For all of the undeniable virtues of golf, the game often finds itself in the crosshairs of public perception and proposed public policy. And if you’ve ever spoken to a non-golfer, you’re likely familiar with the tropes about a wasteful game, played by the few that caters to the elite. We, the golfing community, know that courses are full of players from all ages and backgrounds, and provide desperately needed green space and that conservation and sustainability guide superintendents across the region.
Unfortunately, the reality we know as golfers doesn’t always match the perception of those that make decisions and enact policies regarding golf courses. These policies have led to the closure of many courses over the years. Most recently at Mile Square GC, Mesquite GC, Royal Vista GC, and just down the street from SCGA HQ, Weddington Golf & Tennis. We also lost some golf holes at Azusa Greens CC and Montebello GC.
So, what is the industry doing about it?
Broadly speaking, not much. There are a handful of organizations that have made advocating on behalf of the game their purpose but with golf course supply dwindling, demand surging and the likelihood of a new golf course popping up in Southern California a pipe dream, the SCGA has doubled down to protect the golf holes we currently have.
As the only Allied Golf Association in the country with a dedicated team of advocacy experts, we make it our business to know and represent the game’s absolute best interests at the local, regional and state levels. We have people in the rooms where the future of golf is decided, making sure that the game has an audible, clear and respected voice. But perhaps more importantly, and certainly more influentially, it’s up to you and your local communities to be the voice speaking out on behalf of golf and keeping courses open.
Your membership, and in many cases – your participation – has led to some big wins in securing golf at Meadowlark GC, Mission Bay GC, Buenaventura GC, Eaton Canyon GC, the Links at Victoria and the 54 holes at the Sepulveda Basin golf complex. Even if you don’t play these courses, you still benefit from your golf courses not absorbing an influx of displaced players. More golf holes available to more people is a ubiquitous victory. Also, even if it isn’t your home course today, the unfortunate reality is that there may come a time when it is threatened.
One of the best benefits of being a member of the SCGA is having dedicated advocates on your side fighting for and protecting the game you love. Your membership, which very well may be for the purpose of keeping a Handicap Index or joining a club or playing in an event, is also supporting the daily championing of golf’s sustainable prosperity.
Advocacy for golf and golf courses has never been more important. It’s no secret that this decade’s explosion of new players has exposed – contrary to the uninitiated’s sentiment – that there are simply not enough golf courses to meet the demand. When you combine that reality with the hypercompetitive environment for land, and the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining that land, and the varying political beliefs on land usage, you begin to understand the importance and urgency of protecting every single golf hole in Southern California.
Advocacy from the SCGA isn’t a nice thing to have. It’s an imperative resource and one of the best benefits of your membership. This is something for you, a steward and player of the game, to take immense pride in. You’re doing a big part simply by being a member.
We hope that golf course in your neck of the woods never come under attack, but keep an eye out for our targeted emails; they’re a rallying cry to the local golf community to summon our collective voice and fight to keep our courses open!
WANT TO GO FROM PASSIVE TO ACTIVE? The best way to stay informed on our advocacy efforts is through our Public Affairs newsletter, which you can read and subscribe to here.
