and regulations that impact the golf industry are equitable and appropriate to an industry that generates nearly $70 billion in economic impact annually, impacts close to two million jobs and generates nearly $4 billion in charitable giving each year.” Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation, is also administrator of WE ARE GOLF.

Among the golf organizations that participated in the event are: the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, United States Golf Association and United States Golf Manufacturers Council. Te organizers announced this year’s event also included PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem, 2016 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love III, Vice Captain Steve Stricker and LPGA legend Nancy Lopez.

Te post-event press release reported National Golf Day 2016 was the most successful to date, with over 150 scheduled Congressional meetings in one day.

Morris reports May 17, 2016, was National Turfgrass Federation Day on the Hill. With the long-term, synergetic relationships forged over the years, working in tandem to reach the same audience is not just logical—it’s smart. Tus ‘Grass Roots’, the most visible and recognizable connection to NTF for governmental personnel, was one of those participating in the day-long exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer of the Capitol Building. Rinehart says, “Te ‘Grass Roots’ exhibit focused on turfgrass education and outreach and the importance of professional turfgrass management to golf courses, the environment and the economy.”

Morris adds, “Mark Weekly from Chantilly Turf Farms, Inc., Chantilly, VA; and Professor and Extension Turfgrass Specialist Dr. Mike Goatley, of Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA; did a great job of representing TPI

TPI Turf News July/August 2016 59

Tis display for National Golf Day communicates the purpose of the ‘Grass Roots’ Initiative as effectively as an elevator speech. Photo courtesy of WE ARE GOLF