Page 26 - english winter 2017

Little Known Fact
The NGCOA Canada’s Golfer’s Red Book publication was originally called the Golfer’s Discount Book and had a bright red cover. Thru the years, the local golfers simply
referred to it as “The Golfer’s Red Book” and the name has stuck since!
Effective government relations for the golf industry have never been of such critical importance as it is today. Historically, the Canadian golf indus- try has been reactive in nature when it comes to government advocacy.
Twenty-five years ago, there did not appear to be a need for a strong proactive strategy as government regu- lations for golf courses was minimal, but as government relations for golf courses increased and became more severe, the industry’s ‘play through’ strategy was no longer an option.
The good news is that the Canadian golf industry has created a new, long-term vision for more effective and proactive government relations. It is being accomplished industry wide by cooperating golf associations thru NAGA (National Allied Golf Associations) and provincial-national teamwork. In addition to this long-term strategy, the NGCOA Canada has had several wins that generated immediate benefits for many golf course owners and operators, with more wins on the way.
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK
As early as 1996, when TV beer commercials depicting golfers in carts trashing golf courses were cancelled as a result of pressure from the NGCOA Canada and its members, we have made government and association advocacy a priority.
26Golf Business Canada