Golf and Education for Kids

The WSGA supports a number of extremely valuable programs for kids.  These programs introduce kids to golf and foster lifelong participation in the game.   They also provide educational opportunities for students on and off the golf course.  Support of these golf and education programs is vital for the long-term growth of golf. 

One of the programs that the WSGA supports is Washington Junior Golf.  This is an excellent program—not only does it provide kids with the fundamentals of the game, it also promotes character and sportsmanship.  It’s a great way to get kids involved in competitive golf, while learning life skills, having fun, and making new friends—all important components in developing a lasting commitment to the game.  The Washington State Golf Association provides significant support for the WA Junior Golf Association ($40,000 per year).

Another excellent program that the WSGA supports is the First Green of Washington.  The First Green partners golf courses and high schools.  Teachers use golf courses as educational laboratories to illustrate environmental and horticultural principles.   This innovative program started in Washington, and it is serving as a model for similar programs in other states.  The WSGA provides both financial and administrative support for the First Green ($32,000 per year).

The WSGA also provides financial and administrative support for the Evans Scholarship Program ($240,000 per year) in the state of Washington.  The Evans Scholar Foundation is the largest sports related scholarship program in the world.  It awards scholarships to excellent students who have caddied.  The WSGA has helped to fund more than 500 Evans scholars at University of Washington and Washington State University.

Turfgrass Research

Turfgrass research is vital to the golf industry.  It’s not something that most golfers think about – yet every time they are out on the course, their round of golf is impacted by turfgrass research.  All golfers benefit from research every time a ball rolls across a smooth putting green or sits in a perfect lie in the fairway.  Clubs benefit through research that shows how to properly use fertilizers and pesticides—ultimately keeping maintenance budgets under control.  And the game of golf benefits when research demonstrates environmentally responsible practices for water usage and wildlife habitat.

Golf courses in the Pacific Northwest are leaders in environmental stewardship, with many courses certified by environmental organizations such as the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.  Turfgrass research keeps golf course superintendents up-to-date with the latest information on issues such as pesticide reduction, water quality program, and wildlife habitat enhancement.

The WSGA is a significant supporter of turfgrass research.  Each year a portion of member dues goes to the Turfgrass Universities Research Fund (T.U.R.F.), which gives financial support to important research projects at WSU and OSU.  Since 1996, the WSGA has contributed over $400,000 to research – making it one of the biggest supporters of turfgrass research in our region.

Advocating and Uniting the Golf Industry

The WSGA has been recognized on a national level for bringing together various golf groups in Washington to advance the efforts of the entire industry.  John Bodenhamer, Executive Director of the WSGA, is well known for his efforts in working with the many different golf associations in Washington.  He is a strong force for promoting the benefits of golf to our communities.

One area where the WSGA has been actively working to promote and protect the golf industry is through the state legislature.  Every year, the legislature considers bills that could affect the golf industry.  Sometimes legislation has a financial aim, such as a new tax on golf courses, and sometimes the proposed legislation is environmentally-based.  Often, the proposed legislation would have a detrimental impact on the golf industry.

 The WSGA ($3,600 per year), along with groups such as the Western Washington Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Evergreen Chapter of the Club Managers Association, contributes to the efforts of individuals to provide guidance on legislative issues.  Heather Hansen serves as an advocate of the golf industry.  She lets the golf industry know when legislation affecting golf is under consideration, and she guides the industry in effectively communicating with legislators.  Bill Clarke, Attorney at Law & Government Affairs, represents our industry on water issues, such as the use of reclaimed water use on golf courses.  

The development of Northwest Golf House at The Home Course in Dupont, WA (championship caliber golf course owned by the WSGA and Pacific Northwest Golf Association – PNGA) will be a further step in uniting the golf industry.  Northwest Golf House, constructed by the WSGA and its partner the PNGA, will have offices for the allied Northwest golf associations.  Researchers will have laboratory space and will be able to use the course for projects.  Students will use the course as an outdoor classroom to learn about the environment.  The golf course itself will be used to publicize the history of the site and the environmental remediation that led to the golf course.  The Home Course will be a truly exciting and unique opportunity to educate golfers and the general public on the compatibility of golf courses and the environment.

Conclusion

Golf is much more than just a recreational activity.  It is a vital industry, and it provides many benefits to our communities and the environment.  The Washington State Golf Association supports and promotes the golf industry’s efforts in education, environmental stewardship, and research.  The WSGA truly is an association committed to working for the good of the game of golf.  So the next time you wonder, “Where does my annual WSGA membership dues go,” don’t think of only handicaps and championships.  Your small amount of dues that affords you membership in the WSGA goes directly to keeping the game active and growing, benefits young golfers, caddies, the environment, and all that is good with the game of golf in the Northwest! 

Quote from Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation

"State and regional golf associations across the country provide invaluable service to their members from handicapping to course rating to conducting championship events, among many others,"  said Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, former CEO (14 years) of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and former Executive Director (10 years) of the Georgia State Golf Association.  "But the Washington State Golf Association and its executive Director, John Bodenhamer, truly stand out as one of the nation's best.  The golfers of the Pacific Northwest couldn't have a better association supporting its game and industry."