Just like any other perfect golf day in Michigan, the sun was shining on the Michigan Golf Alliance as they took over the lawn of the State capitol on Wednesday, June 13th. Michigan Golf Course Owners Association, Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association, Michigan Section PGA, the Golf Association of Michigan, Michigan Club Managers Associations, American Society of Golf Course Architects and the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation convened at the Capitol and visited every Legislator this Wednesday. The Capitol lawn was the venue for this unprecedented event.
Nearly 400 gathered under the big tent in front of the Capitol steps for “lunch on the turn”, an opportunity for legislators and their constituents to discuss the issues of golf business and connect with one another. The Michigan Golf Alliance members wanted to introduced themselves and their key issues to the House and Senate. Taxes, tourism funding and the environment were top on the list. The Michigan Golf Alliance, comprised of the leaders of Michigan golf industry associations, came together to create a dynamic event to promote the game and the business of golf.
“With Governor Snyder’s proclamation of June as MICHIGAN GOLF MONTH, we showcased the important business this industry is to the state. With more public golf courses than any other state in the country, Michigan truly is a leader in golf business,” said Tom Schwark, chairman of government affairs for the Michigan Golf Course Owners Association and owner of Sycamore Hills Golf Course in Macomb.
Michigan Section PGA professionals offered a swing analysis for the legislators and their staff throughout the afternoon as well as a putting tips. Lunch was catered by Eagle Eye Golf Course of Bath. Spartan Distributors of TORO and E-Z-Go brought a beverage cart to serve cold drinks from as well as a rough mower for the legislators and their staff to see.
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