ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA (January 28, 2015) – GOLF 20/20 – the collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the United States golf industry – 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.”
Top representatives of Florida’s golf industry will travel to Tallahassee for “Florida Golf Day” on Thursday, Feb. 5 and share these findings about the game’s economic impact, as well as its youth development programs, sustainability practices and environmental benefits.
Participating organizations include the PGA of America, PGA TOUR, LPGA, USGA, Club Managers Association of America, National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, World Golf Hall of Fame, World Golf Foundation, The First Tee, Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, Florida Turfgrass Association, Florida Chapter of Club Managers Association of America, North and South Florida Sections of the PGA of America, Florida State University PGA Golf Management Program, Florida State Golf Association and Golf Channel.
The Florida Golf Economic Impact Study by SRI International is based on several core segments (golf facility operations, golf course capital investment, golfer supplies, tournaments and associations, and charities) and enabled categories (real estate, hospitality and tourism).
For more information: www.golf2020.com.
About GOLF 20/20
GOLF 20/20 is a unique collaboration of all segments of the golf industry, from associations and manufacturers to golf course owners / operators and the media. It was launched in 2000 and is designed to unite and activate the industry around key strategic initiatives that increase participation and retention, involvement and interest in the sport.