Representatives from the United States Congress, members of the national news media and leadership from the Allied Associations of Golf congregated in Washington DC to celebrate the first “National Golf Day” on Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
Throughout the course of the day’s events, organizers highlighted golf’s economic, environmental and human impact.
“Seeing golf, a game loved by so many, celebrated to this degree is really inspirational to those that have dedicated their lives to the game,” says President Bruce Charlton, ASGCA. “National Golf Day helps shine a light on the many significant contributions that golf has made in the United States.”
The golf industry remains a lucrative part of the US economy. According to a study commissioned by the World Golf Foundation, golf generated approximately $76 billion in direct economic impact in 2005. That number is a substantial increase over the $62 billion of impact generated in 2000. The report also suggests that more than 2 million golf-related jobs existed in 2005 and that $61 billion was distributed through wages.
Industry leadership talked about golf’s efforts to serve as a steward of Mother Nature. Over the past decade, golf course architects and others have done much to preserve the environment in and around courses. Their development and remodeling plans have included native plantings, wildlife habitat areas, erosion control measures, irrigation system upgrades and the preservation of wetlands.
“It is encouraging to see that golf continues to improve its efficiency of water usage on courses,” says Charlton, who has places water use, quality and conservation among his highest priorities. Under his leadership, ASGCA will continue to educate the public about golf’s responsible stewardship of this with this precious commodity.
The third impact celebrated during National Golf Day was golf’s human impact. According to research, golf generates more than $3.5 billion annually for charities across the country. Golf events remain some of the most popular and successful fundraising initiatives. In addition, the game’s affiliated groups such as the World Golf Foundation, USGA and PGA TOUR have all contributed millions of dollars to several successful charitable organizations for supporting youth programs and military personnel and their families in need.
National Golf Day supporters included the American Society of Golf Course Architects, Club Managers Association, Golf Course Builders Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association of America, National Golf Foundation, Professional Golfers’ Association of America, PGA TOUR, and United States Golf Association. The day was sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Representatives Sam Farr (D-CA-17) and Jon Porter (R-NV-03).
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ASGCA Background
Founded in 1946 by 14 leading architects, including Donald Ross and Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the American Society of Golf Course Architects is a non-profit organization comprised of 180 golf course designers located throughout the United States and Canada. Members are actively involved in the design of new courses, the renovation of existing layouts, and issues affecting the future of the game.
Media Contact
Aileen Smith
American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA)
125 N. Executive Dr., Suite 106
Brookfield, WI 53005
262-786-5960 | 262-786-5919 (FAX)