Golf Florida Alliance Visits State Capitol in Tallahassee for Annual ‘Florida Golf Day’ Celebration

Game’s Direct Economic Impact in Florida Increased to $8.2 Billion in 2013

(TALLAHASSEE, Fla.) – Golf Florida Alliance – a collaboration of leading organizations representing all segments of the state’s golf industry – celebrated “Florida Golf Day” at the State Capitol in Tallahassee.

Industry leaders met with members of the House of Representatives and Senate to discuss the industry’s economic impact, growth of youth development programs and enhanced focus on environmental sustainability.

Last year, GOLF 20/20 reported the game’s direct economic impact in Florida was $8.2 billion in 2013, an increase from $7.5 billion in 2007. The state’s golf industry supports more than 132,000 jobs and $3.6 billion in wage income. Florida is home to about 1,100 golf courses, the most of any U.S. state.

“Florida Golf Day is our annual opportunity to meet with State Legislators and explain the positive benefits our game brings to local communities throughout the Sunshine State,” says Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation and administrator of GOLF 20/20. “As evidenced by significant statewide growth over the last seven years, the game is a key revenue driver at the local level and provides billions of annual wage income each year.”

Florida Golf Day attendees included the Club Managers Association of America, Florida Chapter of Club Managers Association of America, Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, Florida Historic Golf Trail, Florida State Golf Association, Golf Channel, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, North and South Florida Sections of the PGA of America, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, The First Tee, USGA, World Golf Foundation and World Golf Hall of Fame.

“I enjoyed hearing about the game's various benefits and its substantial contributions to the state of Florida,” says Senator Garrett Richter (R-Fla.), Chair for the Committee on Ethics and Elections. “Golf plays an important role in stimulating our economy and its impact is unrivaled."

Additionally, House and Senate members competed in a charity putting contest.

In January, Florida hosted the “PGA Merchandise Show” in Orlando with more than 40,000 attendees and exhibitors from nearly 75 countries with an estimated $82.7 million economic impact to the region. In total, the state will host 19 professional golf tournaments in 2016: six PGA TOUR, three Champions Tour, two LPGA Tour, three Legends Tour and five Symetra Tour events.

More info: www.golf2020.com, www.wearegolf.org.