What's Happening at the Allied Golf Association of BC?
By Jerry Rousseau
Over the years, AGA-BC has visited Victoria on multiple occasions, bringing golf to the forefront at the political level and has advocated on a variety of issues from water, to pesticides, to Worksafe BC's plan to mandate roll-over protection on golf carts.
Possibly the biggest accomplishment to date was its lobbying and associated policy writing that allowed BC golf courses to stay open during COVID, a model followed by other areas that had originally shut-down golf.
Even with significant impact over the years, it's more likely that golf superintendents and high-level turf management staff in British Columbia are aware of AGA-BC and its activities than other departments such as golf pros, gm's and even owners.
I can say this with confidence knowing the last two AGA-BC Presidents were from the turf management sector and because both the BCGSA and WCTA were very active in the creation of AGA's original email list. Granted, with the last press release circulated in May of 2024, there hasn't been a ton of communication lately so here's an update.
At AGA's March 27 AGM, the BC Golf Marketing Alliance reported that $212,500 had been received from Tourism BC for 2025 marketing initiatives, down 3.5% from the ask of $250K. Other associations reported more significant decreases and it appears there have been more applications for funding compared to the recent past. Despite this reduced government spending, golf travel bookings in the province are up, due primarily to Canadian sales as it's speculated that US customers are wary to travel to BC fearing they are not welcome.
The needed IPM Manual update was put forward by yours truly and approved for up to $11,600. Author, Mario Lanthier of CropHealth and Advising Research, had put in a proposal last year totalling $9,600 for the review and update of this valuable turf management resource. With the busy season upon us, the project is expected to proceed this fall.
The biggest news is Brett Finlayson, AGA-BC President since October 2021 and who replaced inaugural President, Trevor Smith, has stepped down. Heading GolfBC's turf management division, Finlayson has been busier than most in the association world including stints on both the WCTA and BCGSA's Boards, serving as BCGSA President in 2023/2024 (and is currently Past President). Mark Strong, Executive Director of the BC PGA assumes the leadership role with the next meeting planned for May 29th.
The AGA Board also discussed potential water restrictions, putting on another Golf Lobby Day and hiring a Provincial Lobbyist. In terms of water restrictions, as last year's season unfolded the weather cooperated and drought conditions did not materialize but the group concluded that it doesn't lessen the need to develop a plan with the provincial government for water management for golf courses.
Kris Jonasson of the BC Golf Association offered that with the current political climate, there was no way a Golf Lobby Day would be of much use, nor sufficient time to plan so recommended that it be deferred until next Spring.
As well, it is currently unknown how the AGA BC could fund a lobbyist. After further discussion, it was noted that Impact Communications is under contract with NAGA Canada and might be able to offer some assistance. They were also the authors of the Economic Impact Study and had done work for AGA BC several years ago.
About AGA-BC
The Allied Golf Association of BC's (AGA-BC) second and current iteration began in January 2011 when the NGCOA began soliciting all province's to emulate the National Allied Golf Association (NAGA) with their own umbrella groups to address the ever-increasing issues facing the golf industry.
At that time, the NGCOA had identified and was tracking 27 different issues in at least one or multiple regions of the country and was increasingly interested in a larger world-view of things. Instead of going with 'NAGA-BC', the locals though it best to formalize and incorporate this new group on its own. Currently, it includes the following representative organizations:
British Columbia Golf Association
British Columbia Golf Marketing Alliance
British Columbia Golf Superintendents Association
Professional Golf Association of British Columbia
National Golf Course Owners Association BC Chapter
Club Management Association of Canada - Pacific
Western Canada Turfgrass Association
From the AGA-BC website:
The Allied Golf Association of British Columbia is a provincial organization that contains representation from each of the Regional Golf Industry Associations that are dedicated to providing one cohesive voice for the golf industry of British Columbia.