Page 44 - GBC Fall 2018 Eng

The Parting Shot
Iam writing this message after the nish of the British Open. It was nice to see Tiger competing for the title. Although he did not win, it was good to see so many of the big names of golf in the nal pairings on Sunday afternoon. Congratulations to Francesco Molinari on his victory.
On May 29, 2018 all golf associations travelled to Ottawa for the rst Canadian National Golf Day. I was one of the 20 industry representatives that visited the 30 or more MPs. I was grouped with Patrick Kelly (Golf Canada) and Kathryn Wood (CGSA). Our 2018 approach was to enter the meeting with the MPs and promote all of the good things that golf did for Canada (jobs, participation rates, etc.) this past year.
At the MPs’ request, the conversation usually moved on to the injustice that we, as golf course owners, endure with golf not being an allowable business expense.
Our rst MP was John Barlow (Conservative) from the Foothills Riding in Alberta. John identi ed himself as being an ally and that he strongly supported our expense efforts. Next, we were supposed to meet with MP Ted Falk but unfortunately, he was called into a session in Parliament.
Steve enjoys a round at Cabot Links with his wife Linda, Nathalie Lavallée (COO, NGCOA Canada) and fellow NGCOA Canada National Board Member Corinne Allan (BC Chapter President).
Hard at Work with National Golf Day and Board Meetings
44 Golf Business Canada
We then met with Randall Garrison (NDP). Randall is ready to put forth a private members’ bill whenever we are ready! The last meeting we had was with Wayne Easter (Liberal) from Malpeque PEI. Wayne was also very supportive of our cause. All in all, the meetings went very well.
I encourage all of you to visit with your MP and educate them about golf and its importance to Canada. You might be happily surprised to nd out that the MP agrees to support our cause!
Our summer board meetings in Halifax also have just nished. The board worked hard for 2 days discussing all our regular topics, including the introduction of the legalization of cannabis this October. I believe that we have helped provide some of the tools that Jeff needs to succeed in the year ahead!
After our second day, we headed to the Links of Brunello. The course was in great shape
and some of the board had some great scores! I want to thank the GM, Miles Mortensen, for hosting us. Miles took the time out of his schedule to tell us about the course and their strong junior program that boasts over 300 members!
Following the board meetings, some of the members traveled to Cabot Links. I have to say WOW, what a great course to play! Cabot has quickly become a world- renowned golf destination. I believe that its success should also help all the other courses in the area in generating more rounds each season.
To conclude, I leave you with one nal thought: Why would the USGA make the US Open so dif cult to play?
Sincerely,
Steve Spratt
Co-owner, Falcon Ridge Golf Club, ON President, NGCOA Canada steve@falconridgegolf.ca
Message From The President – Steve Spratt