Golf's economic impact is $5.3 billion, supporting over 56,000 jobs in the Empire State

Summary of the New York State Golf Economy Report

ELMSFORD, N.Y. (March 10, 2010) – The game of golf is good for the New York State economy. Such were the findings of the New York State Golf Economy Report released today in Albany, N.Y., in conjunction with the New York State Turfgrass Association’s Advocacy Day. The report was the result of a New York State Economic Impact study commissioned by the New York Golf Task Force and prepared by SRI International.

The Metropolitan Golf Association spearheaded the Met Area effort and took the lead in coordinating the support of numerous regional golf organizations participating in the study. As one of the most golf-enriched regions in the country, the Metropolitan New York area is a key factor in contributing to the vitality of the state’s economy from employment, capital investment, tourism, significant charitable donations and the export of goods and services.

“Golf’s impact in New York is a reflection of its passionate sports enthusiasts, who take pride in the game and recognize how the sport adds vitality to the state’s economy by providing thousands of jobs while at the same time preserving open space and addressing environmental concerns,” said Jay Mottola, executive director of the Metropolitan Golf Association. “Golf has provided citizens of New York with a healthy industry that has a significant impact on economic growth by driving tourism, residential development and retail sales, while also generating millions for charitable causes.”

The birthplace of the United States Golf Association (1894) and The PGA of America (1916), New York has 818 courses, 38 golf resorts; has hosted four U.S. Open Championships in the past decade (all in the Met Area), and hosts as many as nine annual major Tour championships, including showcase events of the USGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour, Champions Tour and LPGA Tour – all of which enhance the game as a benchmark in the Empire State’s economy. 

According to the New York Golf Economy Report, the golf industry generates a total economic impact of $5.3 billion, supporting nearly 56,600 jobs with $1.6 billion of wages income.

The golf economy encompasses the facilities and the other core industries that produce goods and services used to operate these facilities and play the game. At the same time, the charitable giving attributed to the game of golf in New York approached $125.6 million in 2007.

The New York Golf Economy Report was supported by the New York Golf Task Force made up of following associations: Metropolitan Golf Association (MGA); Metropolitan and New York State Chapters of the Club Managers Association; Long Island, Hudson Valley and Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association Chapters; the New York State Golf Association (NYSGA); the New York State Turfgrass Association (NYSTA);  the Central, Metropolitan, Northeastern and Western New York PGA Sections and certified public accounting firm Condon O’Meara McGinty & Donnelly.

The report, prepared by SRI International, was commissioned by GOLF 20/20 and concluded that the continued health and growth of the golf industry has a direct bearing on jobs, commerce, economic development and tax revenues in New York.

   Following are the key findings in the New York Golf Economy Report:

• The golf industry in New York has a total economic impact of $5.3 billion.
• Golf supports 56,600 jobs which represent $1.6 billion of wage income.
• In 2007, New York’s 38 golf resorts and the nine championships run by national organizations in the state spurred $520.2 million of golf-related tourism spending.
• Each year, charitable giving attributed to golf in New York exceeds $125 million.
• Out-of-state shipments by New York golf apparel and equipment manufacturers and magazine publishers were approximately $352.3 million.

While contributing to the vitality of New York’s economy through employment, capital investment and tourism, the state’s more than 850 golf facilities preserve open space and enhance the environment in the communities they serve.

   For more information concerning the New York Golf Economy Report, please visit www.golf2020.com.

About the MGA: The Metropolitan Golf Association was founded in 1897 and is one of the nation’s oldest and largest amateur golf associations representing more than 500 clubs in the tri-state Metropolitan Area. Through a network of more than 300 volunteers, and a full-time staff operating out of its “Golf Central” headquarters in Elmsford, N.Y., the Association fulfills its role as a true non-profit service organization. Through a variety of unique, relevant, and innovative services for member clubs and area golfers, the MGA has established itself as a leader among local and national golf organizations. 

About Golf 20/20: GOLF 20/20 was created in 2000 to look toward the future of golf, and to determine strategic approaches to growing interest and participation, and maintaining its relevance and importance. Its mission is to galvanize the industry around strategic initiatives and grass roots activation to ensure the future vitality of the game, and it is supported by a consortium of associations, companies and other stakeholders. It is an initiative under the umbrella of the World Golf Foundation, along with the World Golf Hall of Fame, and The First Tee.