The 15th annual National Golf Day took place last month, May 8-10, in Washington D.C., bringing together professionals from the industry. This year’s event featured a variety of activities, including the Community Service Project on the National Mall and a Keynote Address by renowned political advisor and television commentator, Mark McKinnon. With over 200 attendees, the event proved to be a platform to emphasize the economic, societal, environmental, and health contributions of golf. Attendees participated in more than 240 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff, reinforcing the importance of the sport.
Alongside National Golf Day, the American Golf Industry Coalition unveiled a newly released Economic Impact Study, shedding light on golf’s increasing popularity as a recreational activity and its significant $102 billion direct economic impact. The comprehensive study is available at the provided link.
“I believe this was the fifth National Golf Day that I have participated in. I am happy to see how it has grown, and hope to take part in each one going forward,” shared Michael Cooper, Ph.D, Senior Regional Golf Engagement Advisor with the USGA.
The 2023 National Golf Day garnered a remarkable 370 million media impressions, amplifying the industry’s presence and influence both within and beyond the game. We extend our gratitude to all those who attended and shared golf’s narrative, contributing to the event’s resounding success.
Executive Craig Kirby, has been involved with National Golf day for many years. “This was my 7th National Golf Day. The highlight for me this year was Tuesday morning– our (Golf. My Future. My Game.) hosting a First Green Event held at the Historic Langston Golf Course. Kirby is Founder of Gof. My Future. My Game, and knows well the importance of connecting with top decision-makers. He enjoyed the business conference and had a fulfilling time working with:
- Drew Matera, Director of Agronomy, National Links Trust
- Bart Miller, Class A GCSAA member, Golf Course Superintendent Langston Golf Course
- Geoff Kazee, Class A GCSAA member, Asst. Golf Course Superintendent, Langston Golf Course
- Katrin Wolfe, GCSAA Mid-Atlantic Representative
- Evan Harward, Class C GCSAA member, Assistant Superintendent, East Potomac Golf Course
- Elizabeth Reese, GCSAA Class A member and Superintendent, East Potomac Golf Course
- Leann Cooper, GCSAA Senior Manager First Green & Workforce Development
“Students from Washington, D.C.’s McKinley Technical Senior High School, The Field School and Prince George’s County Maryland Jack & Jill of America participated in a morning of unique STEAMa (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math & Agriculture) learning opportunities. Over the course of 2.5 hours students rotated through learning stations covering topics such as soil and plant science, golf course ecology, testing water quality, and various math calculations using actual problems golf course superintendents need to solve on a daily basis. Working with golf course superintendents the students applied their classroom knowledge in an outdoor setting and through an understanding of how STEM concepts can have real-world applications allowing students to find added inspiration in their schoolwork and in the possibility of a career in golf,” stated Kirby.
“The diverse set of students also had a chance to visit with and talk to former XLIII Super Bowl MVP, Santonio Holmes, CEO, 10AllIn Foundation and Washington, D.C. City Council Member Zachary Parker who took time out of their schedules to be at the golf course as the students gained an invaluable learning experience,” concluded Kirby.
National Golf Day has a rich history dating back to the 1950s, serving as a global platform to honor golfers from various corners of the world. It serves as a unifying event, bringing individuals together to grab their clubs and head out to the golf course. Interestingly, golf has roots that trace back even further, as ancient Egyptians used wooden sticks to play a comparable game. Whether you’re a novice golfer or a seasoned enthusiast, National Golf Day provides a wonderful opportunity to indulge in the sport we hold dear and embrace the joy it brings.
The planning for the 2024 National Golf Day is already in progress, and details will be available in the upcoming months.
