WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Golf Industry Coalition concluded its 18th National Golf Day this week following three days of advocacy, collaboration and community service projects across Washington, D.C.
More than 280 individuals representing businesses and organizations from across the golf industry participated in the annual event.
National Golf Day highlighted golf’s growing impact on the economy, communities and public spaces across the United States. According to the National Golf Foundation, 48.1 million Americans engaged with the sport in 2025, a 55% increase over the past decade.
The golf industry generates $102 billion in direct economic output — or $226 billion when indirect activity is included — while supporting 2.1 million jobs and sustaining more than 15,000 small businesses nationwide. The golf industry creates measurable benefits for Americans nationwide, including healthier and more engaged communities and stronger local economies.
National Golf Day 2026 centered on four key industry priorities: responsible stewardship, health and wellness, economic and charitable impact, and expanding access to the game for all Americans.
The industry’s continued momentum was evident throughout the week’s events, including:
- On Tuesday, May 5, 200 industry volunteers participated in community service projects across the National Mall and at Old Soldiers’ Home Golf Course, continuing one of National Golf Day’s longstanding traditions. Volunteers partnered with the National Park Service, the Trust for the National Mall and the Armed Forces Retirement Home on restoration and improvement projects throughout the city.
- Projects included applying gold leaf paint to the signatures at the 56 Signers Island Memorial, painting fencing around the Reflecting Pool, mulching at the DC War Memorial and maintaining turf corridors between the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. At Old Soldiers’ Home Golf Course, volunteers completed projects including greens work, tee renovations, decompaction, tree care, mowing and clubhouse organization.
- On Wednesday morning, May 6, Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Golf Caucus, addressed attendees at the Rayburn House Office Building, before AGIC representatives departed for legislative meetings across Capitol Hill. Hudson reflected on golf’s ability to strengthen communities through relationship-building, economic impact and wellness benefits.
- Throughout the day on Wednesday, more than 250 industry leaders representing 40 states held more than 255 meetings with lawmakers to discuss golf’s role in supporting jobs, small businesses, tourism, environmental stewardship and community development.
“From labor policies and turfgrass research to travel and tourism funding, our agenda in Washington reflects the multifaceted nature of the golf industry,” said Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association. “Golf has a great story to tell, and we continue to have a receptive audience on Capitol Hill.”
“National Golf Day provides us with an incredible opportunity to join with colleagues from across the industry to celebrate the collective impact of our game and the critical role it provides in enriching local communities,” said Emily Palmer, chief member services officer of the United States Golf Association. “As the game continues to grow as both a recreational outlet and economic driver, it’s important that we continue to work together to champion meaningful initiatives.”
For more information about National Golf Day and the American Golf Industry Coalition, visit golfcoalition.org.