Happy Spring to everyone, except Mother Nature who remains derelict in her duties for us golfers. It was not exactly the April the golf industry had in order to kick off the 2022 golf year. Hopefully the month of May will cue a turnaround.
GJAC continues to forge ahead with a number of initiatives.
Our opening GJAC Virtual Summit presented by RBC on Gender Equality in the Golf Industry was well received by everyone. LPGA Commissioner Mollie-Marcoux Samaan, Golf Writers Association of America President, Beth Ann Nichols and RBC’s EVP & CMO Mary DePaoli engaged in a lively 60 minute discussion with GJAC member and our moderator, Leah Snethun covering a number of topics. Those who missed it can catch up on the gjac.ca website or on YouTube where they can be viewed anytime.
Our next GJAC Virtual Summit presented by RBC will delve into the effects of climate change on the golf industry. Please make a note to join us Thursday May 5, 2022 with a special start time of 11 AM.
Ideas for future events or other ideas for the PD portfolio are always welcome. Please contact board member Mike Johnny at mikejohnny@hotmail.com with any suggestions.
GJAC will be involved with a new Canadian Golf Hall of Fame initiative called the Community Spirit Award. Curator Meggan Gardner is leading this effort which will have folks from the golf industry who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for entry into the Hall of Fame to be recognized for their contribution to the game. Our job as an organization and membership will be to help facilitate judging of the individuals nominated. More to come on this but this is a welcome addition for golf across the country.
Finally, I’d like to recognize Shaw Communications for their recent donation of $5,000 to GJAC which the board plans to use to further our philanthropic endeavours this season. Humble appreciation to Chethan Lakshman of Shaw who over the years has been a big proponent and advocate for GJAC.
If you have questions, comments or feedback please reach out anytime.
Rick Young
GJAC President
