Coalition Meets with Congress to Share Game’s Economic, Environmental, Health and Charitable Benefits to Millions of Americans
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – WE ARE GOLF – a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners – today met with Members of Congress during the sixth annual National Golf Day to share stories and new data about golf’s diverse businesses, employees, tax revenue creation, tourism and charitable benefits, and environmental leadership.
WE ARE GOLF brought a cast of storytellers to Capitol Hill to discuss what golf has meant to them. Reports about golf’s economic contributions to cash-strapped states around the nation were shared with influential policy makers who may not have otherwise been aware.
“Our primary goal is to communicate to Congressional members that golf is a $68.8 billion per year industry and generates almost $4 billion annually for charities, the majority of which is donated to causes unrelated to the sport,” says Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation (WGF) and administrator of WE ARE GOLF. “Today’s event highlighted our six-year-long initiative that has brought industry stakeholders, large and small, to Capitol Hill to describe how the game affects their lives and should be regarded like any other small business.”
Organizations participating included the Club Managers Association of America (CMAA), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), PGA of America, PGA TOUR and WGF. Some industry leaders in attendance were:
· Peter Broome, Chairman, United States Golf Manufacturers Council
· Rhett Evans, CEO, GCSAA
· Nancy Henderson, Executive Director of Teaching and Club Professionals, LPGA
· Michael Hughes, CEO, NGCOA
· Steve Mona, CEO, WGF
· Joe Ogilvie, current PGA TOUR player
· Jim Singerling, CEO, CMAA
· Derek Sprague, Vice President, PGA of America
· Leading golf course superintendents, small business owners, manufacturers, etc.
National Golf Day featured a day-long exhibit in the Rayburn Foyer with live lessons for Members of Congress and staff from 2012 PGA Teacher of the Year Michael Breed, host of “The Golf Fix” on Golf Channel, and LPGA Professional Dana Rader. Special exhibits and activities featured an aboutGolf simulator with a “Closest to the Pin” contest; state-of-the-art swing analysis from GolfTEC; Birdie Ball, the latest at-home training technology; a Republican vs. Democrat “Putting Challenge;” lessons from Mid-Atlantic Section PGA Professionals and a golf educational display.
“We are here today representing nearly two million people who provide significant benefits to our local communities through golf, such as getting youth involved in the game to teach them life skills,” says Rhett Evans, CEO of GCSAA and WE ARE GOLF Coalition Chairman. “When passing legislation, we want Congress to appropriately recognize the size and scope of the golf industry so we are treated equally.”
At nearly $69 billion, golf’s economic impact exceeds spectator sports, the performing arts, and the amusement and recreation industries. It’s key to the economic vitality of many states and localities, providing nearly two million jobs and $55.6 billion in annual wage income.
In November 2012, the golf industry announced the game’s charitable impact is approximately $3.9 billion per year. As a fundraising vehicle, the game includes an estimated 12,000 golf facilities, 143,000 events, 12 million participants and raises $26,300 average per function. Golf’s annual philanthropic contributions are more than the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB combined.
To join the social conversation, visit twitter.wearegolf.org and use #iamgolf to tweet why golf is more than a game to you.
About WE ARE GOLF
WE ARE GOLF was formed four years ago, in part because it had become clear the industry was misunderstood by too many elected officials. Longstanding perceptions of the game simply didn’t square with the facts. By focusing on the nearly two million Americans whose livelihoods are tied to golf, WE ARE GOLF has leveled the playing field for the thousands of small businesses that make up the industry.
As a result, golf is no longer being excluded from important legislation. Members of Congress now better understand the myriad benefits the game brings to their communities.
The nearly two million U.S. jobs generated by the $69 billion golf industry, and its vast economic reach, are at the core of WE ARE GOLF’S message. Given the scope and pace of federal government activity and the impact on small businesses, the golf industry can play a vital role as policymakers continue efforts to boost employment and get the nation’s economy back on track. Beyond better demonstrating golf’s profound economic clout, WE ARE GOLF illustrates the industry’s health and wellness benefits, its unparalleled charitable giving, and its environmental sustainability initiatives.
For more information about National Golf Day: http://wearegolf.org/national-golf-day-2013.
