WE ARE GOLF – a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners, met with Members of Congress on National Golf Day, April 18th, to share stories and data about golf’s diverse businesses, employees, tax revenue creation, tourism and charitable benefits, and environmental leadership.

Organizations participating include: Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, PGA of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, U.S. Golf Manufacturer Council, and World Golf Foundation.

Officers/representatives in attendance were:Joe Steranka, CEO, PGA of America; Steve Mona, CEO, World Golf Foundation; Jim Singerling, CEO, Club Managers Association of America; Michael Hughes, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association; Rhett Evans, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; and Peter Broome, Board Member, U.S. Golf Manufacturer Council.

Daryl and Derek Crawford, identical twins from Phoenix, also headed to DC to discuss why golf is more than a game to them.  

The Crawford brothers have each spent over 30 years serving the Phoenix golf community. Currently, Daryl is the Director of Golf at ASU Karsten Golf Course and Derek is the General Manager at Raven Golf Club, both clubs managed by OB Sports.

WE ARE GOLF will again bring a cast of story-tellers to Capitol Hill to discuss what golf has meant to them, and will continue sharing data about golf’s economic contributions to cash-strapped states around the nation. A new set of “Shared Principles on Sustainability” was unveiled – a unified commitment from industry professionals to design, construct and manage environmentally responsible golf courses.

A day-long exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer featured live lessons for Members of Congress from Golf Channel’s Michael Breed (Host of “The Golf Fix”); a golf simulator; a Republican vs. Democrat putting challenge; photo opportunities with the Wanamaker Trophy; and an educational display illustrating golf’s cutting-edge environmental stewardship.

WE ARE GOLF was formed three years ago, in part because it had become clear the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Longstanding perceptions of the game simply didn’t square with the facts. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry.

As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation. Members of Congress now better understand the myriad benefits the game brings to their communities.

The nearly 2 million US jobs generated by the multi-billion-dollar golf industry, and its vast economic reach, are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. Given the scope and pace of federal government activity and the impact on small businesses, the golf industry can play a vital role as policymakers continue efforts to boost employment and get the nation’s economy back on track.  Beyond better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.

For more information, visit wearegolf.org/ to join the Twitter campaign, visit twitter.wearegolf.org/ to tweet why golf is more than just a game.