How the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) and Todd Keirstead are Protecting the Golf Community
By providing Todd Keirstead with a platform, the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) is shining a light on sun safety by helping to raise awareness about the importance of health and safety practices in the golf community.
The NGCOA has taken a significant step forward in promoting UV protection and skin cancer awareness within the golf industry. By featuring Todd Keirstead, a renowned PGA Professional, Celebrity Golf Entertainer, and skin cancer survivor, as a keynote speaker at their Southern Ontario Spring Warm Up event and in their Golf Business Canada Summer 2024 issue, the NGCOA has demonstrated its commitment to addressing this critical health concern.
Keirstead’s journey from golf professional to skin cancer advocate began in 2023 when he was diagnosed with skin cancer, a result of years of sun exposure on the golf course. After enduring seven surgeries in just four months, Keirstead emerged with a new mission: to educate and protect others from the “silent killer” that had threatened his own life and career.
The NGCOA’s decision to spotlight Keirstead’s story is both timely and crucial. Golf enthusiasts spend countless hours under the sun, often underestimating the cumulative effects of UV exposure. By giving Keirstead a platform, the NGCOA is helping to raise awareness about the importance of sun safety practices in the golf community.
“My presentation at the Spring Warm Up event resonated deeply with golf course owners, highlighting the need for comprehensive sun protection strategies at their facilities,” says Keirstead. “My personal experience serves as a powerful reminder that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their role in the golf industry and I can not thank Jeff Calderwood, Chief Executive Officer, and the amazing team at the NGCOA enough for the incredible support.”
The editorial piece in Golf Business Canada’s Summer 2024 issue helped amplify Keirstead’s message, reaching a wider audience among Canadian Golf Course owners. This platform allowed for a more in-depth exploration of the challenges and solutions related to UV protection on golf courses.
By addressing UV protection, the NGCOA is not only safeguarding the health of golfers and staff but also demonstrating a holistic approach to responsible golf course management.
As the golf industry continues to evolve, the NGCOA’s proactive stance on UV protection sets a commendable example. Through Keirstead’s advocacy and the association’s support, Canadian golf courses can lead the way in creating safer, more health-conscious environments for all who enjoy the sport.
