Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy

You may have heard that golf is now a $102 billion industry in the U.S. – 20% larger than it was in 2016, the last time there was a proper quantitative review of the game’s economic contributions.

$102 billion certainly sounds like a lot, but numbers like this aren’t all that easy to grasp. So, here’s some (hopefully) helpful context. $102 billion is five times the revenue of the NFL. It’s roughly the global income of UPS, which delivered an average of 24.3 million packages per day in 2022. It’s 25% more money than Tesla, P&G and The Walt Disney Company made last year, 120% more than Nike brought in, and 220% more than Netflix.

Do you want economic proof that golf is not just a game, but a lifestyle? There it is.

Most can appreciate that golf is big business, but what’s easily lost is the tremendous economic ripple it triggers. Beyond the 12 figures in direct spending (from playing fees, hitting bay fees, member dues, equipment, apparel, trips, simulators, course renovations, and more), golf supports another $125 billion in business-to-business activity and household spending (from golf-related labor income). This means almost a quarter of a trillion dollars ($227B) in total economic output – about enough to crack the list of top 50 countries by GDP.

Impressed yet?

Consider the industry’s philanthropic contributions. No sport has as significant a charitable effect as golf, which enabled $4.6 billion in giving in 2022. Need perspective? That’s approximately 1% of all charitable giving in the U.S. ($485B), from individuals, bequests, foundations, and corporations combined.

There was much to share and celebrate last week on Capitol Hill, as National Golf Day returned for its 15th edition. The team here at NGF is proud to have played a small role in building the story of golf’s evolution and impressive economic scope, having spent the past several months conducting a broad array of research to develop the industry’s latest National Economic Impact Report.

Studies like these are essential for communicating golf’s profound and wide-ranging effects. And not just nationally – NGF has also conducted economic research for Colorado, Indiana, Massachusetts, and Oregon over the past two years. The latest report, developed for the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO), was released this past week and reveals golf drove more than $2 billion in direct economic activity across the commonwealth while affording about 52,000 acres of green space in one of the nation’s smallest states.

To learn more about golf’s full economic impact, check out the full report here.

< Older Post Newer Post >

Steve VanDyke, PGA, Elected as President of Colorado PGA’s West Chapter, Alongside Newly Appointed At-Large Directors

By Steven Bartowski • 19 Apr, 2024

Larkspur, CO - The West Chapter of the Colorado Professional Golfers' Association (COPGA) proudly announces the election of Steve VanDyke, PGA, as its newest President, alongside the appointment of esteemed At-Large Directors. PGA of America Golf Professional Steve VanDyke brings a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to the West Chapter PGA of America Golf Professionals and Associates, making him an ideal candidate to lead the West Chapter. With an almost 20-year career as a Class A PGA of America Golf Professional and a passion for the sport that shines through in every endeavor, VanDyke is poised to steer the Colorado PGA West Chapter toward a future marked by excellence. "It is an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the West Chapter PGA," said Steve VanDyke, PGA. "I am deeply committed to advancing the interests of our members, promoting the growth of golf at all levels, and fostering a vibrant and supportive community within the region. Together with my fellow directors and the entire West Chapter membership, I look forward to charting a course that ensures the continued success and vitality of the West Chapter PGA." Joining President VanDyke in this new chapter of leadership is a group of distinguished At-Large Directors whose expertise and vision will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of the Colorado PGA West Chapter. These directors bring diverse perspectives, extensive industry knowledge, and a shared commitment to advancing the golf industry and enhancing the professional lives of PGA of America Golf Professionals. The newly appointed At-Large Directors are: Cody Hasten, PGA Head Professional at Haymaker Golf Course Jim Pratt, PGA General Manager at Aspen Glen Golf Club (beginning a new term) Continuing with their At-Large Director roles are: Loren Forney, PGA Member Trey Johnson, PGA Assistant Professional at Vail Golf Club Mark Matz, PGA Head Professional at Beaver Creek Golf Club Tim Tafoya, PGA Director of Golf at Tiarado Golf Course We would like to thank Luke Brosterhous, PGA, who served selflessly as West Chapter President before VanDyke. During his term, Luke was instrumental in raising the standards for education and the West Chapter Cup Matches. Luke will now slide into the Honorary President role on the Board. Their combined talents and dedication to the principles of the Colorado PGA will undoubtedly enrich the West Chapter's initiatives and programs, benefitting both members and the broader golfing community. "We are thrilled to welcome Steve VanDyke as our new West Chapter President and to introduce our esteemed At-Large Directors," said Cathy Matthews-Kane, PGA President of the Colorado PGA Section. "Under their leadership, we are confident that the West Chapter PGA will continue to thrive and uphold its legacy as a beacon of excellence for the members of the chapter. We are also excited to welcome Mr. VanDyke to the Section Board of Directors as West Chapter President." For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Steven Bartkowski CEO/Executive Director Colorado PGA Section PGA REACH Colorado Foundation 303.996.1593 sbartkowski@pgahq.com About the Colorado PGA West Chapter: The West Chapter of the Colorado PGA encompasses those Members and Associates that work west of the Continental Divide in the state of Colorado. The West Chapter is made up of approximately 100 Members and Associates with over 50 facilities being located in the Chapter. The West Chapter is governed by Officers elected by the Chapter Membership. The Core Purpose of the Chapter is to deliver the member programs and services of the Colorado PGA on the Western Slope. The West Chapter provides continuing education, pro-only, and pro-am tournaments.