Worldgolf.com reports, “GOLF 20/20 – the collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the United States golf industry (including ASGCA) – reports golf’s direct economic impact in Florida was $8.2 billion in 2013, an increase from $7.5 billion in 2007.”
The size of Florida’s direct golf economy is larger than key state industries like amusement and theme parks ($5.4 billion) and medical equipment and supplies manufacturing ($6.5 billion). When indirect and induced economic activity driven by the golf sector is taken into consideration, total impact increases to $11 billion.
The state’s golf industry supports 132,532 jobs and $3.6 billion in wage income. Florida is home to 1,103 golf courses, the most of any U.S. state.
“Golf brings thousands of visitors to Florida each year, spurs new residential construction and creates demand for myriad goods and services,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, administrator of GOLF 20/20. “The health and growth of the game in Florida has a direct bearing on jobs, commerce, economic development and tax revenues for communities and industries throughout the state.”