Golf Leaders Prepare To Stand Before Congress

“Tax benefits were given to businesses hit hardest by the hurricane and golf wasn’t one of them.” ~ Mike Hughes, Chief Executive Officer for NGCOA.

According to the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), in 2005 golf was a $76 billion industry employing hundreds of thousands of workers, attracting 40 million participants, and growing at a 4.1 percent annual clip.

But in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a tax relief passed by Congress excluded golf courses and the industry sustained losses in the neighborhood of $195 billion while 2 million people lost their jobs (an estimated $61 billion in income).

Earlier this year, at the 55th PGA Merchandise Show, golf leaders were in talks about the significant economic impact of the industry. Also at this time, Golf 20/20’s economic impact study was released. This report highlighted golf’s significant economical crash nationwide.

Because of Hurricane Katina, and the substantial losses the golf industry had to endure, golf leaders are now taking action to prevent history from repeating itself.

The first annual National Golf Day will be held this April 16th at the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This, Hughes says, should be “the start of a partnership between golf and the public.”

The PGA of America, the PGA Tour, the USGA, the LPGA, GCSAA, CMAA, The First Tee, and the World Golf Foundation will all be represented. These groups intend to show Congress that golf is not an industry to be taken likely.

The event will be held that Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and includes everything from press conferences to forums to lunch with Senators.

So what can you do as a course owner or manager to support and possibly sway any Congressional movements as a result of the premier National Golf Day?

Perhaps a little old-fashioned letter writing is in order...

Consider sending Congress a personal letter from your course to talk about the technology you have, the positive recreational benefits available for citizens of all ages, shapes, and economic backgrounds, and finally (and possibly the most effective), how golf supports travel, tourism, and the economy as a whole.

It might be time for course owners and managers to come together. Because one little voice, combined with other little voices, can be heard.

Any letters sent should be addressed to:

The Honorable (your state’s Senator)
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

As Hughes says, “It’s our turn to shine, to show Congress and the country the impact golf has on the economy.”

Click here for a complete transcription of the 55th PGA Merchandise Show.

To learn more about National Golf Day, contact the NGCOA.