We Are Golf, a coalition of four of the game's leading associations and supported by a collection of small businesses, will team with five "Faces of the Industry," April 28, as part of National Golf Day activities on Capitol Hill.
With a mission to demonstrate that golf is more than a game for millions of Americans, the coalition will participate in media round table discussions and meetings with key members of Congress. The meetings will be conducted at the Rayburn House Office Building, and showcase the golf industry's impact upon the economy, environment, health and charitable donations at the federal, state and local levels of government.
We Are Golf's message to Congress revolves around the 2 million U.S. jobs generated by the multi-billion-dollar golf industry and its vast economic reach.
PGA of America Chief Executive Officer Joe Steranka joins a coalition on Capitol Hill that features Jim Singerling, CEO, Club Managers Association of America; Michael Hughes, CEO, National Golf Course Owners Association; Mark Woodward, CEO, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America; and Steve Mona, CEO, World Golf Foundation.
The association leaders will be joined by five "Faces of the Industry" that include:
- Rafael Barajas, superintendent, Hacienda Golf Club, La Habra, Calif.
- Ret. Sgt. First Class Ramon Padilla, Salute Military Golf Association, Wheaton, Md.
- Linda Rogers, small business owner, Juday Creek Golf Course, Granger, Ind.
- Jose Torres, Food and Beverage Director, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Md.
- PGA Assistant Professional Don Vickery, Wilmington Island Club, Savannah, Ga.
National Golf Day kicks off with a First Tee breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Rayburn Office Building, featuring 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Team Captain Corey Pavin. An exhibit will be presented in the Rayburn House Building foyer from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., led by Middle Atlantic PGA Professionals and featuring TaylorMade golf equipment; swing analysis by GOLFTEC; portable simulators by Full Swing and a putting green provided by Tour Links.
The National Golf Day schedule also includes meetings with key House and Senate Democrats, Republicans and caucuses.
The PGA of America will be represented by:
PGA President Jim Remy, Ludlow, Vt.; PGA Vice President Allen Wronowski, Phoenix, Md.; PGA Secretary Ted Bishop, Franklin, Ind.; PGA District Directors Jeff Smith, Oskaloosa, Iowa and Junior Bridgeman, Louisville, Ky.; PGA Legal Counsel Christine Garrity, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Derek Gutierrez, PGA, Albuquerque, N.M.; Jim Dorman, PGA, New Albany, Miss.
We Are Golf underscores that the industry plays a vital role in sustaining small businesses throughout challenging economic times. The coalition will underscore to Congressional leaders that there are 2 million U.S. jobs generated by the multi-billion-dollar golf industry, and its vast economic reach.