CSGA Publications: 2014 Championship Annual | Page 71

of the membership of the CSGA. These two associations each have their own championship schedule and also alternate each year in the conducting of the Connecticut Women’s Amateur Championship. These associations also assist the CSGA in the course rating process for women’s tees across Connecticut. The Connecticut Section PGA and the Connecticut Golf Course Superintendents Association are, for a lack of a better term, a local branch of a national association that among other things provide training, education, and networking to the hard-working people who belong to their organization. In order to become a member of either of these associations one must pass a series of educational and certification courses. The CGCSA has also, in concert with the CSGA, taken on the pivotal role of being a spokesperson and advocate for the golf industry at the Connecticut State Capitol. The CGCSA and the CSGA have aimed to educate lawmakers on the benefits of golf courses both environmentally and economically in order to halt damaging legislation that could harm the game in our state. The CT Section PGA does conduct its own competitive golf schedule for its members and also coordinates the largest junior program in Connecticut. The CT PGA Junior Golf Association provides competitive playing opportunities for junior golfers between the ages of 5 and 17. The First Tee of Connecticut has grown into one of the largest and most well respected First Tee chapters in the United States. The CSGA was instrumental in the founding of this organization and the First Tee of Connecticut was once The Connecticut The CSGA is actively involved in teaching and administering the USGA Rules of Golf and its Decisions to its members, PGA professionals, club officials and volunteers through workshops and education seminars. State Golf Association Foundation. Although the leadership of the two organizations separated several years ago, the two associations remain partners in not only the promotion of the game but also the other skills and values acquired through golf to children throughout Connecticut. For more on The First Tee of Connecticut see page 76. Juniors Seniors Golf Association, Senior Golfers of Connecticut, and the Connecticut State Senior’s Golf Association each are social organizations that provide golf opportunities to their members. They each have a number of events throughout Connecticut and there are several individuals that belong to more than one or all three of these associations. Each of these associations are made up of CSGA members and the CSGA is happy to say that each of these groups donate a significant amount of money each year to the CSGA Scholarship Fund which provides employees of CSGA member clubs with college scholarships to help offset the costs of higher education. While separate associations, some amateur, some professional, some men, some women, some juniors, and some seniors each of these associations work closely together on programs and initiatives that enhance the experience of not only each member of these associations but the general golfing pubic as a whole. The CSGA would like to extend a sincere thank you to each of these associations. We are honored to work so closely with each one of them in our pursuit to preserve, protect and promote the game that we all love so much. Left: CSGA Executive Director Mike Moraghan addresses the media during Golf Industry Day at the Capitol; John Spitzer of the USGA explores and adjudicates all issues concerning golf equipment and equipment technology at the Research and Test Center. www.csgalinks.org Connecticut State Golf Association 2014 71