Michigan Golf Journal January 2018

I n 2002 the Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA) was given an unfunded mandate to become the “voice of Michigan golf business.” The golf industry in our state was unheard in the legislature and the MGCA decided that had to end. To fund such efforts the association creat ed the Golden Passbook to Michigan Golf. Every voucher is for free rounds at many Michigan golf courses and sectioned off by three regions of the state. It’s not a 2-for-1 or percentage off coupon. Every passbook holder doesn’t pay for golf because the rounds were donated to the MGCA. Each golf course offers at least two greens fees with several valid for a full four-some. The book is transferable and only 150 Golden Passbooks will be sold. PROACTIVE LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS RESULTED IN SITUATIONS SUCH AS: • Ensuring that the water rights of golf courses was not impacted when the Great Lakes Compact on water usage was passed. • Successfully had golf courses exempted from the sales tax on services that was passed and eventually overturned. • Continuing to monitor and influence opinions on a sales tax on services and its potential impact on the golf course industry. • Ensuring and clarifying that after the smoking ban on restaurants was passed that golfers were still allowed to smoke while outdoors on the course. The Golden Passbook is the only discount type golf book in the State of Michigan that directly funds the promotion, education and advocacy for the industry’s owners and operators. Purchase yours at www.goldenpassbook.com or call 800-860-8575. Golf’s “Voice” is Heard Because of Golden Passbook ______________________By Kate Moore Michigan Golf Journal