On
April 16th the We Are Golf coalition met with Members of Congress
during the sixth annual National Golf Day to share stories and data about
golf’s diverse businesses, employees, tax revenue creation, tourism and
charitable benefits, and environmental leadership. A snapshot of the
information they are shared includes:
- Economic Benefits of Golf: Golf is a nearly $70 billion industry, providing nearly 2 million jobs and total wage income of $55.6 billion. That’s larger than spectator sports and performing arts industries combined.
- Golf's Charitable Impact: Golf’s national charitable impact was $3.9 billion in 2011— more than 12 million people participated in 143,000 golf-related charity events at 12,000 different golf facilities.
- Supporting our Troops: The PGA TOUR has raised more than $10 million for US military and their families through Birdies for the Brave. PGA professionals and USGA members have raised more than $16.4 million for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which has provided more than 3,600 scholarships for military families. The Salute Military Golf Association has helped rehabilitate wounded warriors, providing more than 1,700 free, private lessons and custom-fitted clubs to our veterans.
- Health Benefits of Golf: Walking 18 holes of golf is the same as taking a 5 mile walk or running 3.5 miles – well in excess of the 10,000 steps recommended for daily exercise. You burn about 2,000 calories when you walk and 1,300 when you use a cart – and your blood glucose levels fall anywhere from 10 to 30 percent.
- Environmental Stewardship: Golf is now on the leading edge of environmental sustainability and stewardship efforts. Golf courses account for two million acres of green space across the country, which are home to a vast array of wildlife species. New, industry-wide principles on sustainability ensure continual improvement in the design, development, construction, and management of golf courses.
We
Are Golf is led by the Club Managers Association of America, the Golf Course
Superintendents Association of America, the National Golf Course Owners
Association, and The PGA of America, We Are Golf is a new coalition formed to
tell the true story of golf. Not just the game, but the stories of the
hardworking men and women who make it the greatest sport in the world and whose
livelihoods depend on it. It is these accounts that affirm the continued health
and growth of the golf industry is vital to thousands of communities across the
country and instrumental in enhancing the lives of millions of Americans.
By
showcasing golf’s diverse businesses and their employees, the tax revenues it
creates, the tourism it spawns, the charity it generates, and the environmental
benefits it provides, We Are Golf is leveling the playing field for the
thousands of small businesses that make up the industry and depend on the sport
for their success. Visit http://wearegolf.org/ to learn more.
