By: Fred Altvater
In April, more than 300 golf industry leaders converged on Washington D.C. to meet with congressional leaders to enlighten them on the importance of the golf industry to the country.
The 11th annual National Golf Day was held April 24-25. It featured over 230 activities and meetings to discuss golf’s 15,000 diverse businesses, two million jobs, tourism value and tax revenues realized from golf related activities.
Those are just a portion of the $84 billion that golf annually contributes to the nation’s economy and nearly $4 billion in charitable donations.
Another faction that was a key player in this year’s National Golf Day was PHIT America. They joined with the golf industry to highlight the health benefits of physical exercise via golf. They also wanted to promote legislation currently before the Congress to make memberships in fitness clubs, YMCA’s, or any cost involved in increased healthy activities, be tax deductible for Americans.
World Golf Foundation CEO, Steve Mona, who heads up this massive blitz on the Federal Government establishment, said,
“With one in 75 U.S. jobs impacted by golf, the industry plays a significant role in stimulating our economy nationwide. Last year, a record 2.5 million people tried golf for the first time, further cementing why it is vital to share golf’s interests with our country’s lawmakers, showcasing the game’s many economic, charitable and fitness benefits.”
Speaking on Back 9 Report, the President of Golf Life Navigators and PGA Professional, Jason Becker was a member of the delegation that visited the nation’s capital. He personally attended meetings and met with 13 U.S. Representatives to tell golf’s story and educate the congressmen on the benefits of golf for the country.
He told us,
“One of the most interesting meetings we had was with Missouri Congresswoman, Anne Wagner. With the 2018 PGA Championship set to be held at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, she was excited to attend the event and was appreciative of the nearly $120 million impact that major championship would add to the Missouri economy.”
Indeed, golf is a huge industry in this country. It not only is responsible for sustaining many families with the millions of jobs it creates, but also is a leader in philanthropy.
Professional golf alone helps generate over $200 million in charitable donations annually. The biggest amount of charitable funding comes from average golfers at over 12,000 golf club around the country that annually participate in golf tournaments and outings that generate over $3.7 million in funding.
National Golf Day gives politicians a chance to learn about the massive economic impact golf has for the country and develops relationships that can help sustain the game in the future.
Learn more about National Golf Day and hear the entire interview with Jason Becker on Back 9 Report: https://tunein.com/podcasts/Golf/The-Back-9-Report-p620823/.
