October 13, 2022

Register Now for Golf Business Conference 2023

If you’re responsible for the success of a golf course business, you simply can’t miss GBC23!

Registration has just opened for the NGCOA's Golf Business Conference, the industry’s largest annual gathering of golf course owners, operators, general managers and others who run golf course businesses.

We invite you and your staff to join hundreds of your peers Monday, January 23 through Wednesday, January 25 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

Plan to extend your stay through Friday, January 27 to attend the 2023 PGA Show at the adjacent Orange County Convention Center. Various education and the full exhibit hall is included at no extra charge with your GBC23 badge! 

Attend Golf Business Conference 2023 and experience:

• relevant, exclusive and timely education
• expert speakers from industry and business
• unparalleled networking and fun during the annual Yamaha Golf Outing
• access to a wide range of 2023 PGA Show programs, activities and education
• recognition and celebration of NGCOA's annual award winners
• and much more!

 You'll return to your golf course business with new and stronger relationships, an accurate outlook on our industry, and tools and tangible plans for solving labor challenges, improving operations, enhancing marketing efforts and increasing revenue. 

There’s no better way to start the new year!

October 1, 2022

Victory Golf Pass is currently working on the production of the 2023 Victory Golf Pass.  The PGO is happy to endorse Victory Golf Pass once again, as we have done so for the past eleven years.  Victory Golf Pass is a win-win-win for golf courses, golfers, and the community alike.  Victory is a powerful free marketing tool connecting golf courses to thousands of local golfers in the greater Philadelphia area.  Being a part of the Victory Golf Pass roster is like having a massive reciprocal membership program – instant and mostly new business your way.  And as always, there is no cost to being a partner course with Victory Golf Pass – any and all business sent your way is pure profit whether they send you tens, hundreds, or thousands of rounds.  Whether you’re a public facility or a private facility, Victory Golf Pass is direct business to consumer advertising completely filtered to your target demographic – avid local golfers looking to play new courses.  The course benefits from free targeted promotion, the golfer saves and plays more, and they are able to make real change in our community through their 501c3 Victory Hope Foundation.

A win-win-win deal for everyone is why they are called the Victory Golf Pass, and why the PGO is happy to endorse them once again for 2023.  If you haven’t done so already, please show the PGO and Victory support by participating in the Victory Golf Pass roster for 2023.  For Victory Golf Course Agreement Forms and additional information, please Click Here. You can contact Andy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to send in your course’s deal for next season.

***A portion of the fee from every Victory Golf Passsold in a member Pro-Shop goes directly to PGO***

August 29, 2022

NGCOA members in good standing are encouraged to submit applications and/or nominations; deadline is midnight Friday, September 30, 2022.

• The Jemsek National Course of the Year award recognizes an NGCOA member golf course that epitomizes exceptional course quality and management excellence, while making important contributions to their communities and the game. Click for details on the award and process.
• The Player Development Award is bestowed upon an NGCOA member golf course, entity or individual which has implemented true and tested player development programs, providing effective return-on-investment and an overall welcoming atmosphere for new golfers of all ages. Click for details on the award and process.
• The Champion Award is bestowed upon individuals who, or entities which, have succeeded in working on behalf of a group of owners – locally, regionally, nationally or internationally – and have garnered significant victory for our members. Click to learn more about this award and nominate/apply.
• The Paul Porter Award recognizes an NGCOA member who left an enduring mark on a chapter or international affiliate through the highest level of commitment, service and leadership. Click to learn more about this award and nominate/apply.

July 20, 2022

Governor Wolf Signs Turfgrass Fertilizer Bill in Law -  Following 12 years of debate and failed attempts to pass state-wide legislation, Pennsylvania now has a law governing turfgrass fertilizer application dates, practices, rates, and type of fertilizer used.  On July 11, Governor Wolf signed SB 251, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Senator Gene Yaw (R) and Senator Carolyn Comitta (D), into law. Currently known as “Act 83 of 2022”, the new law omits a controversial applicator licensing and certification program included in previous versions of the bill, but retains the following provisions for turfgrass fertilizer applicators:

• Applications near water:The law states that no person may apply nonaquatic fertilizer within 15 feet of the top of a bank of a lake, pond, wetland, or flowing body of water (stream, river, or creek). However, fertilizer may be applied to the top of a waterway bank if using a drop spreader, rotary spreader with deflector, targeted spray liquid or other targeted application technology when establishing and maintaining a stream buffer zone. The setbacks for fertilizer applications near waterways do not preclude environmental standards established under other federal or state laws.
• Nitrogen: Nitrogen application rates shall not exceed 0.7 pounds of readily available nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per application, and shall not exceed 0.9 pounds of total nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft per application, except when labeled as an enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizer, where the amount of nitrogen released at any given time shall not exceed 0.7 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft.
• Phosphorus: Turfgrass fertilizer shall contain no phosphorus except when specifically labeled for establishing vegetation (turfgrass) for the first time; reestablishing or repairing a turf area; or as an enhanced-efficiency phosphorus fertilizer, natural organic fertilizer, or organic-based fertilizer, if the application rate does not exceed 0.25 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq ft per application, with a maximum total annual application of 0.5 pounds of phosphorus per 1,000 sq ft.
• Exceptions to nitrogen and phosphorus rate restrictions:Turfgrass fertilizer applicators are not required to follow the above nitrogen and phosphorus application rate restrictions if a site-specific plan is used and is based on all the following criteria:
  • A soil test is conducted within the previous three years according to procedures recommended by Penn State.
  • Soil, plant species, climate, turf use, topography, or other appropriate management factors are accounted for in the plan.
  • Rates recommended by Penn State or another institution of higher education in the Commonwealth are approved by the PA Dept. of Agriculture.
• Impervious surfaces:The law states that no person may apply turf fertilizer to an impervious surface (sidewalk, driveway, street, etc.). Turf fertilizer that is inadvertently applied to an impervious surface must be removed from the impervious surface immediately following the application.
• Conditions and date restrictions:No person may apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf at any time when the ground is frozen to a depth of at least two inches or snow covered. No person may apply fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus to turf after December 15 and before March 1.
• Equipment:Another provision of the law is that no person may apply fertilizer with a device that is not intended for the application of fertilizer or that has not been properly calibrated; operate fertilizer application equipment or devices in a faulty, careless or negligent manner; dispose of, discard or store a fertilizer product in a manner that is inconsistent with its label, would cause over-application of fertilizer, or would result in direct discharge to a storm drain or waters of the Commonwealth.

May 2, 2022 

Annual Meeting at Hershey Country Club

March 3, 2022

May 2^nd Conference Update

There is a room block at the Hershey Lodge for the May 2^nd meeting.  The Group Room rate is: $159.00 per room per night plus 11% taxes = $176.49.  Please use the link below or call to make reservations at 855-729-3108 and ask for the room block for the Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association at Hershey Lodge, Sunday, May 1st to Tuesday, May 3rd, 2022.

https://reservations.hersheypa.com/HRSApp/HRSHome?groupCode=PGOA2022L&venue=hersheyLodge

Please be aware that the room block cut-off date is Friday, April 1st, 2022.  After the cut-off date, rooms and/or group rate may no longer be available.

March 3, 2022

Registration is now open for the PGO Spring Golf Meeting on May 2, 2022. 

PGO Spring Meeting Registration Form 

February 2, 2022

Our Spring Golf Meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2022 at Hershey Country Club.  We will offer a morning of speakers followed by golf on the East Course and end with a cocktail reception.  Information will be available soon, so mark your calendar and plan to join us!

November 20, 2021

Registration is now open for the 2022 Golf Business Conference in Orlando, Florida - January 24-26! 

Agenda | Golf Business Conference 2022 

May 29, 2021

Happy Memorial Day Weekend to all!

Reminder:

Effective Monday, May 31 at 12:01 AM, all statewide COVID-19 restrictions related to gatherings, restaurants, and other businesses (except masking) will be lifted.

The commonwealth's mask order will be lifted by June 28 or when 70 percent of adults get their second dose, whichever comes first.

May 11, 2021

Wolf Administration to Increase Indoor and Outdoor Events and Gatherings Maximum Capacity on May 17

The Wolf Administration today announced that event and gathering maximum occupancy limits will be increased to 50 percent for indoor events and gatherings and 75 percent for outdoor events and gatherings effective Monday, May 17 at 12:01 AM.

May 4, 2021

Governor Tom Wolf

@GovernorTomWolf

Effective May 31, we are lifting COVID mitigation orders..

The masking order will be lifted when 70% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated. Help us lift the ​masking order sooner. Find a vaccine appointment near you: http://pa.gov/get-vaccinated

April 11, 2021

Registration for this year's National Golf Day will close on April 14th. This year's event is virtual, please click below for registration and schedule.

https://wearegolf.org/national-golf-day/

April 2, 2021

Register Now  --  PGO Spring Golf Outing at Foxchase Golf Club
Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Click here for Registration Form​

 We hope you will join us for this fun and informational event.

•          Roundtable discussion
•          Meet with our sponsors
•          Jay Karen, NGCOA CEO joins us for an NGCOA update and will be available for questions
•          Enjoy a day of golf

**Due to the current challenges with the USPS, please email a copy of your registration form so we can make your reservation by the deadline.**

March 30, 2021

Mark your Calendar for our upcoming Spring Golf Meeting/Social at Foxchase Golf Course on May 4th. There will be a brief meeting/educational session and golf at 1:00 PM.  Jay Karen from NGCOA is expected to join us. Sign up information will be sent shortly.  

March 15, 2021

Gov. Wolf: Effective April 4, More Options for Restaurants and Other Businesses, Mass Gathering Maximums Increase 

Harrisburg, PA – As COVID-19 cases have declined and vaccination rates are climbing, Governor Tom Wolf today announced the lifting of some targeted restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, as well as increased gathering limits.

Effective April 4, restaurants may resume bar service; alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food; the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will be lifted; and indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75 percent for those restaurants that are currently self-certified and those that undergo the self-certification process, which involves agreeing to strictly comply to all public health safety guidelines and orders, including the cleaning and mitigation protocols and other operational requirements contained in the Governor and Secretary of Health’s mitigation and enforcement orders issued on November 23, 2020, as amended. Those restaurants that do not self-certify may raise capacity to 50 percent. Outdoor dining, curbside pick-up and takeout are still encouraged.

Requirements such as mask-wearing, and social distancing, including 6 feet between diners, also still apply.

Capacity for other businesses also will be increased effective April 4, including moving personal services facilities, gyms and entertainment facilities (casinos, theatres, malls) to 75 percent occupancy.

The governor also announced revised maximum occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 25% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size, and maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 50% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.

“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part of help curb the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week – all very positive signs. The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”

While the lifting of these restrictions is good news, Gov. Wolf cautioned that mask-wearing, social distancing and business adherence to all safety orders are still imperative.

“We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” Gov. Wolf said. “Keep wearing a mask, social distancing, and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”

March 1, 2021

Gov. Wolf announced revisions to the gathering limits and eliminated out-of-state travel restrictions. 

• The limit for indoor events is now 15% of maximum occupancy regardless of venue size and 6-foot physical distancing is still required.
• The limit for outdoor events is now 20% of maximum occupancy regardless of venue size and 6-foot physical distancing is still required. 
• Out-of-state travel restrictions were lifted. It is no longer necessary for travelers to Pennsylvania to have a negative COVID test or 14-day self-quarantine.

January 25, 2021

Sign up now ...............Golf Business Conference 2021  

January 11, 2021

Golf Business Conference 2021 Registration is Open

BY: RENEE FLOWERS , 4 HOURS AGO

Register today! Golf Business Conference is the industry’s largest annual gathering of golf course owners and operators. This year, the event will be conducted virtually January 25-27, in conjunction with the 2021 PGA Show Virtual Experience & Marketplace.

The registration fee — $95 for NGCOA members and $125 for non-members — includes access to all 12 GBC21 education sessions over three half days, and access to the session recordings after the conference. View the entire session schedule at golfbusinessconference.com/agenda. Also included is the annual NGCOA awards recognition ceremony and annual meeting for NGCOA members; this segment will be held virtually through NGCOA’s online platform.

GBC21 attendees can also view free PGA Show education content and PGA Show keynote sessions, and will be given access to the PGA Show exhibitor showrooms, appointment setting and chat feature, exhibitor-to-attendee matchmaking, virtual special events, the PGA Marketplace and more. Golf course owners who want to attend the full PGA Show Virtual Experience & Marketplace can add it to their registration in Step 3; visit pgashow.com for information and additional pricing.

GBC21 attendees can earn continuing education credits from the PGA of America, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), the Club Management Association of America (CMAA), and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). GBC21 sponsorships and PGA Show exhibiting opportunities are also available. Learn more at golfbusinessconference.com.

December 28, 2020

Victory Golf Passes are now available for purchase through PGO or to sell in your Pro Shop. Victory is endorsed by the PGO (Pennsylvania Golf Course Owner's Association and produced by a PGA Professional and Golf Course owner who is dedicated to providing the BEST Golf Value for Golfers!

December 25, 2020

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

December 10, 2020

Governor Wolf Announces New Protective Mitigation Efforts

November 26, 2020

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!

November 24, 2020

Wolf Admin Announces New Mitigation Efforts

November 18, 2020

Golf Is Increasing Amid COVID

November 17, 2020

Wolf Administration COVID-19 Announcements: Protecting The Health Care System, New Traveler Testing Order, Strengthened Masking Order, Recommendations For Colleges And Universities

October 18, 2020

 October 13, 2020

Please visit the link below from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA) for information on HB 2513 which would restore the hospitality and private event industry to the standards that were in place before the July 15 mitigation announcement.  Included are links to reach out to your legislative representative to make sure they understand that HB 2513 is important for the entire industry. 

HB 2513 Action Alert & Talking Points

October 12, 2020

Thanks to PGO Member Jonathan Byler and his staff at Iron Valley Golf Club for hosting our PGO Golf Outing on October 6th.  Thanks also to the members in attendance and to our event sponsors:  Spirit Golf Management, Turf Equipment and Supply Co., Lawn & Golf Supply Co., Knies Insurance Group, and Brightview.  It was a perfect fall day for good food, awesome golf and great conversations!

October 9, 2020

The new state guideline for events go into effect today.

Targeted Mitigation Order - Frequently Asked Questions

October 3, 2020

Listed below please find information that we received from John Longstreet at PLRA in regards to the efforts they are taking to help the hospitality industry.

Longstreet_Commentary_of_Governor_Wolf_Restaurant_Orders

Longstreet_J_PRLA_Testimony_-_PA_House_Hearing_

PRLA Priorities_List

September 16, 2020

Register Now  --

PGO Golf Outing at Iron Valley Golf Course

October 6, 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, we are unable to host our regular Annual Membership Meeting.  We hope you will join us for this event to share information from this challenging season, enjoy a day of golf, and meeting with our sponsors.

We hope that you can join us.  

 September 9, 2020

Governor Wolf Announces Restaurants May Increase Indoor Occupancy to 50 Percent Starting September 21

Governor Wolf announced that restaurants may return to 50% capacity on September 21, but the restaurant must self-certify by Oct. 5 to do so. Today's order also imposed a 10 p.m. curfew for alcohol sales and kept the ban on bar service, meal requirement for alcohol purchases, and 25-person cap on private events intact.

September 6, 2020

The Folds of Honor E. PA-NJ Chapter is hosting their Inaugural Wingman Open PA on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA.   Golfers and guests will have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items such as exceptional trips, memorabilia and more with net proceeds going to the Folds of Honor's K-12 and High Education scholarship funds in support of our military families.  If you would like to contribute to the silent auction, please contact Mike Attara This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Beth Simmons This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

September 1, 2020

Yesterday, Governor Wolf signed a second renewal of his 90-day disaster declaration for the COVID-19 pandemic.  Press Release.

August 27, 2020

Mark Your Calendars for October 6, 2020

PGO Golf Outing at Iron Valley Golf Course

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, we cancelled our March Winter Social and now we are not able to host our Annual Membership Meeting.  We have decided instead to hold a one day Golf outing/social for our members.  More details will be available shortly.  Thanks for your understanding.

Augusts 26, 2020

August 7, 2020

• The Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning released the July unemployment numbers. While the leisure and hospitality industry gained 592,000 nationwide, the sector is still down 2.6 million jobs since February, and has the highest unemployment rate (25%) of all sectors. 
• Tomorrow, August 8, is the last day to apply for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), if you haven't already applied. 
• Gov. Wolf announced at the end of his press conference a 'recommendation' of no interscholastic or recreational sports for pre-K through 12th grade. PRESS RELEASE
• Tell Congress to protect PPP recipients from surprise tax liabilities.  

July 31, 2020

Patriot Golf Day

https://www.foldsofhonor.org/patriotgolfday/

 Earlier this year the NGCOA announced their official involvement with Patriot Golf Day making this a true industry-wide collaboration and #1 fundraiser in golf.  It’s fun, it’s easy, it’s a great cause, and it’s a great way to generate business for your course as well!  Most importantly, it’s not too late to join in!

Patriot Golf Day will take Labor Day Weekend September 4-7th 2020 (yet the dates can be flexible).  The PGO supports this charity as well, and we encourage you to do what you can this year.  Check out their website to learn about this great initiative and to register your course.

July 24, 2020

The PLCB released clarifying guidance on the July 15 order.

• Pennsylvania Provides Clarifying Guidance to PLCB Licensees Regarding Operations During Targeted Mitigation
• Guidance for Licensees in Yellow and Green Counties (3rd update)

July 23, 2020

Golf Industry Receives Over 6,000 PPP Loans

July 22, 2020 

Golf Business RevCon 2020  The success of your golf business is ALL ABOUT REVENUE.

July 21, 2020

What Golf Operators Said About the June ‘Surge’

• FOR WEDDINGS
  • No bar service whatsoever. All alcohol must be served at the attendee's seat and accompany a meal.
  • All food and beverage must be consumed at seat.
  • Dance floors are still open but no food/drink permitted on it.
• MEAL DEFINITION has not been released.

Gov. Wolf announced new, targeted mitigation efforts on restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. These new efforts take effect at 12:01 a.m., July 16 and include the following guidelines:

• Prohibition from conducting operations unless the facility offers sit-down, dine-in meals or is serving take-out sales of alcoholic beverages. All service must be at a table or booth; bar service is prohibited.
• Occupancy is limited to 25 percent of stated fire-code maximum occupancy for indoor dining, and indoor events/gatherings may not exceed 25 persons. The maximum occupancy limit includes staff.
• Alcohol only can be served for on-premises consumption when in the same transaction as a meal.
• Take-out sales of alcohol for the purposes of off-site consumption are permitted subject to any limitations or restrictions imposed by Pennsylvania law.
• Non-bar seating in outdoor areas (i.e. tables or counter seats that do not line up to a bar or food service area) may be used for customer seating.
• Social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures must be employed to protect workers and patrons.

• The Pa. Department of Health issued updated FAQs on the expanded mask order.
• The Paycheck Protection Program resumed accepting applications at 9 a.m. on July 6, 2020, in response to the Paycheck Protection Program Extension Act. The new deadline to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan is August 8, 2020.
• The Small Business Administration today released PPP loan data. 
  • Data released for loans above $150,000:
    • Borrowing entity name, address
    • Number of jobs covered under the loan application
    • Voluntary demographic info (race, gender, veteran’s status) 
    • Loan amount will be disclosed with a range (not specific dollar amount)
    • NAICS code
    • No designation of whether you’re a franchise model
    • Congressional district
  • Data released for loans below $150,000:
    • More than 4 million PPP loans were below $150,000
    • No borrower names released
    • Lender names released
    • Total amount per state

Secretary of Health Signs Extended Mask-Wearing Order

How Much it Costs to Maintain a Golf Course for a Year

(click here for updates from the first half of 2020)