USGA Collaboration a Positive Sign For the Business of Golf

The USGA has made a concerted effort in recent years to forge a closer relationship with GCSA chapters and Golf Course Owners Associations, and their outreach and collaboration is worthy of acknowledgment and appreciation. It is also a very positive sign for the business of golf, as the golf community is stronger when we are unified and collaborative.

Specifically, the USGA was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the Northern California and Southern California Water Summits that took place in 2022, and plans are already underway for additional conferences in the western states in 2023, including the possibility of a more public water focused event at the US Women’s Open at Pebble Beach in July.

Staying on the topic of water, and USGA’s commitment to educating course operators about waterwise practices, USGA Agronomist Brian Whitlark recently penned the following succinct and informative article advising the importance of being proactive in water conservation strategies: Get Out In Front of Water Regulations.

In addition to supporting the allied associations through the dedication of resources to association events such as the Water Summits, there has been a recognizable effort on the part of USGA to invite allied associations to participate in USGA networking events and meetings, including the upcoming USGA Annual Meeting in Napa and receptions at the GCSAA Annual Conference, and providing resources for use in allied association publications.

Thank you to USGA for their obvious efforts to support and bring the golf community closer together. We are appreciative, and golf stands to benefit from the collaboration!

Marc Connerly, Executive Director

Nominate members for our CGCOA Annual Awards!

Cast your nominations for our Annual Awards!

Pictured above: 2021 CGCOA For the Good of the Game Award Recipient – Joe Guerra, Turf Star Western

Nominate CGCOA Members for:

Course of the Year

Community Environmental Award

For the Good of the Game Award

CGCOA Ted Horton Distinguished Service Award

CGCOA Employee Excellence Award

Please email your Award Nominations by Friday, September 30, 2022 to Executive Director Marc Connerly at mconnerly@connerlyandassociates.com.

In Memoriam: John Marman

The following message is sent on behalf of CGCOA annual sponsor, West Coast Turf:


The West Coast Turf Family has suffered a tragic loss. On Sunday, August 14th, 2022, John Marman, our VP of Sale and Marketing, passed away.

John started with West Coast Turf at age 24, and for the last 27 years rose to be our Vice President of Sales and a leader in our industry.

He leaves behind his sister, Danielle Scardino, sister, Sue Hanks, and his 11-year-old son, Knox, the light of his life.

He was a friend to all. There are no words that can describe the terrible grief and pain his loss brings to all of us in the West Coast Turf Family.

The CGCOA Board of Directors and staff extend heartfelt condolences to John’s family, friends, co-workers, and all whom he touched.