Golf course superintendents will share skills during beautification of the National Mall event
Lawrence, Kan. (April 10, 2018) — When the We Are Golf Coalition converges on the National Mall for beautification and renovation work ahead of National Golf Day, members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America will be taking on key roles for the second annual Community Service Project.
The event, done in coordination with 26-year GCSAA member Michael Stachowicz, turf management specialist for the National Park Service, will focus on the projects from the U.S. Capitol Building to 14th Street in Washington, D.C. Teams will be involved in activities such as laying sod, raking, edging, overseeding, aerating and more.
Chris Harriman, a 19-year GCSAA member and superintendent at Cattail Creek Country Club, in Glenwood, Md., will serve as one of the team captains. Harriman had been to National Golf Day before as part of the local GCSAA chapter, the Mid-Atlantic Association of Golf Course Superintendents, but saw a special opportunity in taking part in the inaugural Community Service Project in 2017.
“It’s a way to give back to community and really get in front of the public,” Harriman said. “It’s fun and inspiring being out on the Mall and working on the grounds as part of a team with the public walking by. I have heard many say that this is a highlight of their career.”
The 180 volunteers will be out on the National Mall from 8 a.m. to noon on April 24 before joining an even larger contingency for National Golf Day on April 25.
National Golf Day celebrates the game’s nearly $70 billion economy (updated data available in April 2018), nearly $4 billion annual charitable impact and many environmental and fitness benefits. Industry leaders will meet with Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and federal agencies to discuss golf’s 15,000-plus diverse businesses, two million jobs impacted, tax revenue creation and tourism value.
“It’s incredible how many politicians know so little about what we do for the environment and the economy,” Harriman said about the importance of National Golf Day for golf course superintendents. “We get the chance to show them what we are doing on a proactive basis to care for the environment.”
In addition to GCSAA, other organizations that will be taking part in National Golf Day as part of the We are Golf Coalition include the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Links to Freedom, National Alliance for Accessible Golf, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA Tour, Salute Military Golf Association, The First Tee, U.S. Golf Manufacturers Council, United States Golf Association, World Golf Foundation and more.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org, or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
