2016 Colorado Golf Day

April 13 was Colorado’s first annual Golf Day at the capitol. The event was put on by Colorado’s Golf Alliance which includes the RMGCSA, Colorado Golf Association, the Colorado PGA and the Colorado Women’s Golf Association. Tables were set up in the lobby of the capitol and a continental breakfast was served. Jennifer Cassell, the lobbyist for the Colorado Alliance, was present and was able to round up key legislators and bring them around to meet the alliance members. Golf Course Management's Editor-in-Chief Scott Hollister attended the event and was able to live tweet and interview some key players.

Superintendents Kyle Merritt and Tim Davis talk water with Representative Tracy Kraft-Tharp

The RMGCSA’s Government Relations Committee Chair Kyle Merritt was the star of the day. Kyle spoke to just about every legislator that came down to learn about the industry. The RMGCSA table had an assortment of irrigation tools including moisture meters and sprinkler cans. I brought my banners to frame the table. Water use seemed to be the hot topic. I had a conversation with Representative Polly Lawrence and she commented on how tough it is for Colorado since their state is the source of all the water that is used by Utah, Nevada, Arizona, and Southern California. They are limited on what they can use, so in a dry year, things are very tough. Following the time in the lobby, we were invited to sit on the floor of the House and observe the session in progress. Representative Lawrence was able to introduce our group in front of the assembly before they got down to business.

Following the morning session, I took Grassroots Ambassadors, Kyle Merritt and Mitch Savage, and Broken Tee Superintendent Tim Davis out to lunch. It was a great opportunity to get to know each of them better. Like I said earlier, Merritt did a fantastic job interacting with the House members. Mitch Savage did a great job, as well. Savage is one of three Class C Grassroots Ambassadors in my region. It was great to get to know him and find out what made him want to be so engaged as a Class C member. His answer was simple, he said he wanted to be part of something that could make a difference and he also felt it would be a great way to get connected in the industry. He told me that his ultimate goal would be to either work for the USGA or become the next northwest region field staff representative! If only I could bottle up his enthusiasm…