Dry lessons

There’s a saying in American politics: As goes California, so goes the nation. Trends, laws and regulations that begin in the Golden State creep inexorably eastward, often hopping from Blue State to Blue State presenting us with new policy that eventually impacts all whether we like it or not.

If your reading this in Des Moines or Philly or Columbus or some locale that is way too wet right now, you should not skip this because it’s about the far-away “California Drought.” Why?

It’s coming your way.

The situation’s seriousness combined with the media frenzy around it will not fade when rain falls in L.A. or the snowpack returns to the Sierras. Precedents have been set and the mindset of many in the state – and around the nation – has changed.

Moving forward, potable water use will be questioned when there’s a hint of drought. Terms like “turf reduction” and “drought-shaming,” have entered the lexicon. Activists threw “water-guzzling” at California’s courses and it stuck. You will hear it again.

So, what can we learn and how do we ensure golf continues to be played on natural grass for generations to come?

First, be proactive at the state level. My friends in California may be pissed at me for saying this, but there seemed to be little collaboration between chapters and golf groups even as it was apparent the state was heading for a serious problem. There was no statewide drought SWAT team until recently. There were no voluntary BMPs for water use introduced in Sacramento. There was not enough advance education of legislators, regulators and other influencers. Instead, golf was steamrolled.

So, Lesson 1: Chapters – even in states that are wetter than a duck’s butt right now – should follow the Georgia GCSA and others to develop proactive BMPs and start telling the story of how golf uses water wisely. What made the Georgia effort so effective was reaching out to stakeholder groups like the state golf and owners associations, and getting their support early on. I can’t think of anything more urgent for chapters to do than to take a proactive approach to water regulations and pricing.

Second, when the season ends, think about next year, the next decade and the next century. What happens if water costs triple? Or if authorities decide you’re not deserving of that independent water source? How could your club survive?

Thus Lesson 2: The only thing more important than statewide collaboration is individual stewardship. Take a hard look at your facility’s future and ask yourself: Will water cost and availability be part of why it survives into the next century…or will it be what dooms it?