National Links Trust, Symposium on Municipal Golf, November 8-10

(November 4, 2021)

From November 8-10, National Links Trust (NLT) will be bringing together people from across the country to discuss the future of municipal golf. Participants will come away with a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing municipal golf and the impact they have on local communities.

The PGA of America for providing 100 Free Virtual Symposium Tickets. To Register for your Free Ticket Valued at $100 visit https://nltsymposiumonmunicipalgolf.splashthat.com/ (Free Tickets are First Come, First Serve, Limit of 100)

Participants include Seth Waugh, Suzy Whaley, Beau Welling, Erik Mitchell, Michael Low, Erik Anders Lang, Aubrey McCormick and so many more. Seth Waugh, CEO of the PGA of America, will deliver a keynote address on Tuesday, November 9^th from 5:30PM – 6:15PM.

Symposium Pillars: Experts in the field will participate in panel discussions covering important topics that are crucial to long term success of municipal golf:

•    Architecture – How investing in quality restorations featuring engaging architecture can revive help courses, attract more players and increase course revenues. 

• Monday, November 8th:

3:00PM-4:30PM Join Tom Doak, Beau Welling & Jay Blasi at the InterContinental | The Wharf for a panel discussion and Q & A session on “Architecture in Golf” moderated by Andy Johnson (The Fried Egg)

•    Growing the Game – How municipal courses are successfully increasing rounds and bringing new golfers into the game.

• Tuesday, November 9^th:

9:00AM -10:15AM Panel Speakers: Brent Schneider, First Tee Richmond, Erick Mitchell, Ivy Planning Group, Michael Lowe, Youth on Course moderated by Glenn Gray, Buffalo Group

• Tuesday, November 9^th:

12:00PM -1:00PM “Women in Golf” Panel discussion between Suzy Whaley, PGA of America and Renee Powell, Clearview Golf Club and moderated by Abby Liebenthal, USGA

•    Sustainability – How municipal course managers are working to improve the sustainability of their operations

Tuesday, November 9^th

10:30 AM -11:45 AM Panel Speakers: Parker Anderson, Greener Golf, Pam Smith, Director of Agronomy, Denver, CO, Aubrey McCormick, Black Sheep Design, Michael Lee, GCSAA, Moderated by Dave Aznavorian, USGA and Coordinated by Andrew Szunyog, Driving The Green

•    Community Impact – How municipal courses deliver positive benefits to surrounding communities.

• Tuesday, November 9^th:

1:15PM – 2:30PM Panel Speakers: David Gang, Perfect Sense & Bright Spot

Adam Reny, First Tee of Toledo, OH, Azucena Maldonado, The Latina Golfers Association. Moderated by Ashleigh McLaughlin, Youth on Course, Daniel Shoy, East Lake Foundation, Gerry Barousse, Bayou District Foundation. Coordinated by Tari Cash, City Swing

o   Tuesday, November 9^th:

4:15 PM -5:15PM Community Partnership Roundtable

•    Alternative Programming – How municipal courses have used non-traditional golf experiences and other programs to enhance and broaden use of their facility.

• Tuesday, November 9^th:

2:45PM – 4:00PM Panel Speakers: Alex Van Alen, Fling Golf, Alison Pleva – Topgolf, Kris Strauss – Troon Golf, Matt Hughes – City of Hobbs New Mexico, Sandy Reid – St. Andrews Links, Scott Dawley – SpeedGolf USA. Coordinated by Josh Heptig, Golf Superintendent, County of San Luis Obispo

At the Symposium, the National Links Trust also plans to announce the winners of the inaugural NLT awards. These awards will be given to courses or programs that have shown innovative thinking and success in the pillar categories.  Winners would likely be muni facilities or municipalities themselves but could also be organizations that engage the community or grow the game through their involvement at a municipal course. NLT will also be giving out a “Lifetime Achievement” award.