Dear LMGCSA Members,
Good evening everyone. Last Friday, allied golf associations of Mississippi and Louisiana held a conference call to discuss how COVID-19 is impacting clubs, the state of the industry and to game-plan based on current information. It was decided to start planning a communication that could be used in the event of a statewide stay-at home scenario. Associations represented were:
Louisiana/Mississippi GCSA
Louisiana Golf Assoc. (LGA)
Gulf States Section PGA
Mississippi Golf Assoc. (MGA)
CMAA-Pelican Chapter
Louisiana PGA
Mississippi PGA
First Tee of Central MS
First Tee Greater New Orleans
First Tee BREC Golf
Kelly Gibson Foundation
US Kids Golf Junior Tour
On Sunday March 22nd Louisiana Gov., John Bel Edwards issued a statewide stay-at-home order as part of Proclamation Number 33 JBE 2020. This left many questions as to the state of the golf industry in Louisiana. That being said, we were poised to have a response. Ron Wright, CGCS, CCA (SE Region Field Staff) reached out to me Sunday evening. We discussed actions that had been taken and Ron was prompt to deliver the communication to GCSAA Government Affairs for review. Over the course of the Monday, our allied association message had been reviewed and sent to the governor's office. Shortly thereafter a response confirming that we can in fact still maintain our properties and play golf. Please find the attached letter that was sent to the Governor's office for clarification on the proclamation.
This is good news for the time being, and while we do not expect any immediate changes, the situation remains fluid and volatile. In order to have the best opportunity for our businesses to stay operational, we must all follow the most stringent protocols that can be implemented. We must continue to show utmost responsibility and be proactive at finding continued ways at keeping out patrons, staff, and ourselves safe. Please use the following resources as reference and adhere to all messaging that is coming from the CDC and WHO:
PGA Pro Natural Disaster Best Practices Facebook Group
Additionally, we need to all thank Robert Brown, PGA (CEO, Gulf States Section PGA) for coordinating the meeting that was held on Friday and Logan Ray (Executive Director, LGA) for composing the very well written communication. This also would not have been possible with out the GCSAA leadership via Ron Wright, CGCS and Michael Lee (GCSAA Govt. Affairs). We are also extremely thankful for the Governor's leadership and understanding during this very challenging time. Please take the time to thank all these individuals for their service to our industry as a whole.
Specifically with regard to the State of Mississippi and as stated in the Press Conference today with Governor Tate Reeves, Governor Reeves says that a state wide shut down is not needed at this time according to recommendations from the MS State Department of Health and the CDC; however as we understand the situation remains fluid and ever-changing.
We will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves in both Louisiana and Mississippi. Be safe and God Bless.
Brandon L. Reese, LMGCSA President
Director: Golf Course Maintenance Operations
TPC Louisiana
11001 Lapalco Blvd.
Avondale, LA 70094
Mobile: (469) 569-4154
