1 - Community Engagement
“Superintendents and their teams host field trips with local schools to explore golf courses from a science, math, biology, and learning perspective.”
Philanthropy and charitable giving are at the core of the golf industry. The We Are Golf coalition estimates $3.9 billion in total annual charitable impact from golf nationwide. The WGCSA has a rich history of service and volunteerism in Wisconsin for more than 90 years. Golf clubs and courses provide exceptional venues for fundraising events and charity golf tournaments.
Effective community engagement creates rich relationships with neighbors and local stakeholders, identifies concerns, optimizes resources, increases participation, improves decision-making, resolves conflicts, and creates trust. Developing rapport with neighboring community members, customers, legislators, regulators, and civic leaders helps all stakeholders better understand the actions golf courses are taking to protect human and environmental health.
Wisconsin golf course maintenance departments provide full-time and seasonal work for a diverse workforce. Superintendents frequently hire students from local schools and universities for golf maintenance positions and internships. Engaging with the community includes working with local schools to host First Green STEM programs and golf course education days.
Wisconsin superintendents are actively involved in meetings with local legislators and regulatory bodies. Together with the GCSAA and partner affiliates, the WGCSA meets annually with state legislators on environmental, economic, and health-related legislation including participation in National Golf Day on behalf of the golf industry in Washington D.C.
Best Management Practices
Conduct stakeholder mapping to understand who to best engage in outreach efforts
Identify what is important to each stakeholder
Establish engagement targets, goals, and desired outcomes
Identify community values and principles
Understand the importance of building trust
Plan engagement efforts, strategies, and methods of communication
More information on community engagement: https://extension.psu.edu/understanding-community-engagement
Community Safety and Coronavirus
Pandemics and other crises may involve circumstances where golf course play must be modified to keep the public safe while allowing recreational opportunities. BMPs have been developed to limit touch points and reduce risks in order to provide safe playing conditions.
It is important to adhere to local, state, and federal guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/index.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/cases-in-us.html
Best Management Practices
Removal of ball washers, bunker rakes, and most trash cans
Use pool noodles or PVC or EZ Lift devices to limit golf ball settling in cup
Single rider golf carts
Sanitation programs to kill virus
Manual clocking in of staff
Staggering start times to limit exposure
Maintain minimum of six feet of social distancing
Wash hands frequently with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds
Wear masks as required
Additional resources related to golf club operations:
