposed legislation, but we were also working closely with county health agencies throughout the state, adhering to health protocols while also developing additional safety guidelines specific to our industry. Special thanks to all who stepped up on behalf of Golf to get our courses back open in an inviting yet safe manner.
Golf Experiences Major Uptick
Fortunately, due to Golfs’ built-in social distancing mechanism (as no one wants to stand too close to anyone swinging a club 90 miles per hour) our healthy outdoor sport experienced a “major uptick” during the pandemic. The sensational on-surge of golfers was unlike anything we’ve seen in decades as new and returning golfers flocked to golf courses and range facilities throughout the state. Tee sheets were booked solid.
Lucky Us—AB 672 Did Not Get Off the Ground
This past year we were also fighting proposed legislation that would have taken golf course recreational land and converted it to sites for affordable housing (AB 672). This certainly didn’t make sense to us, as other recreational sports were not included in this land grab concept, and we are still not sure why Golf was singled out, especially when Golf serves ALL segments of the community— all ethnicities, gender, groups— spanning all age categories, and highly inclusive unlike any other sport.
Fortunately, AB 672, did not make its way out of committee, yet it did require plenty of time, research, and energy from our legislative committee and our Sacramento lobbyist, and to them we are grateful.
Bad News—Drought Conditions Are Here Again
The governor recently declaring 70% of the state's counties to be in a drought emergency. With the snowpack being under 10% of normal, it signals the potential for the third driest year in the state's history. Regional water use restrictions are now going into effect. Again, Golf will be scrutinized by some as a water waster even though we:
- use less than 2% of the potable water in the state
- are recognized leaders in water conservation,
- use advanced technologically in irrigation management
- use reclaimed water where available
Golf has an exemplary track record in water savings and drought management. Yet, too few people, and too few golf enthusiasts, realize Golf's stellar water conservation record.
Get Involved. Support Your Industry. Golf Needs You.
I would be remiss if I didn’t say, that even with the recent uptick in Golf, it hasn't improved enough in the eyes of Golf's detractors and naysayers. Why? Golf is still being scrutinized by some, and is already in the crosshairs of those who do not see the value of our sport as we do. From politicians to hard core environmentalists, many are still uninformed and are not aware of the numerous health, educational, ecological, social, and economic benefits of Golf. Thus said, we need YOU to be an informed advocate and to get involved.
If you truly love the game, there is no time greater than NOW to become an advocate for Golf, especially in the arena of public opinion. By doing so, it helps us build our organization and protect the future of the game and the resources that courses need to efficiently operate.
Since its inception, CAG has had an incredible track record in defending Golf's interest. But, if during this drought state anti-golf legislation becomes paramount, it will be difficult to defend. Currently, CAG does not have the infrastructure or resources as other industries and advocacy groups commonly do. What does that mean? It means CAG needs the support from its industry partners, and golfers in advocating the essential value of golf in each and every community in California.
Here’s my 1-2-3 plea for your support:
- If you don’t currently belong to CAG, join the Alliance TODAY. We need your support.
- You can join CAG for the mere amount of $25 and if you want to give more… $250, $2500, or if you own/represent a company where Golf is part of your corporate culture, donations of $10,000 or more are warmly welcomed.
- Click here to make a donation or checks can be sent to: California Alliance for Golf, c/o SCPGA, 3333 Concours Street, Bldg. 2 Suite 2100, Ontario, CA, 91764.
In closing, with your support we can continue our legislative and regulatory advocacy, further research and educational efforts, and continue to improve the image of the game. It is time for all those who love and appreciate Golf to come together and advocate on its behalf. And, just as we discovered during the pandemic, Golf is essential to the health and well-being of citizens, in all communities throughout our state. Now, we just need to remind others of Golfs’ life-extending benefit!
Get Involved,
Jim Ferrin, CGCS
President
California Alliance for Golf
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 CAG Member Highlight
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Kessler is California's Clean-up Hitter of Government Affairs
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When it comes to defending Southern California's golf industry, no one carries a bigger stick than Craig Kessler.
A former attorney, Kessler has spent the past 11 years as the director of government affairs for the Southern California Golf A ssociation and before that he was the executive director of the Public Links Golf Association of Southern California. That background adds up to many years of experience working on labor issues and public affairs, including nearly a quarter century of government relations and advocacy on behalf of golf. A skilled player who loves the game, Kessler is especially passionate about defending the merits of municipal golf.
Passion for the game is one thing, helping save it from politicians and those who view golf courses as apartment complexes in waiting is another. It takes a special kind of person not just to go into battle every day to protect the game you love, but to have the necessary tools and the skills to wield them is another matter entirely.
Read the full article here.
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Q&A with Jeff Jensen, GCSAA Southwestern Field Representative
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- What attracted to working with the GCSAA?
I started working in the golf industry in 1994 with Golf Enterprises and then proceeded to work for American Golf, KSL, Black Mountain Golf & Country Club and OB Sports before leaving the golf business for 6 years to run the day-to-day operations of a marketing and public relations firm.
When GCSAA advertised the position, they were looking for someone with golf experience and public policy experience, so the fit was pretty natural, and I was looking to get back into the golf industry. Having some familiarity with GCSAA was a big factor and CEO Rhett Evans had a mission and vision that I truly believed in, so I went through a lengthy process and was hired for the position five months after I applied.
- How long have you been with the GCSAA, and what is your role and primary responsibilities?
I have been with the GCSAA for nearly 10 years and my primary role is to serve as a liaison between the 10 GCSAA affiliated chapters in the Southwest Region and our corporate headquarters. My responsibilities include working with our chapter executives and boards to assist them in the operation of their chapters, provide government advocacy and public policy services, work with allied golf associations to address challenges and grow the game, provide education via speaking engagements and to assist members with various aspects of their membership experience.
Read the full article here.
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 PGA Professional Spotlight |
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David Knox, PGA | Napa Golf Course
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David Knox is currently the Director of Instruction at Napa Golf Course at Kennedy Park in Napa, CA. In addition, he is a PGA HOPE instructor at Cypress Lakes Golf Course and Haggin Oaks Golf Complex. Originally from Rochester, Michigan, Knox fell in love with the game caddying at a local country club. He finds the instructional work he does gratifying as he gets to build long-lasting relationships with his students and helps students shape and achieve their own personal game improvement goals.
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Dr. Alison Curdt, PGA/LPGA | Wood Ranch Golf Club
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Dr. Alison Curdt is a dual PGA Master & LPGA Master Professional teaching at Wood Ranch Golf Club in Simi Valley, CA. As a specialist in sport psychology, Dr. Curdt helps golfers perform their best mentally and physically. Recognized as a Top Young Teacher by Golf Digest and a Top 8 Teacher to watch by Golf Magazine, Dr. Curdt has own numerous teaching awards including 2019 SoCal PGA Golf Professional of the Year, 2018 SCPGA Clubfitter of the Year, 4-time LPGA Western Section Teacher of the Year, 2016 SCPGA Teacher of the Year, and 2015 LPGA T&CP National Teacher of the Year. She was selected as an LPGA Top 50 Teacher in 2017 & 2019 and was inducted into the SoCal PGA Teaching Hall of Fame.
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 Growth of the Game
4th Annual Southern California Women's Golf Summit
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The 4th Annual Southern California Women's Golf Summit was held on Women's Golf Day, June 1. This virtual event presented by the SCGA and the SCPGA, provided insightful conversations and discussions with influential leaders in women's golf.
In keeping with the theme of "Progress", the summit was kicked off with an informational look at the growth of womens and girls golf over the last decade. Following the video, attendees were welcomed by golf legend, Nancy Lopez. Speakers included the USGA's Assistant Director, Championship Communications Julia Pine in conversation with Golfweek's Beth Ann Nichols, on site from the US Women's Open at Olympic Club; Callaway Golf's Mackenzie Mack, PGA/LPGA Professional and first participant of the Callaway Golf Leadership Rotational Program; and a keynote address from six-time LPGA Tour winner and 2021 Solheim Cup captain, Pat Hurst.
Nearly 300 viewers tuned in, from 24 states, including Canada and Mexico.
The event was sponsored by Genesis Invitational, Woodford Reserve, Amy Sport, Callaway Golf, Wearable Imaging, Underpar, GolfTec, Kinona, and Rocket Tour. Over 35 prizes were awarded from our sponsors!
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Record Number of Women in Turf Help Prep San Francisco’s Olympic Club for 2021 U.S. Women’s Open
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Twenty-nine dedicated women lent their well-honed skills as members of the grounds crew at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open Championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
This talented group of volunteers (most traveling in from various regions of the country) made up a great portion of the course preparation team for the championship. They represented various segments in the golf turf industry— from traditional course and sports field maintenance experts to academic leaders and vendor representatives.
Special acknowledgement is extended to GCSAA Class A Superintendent Troy Flanagan, director of golf maintenance at the Olympic Club, who initiated the idea of a women-in-turf volunteer team. Thanks, is also extended to Rainbird and Syngenta.
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 Industry NewsCalifornia's Best Management Practices Guide
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The California Golf Course Superintendents Association (CGSAA) needs your help. As we emerge from the pandemic, the golf industry is will be under more scrutiny than ever before. Regulatory agencies are looking at us more closely. Droughts, pesticide bans, fertilizer restrictions, and environmental restrictions will all affect our ability to conduct business. We are not prepared as an industry to deal with some of these oncoming issues.
In February of 2019, the California State Chapter released the State's Best Management Practices Guide. Since the release of the guide, we have had only 50 courses in the state adopt this document for their facility. Our state has 866 golf courses. That is only approximately 6 percent of the state total. For industries who adopt BMPs, regulatory agencies focus on what percentage of the industry has adopted them. At only 6 percent, it does not give our guide the legitimacy we are seeking. The more courses that we can get to adopt the document, the more it will enhance our industry stature in the eyes of these regulatory agencies. This helps secure a positive relationship with these agencies and gets us a seat at the table as experts in our field. This is very important.
The State BMP committee contracted out the development of this document so you could tailor it to your facility. Adoption can be accomplished in as little as 10 minutes or crafted in 1 hour to the specific needs of your course. BMPs assist with risk management, cost savings, agronomic planning, partnerships, community outreach, growth of the game, and show golf’s investment in environmental sustainability. It is worth having this guide completed and printed when you speak with regulatory agencies.
Below are direct links to help you navigate the process.
Your help is needed to get courses to adopt the BMP Guide in California!
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 CAG Legislative Update
Article Provided by Craig Kessler, SCGA |
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We have reached the point in the 2021 legislative calendar where bills have to have passed their house of origin in order to remain active. That means they have to have passed muster with whatever committee or committees to which they were referred and passed on a full floor vote. Those bills that successfully traverse the same process in the other house by September 10 are then sent forward to the Governor for signature or veto. Upon signature, bills become law, most on January 1 of the following year, a few immediately through an emergency process containing stricter thresholds.
The California golf community “watched” a lot of bills but dealt directly with only two this year – AB 672 (Garcia; D-Bell Gardens) and AB 1346 (Berman; D-Menlo Park and Gonzalez; D-San Diego). Here’s how they stand in the process.
Read the full article here.
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California Alliance for Golf Mission: To advance the Game by serving as an advocate for Golf before the public, legislative bodies, governmental agencies, and media, while promoting the economic, environmental, and numerous community-based benefits the Game of Golf provides.
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We Welcome Your Support
Do you care about the future of Golf in California? Would you like to help make a difference in support of Advocacy for Golf? If so, please click here to donate online to the California Alliance for Golf. Checks may be mailed to:
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