Washington, United States: We Are Golf – a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners – visited Capitol Hill for the 10th annual National Golf Day to discuss the game’s nearly US$70 billion economic impact, US$4 billion annual charitable impact, environmental value to local communities and fitness benefits.
A record 175 Congressional meetings were scheduled and nearly 200 attendees from 35 US states participated.
Industry leaders met with Members of Congress, the Executive Branch and Federal agencies to highlight the two million jobs impacted by golf and the nearly US$4 billion raised for charitable causes through 143,000 philanthropic events annually.
Throughout the day, participants shared stories about the game’s 15,000-plus diverse businesses, tax revenue creation, accessibility, tourism, ecological value and the fact that one in 75 US jobs is impacted by the industry.
New for 2017, more than 100 golf industry leaders participated in a community service initiative on the National Mall during the morning. The initiative focused on beautification, preservation and helping the National Park Service with turf deferred maintenance.
“I look forward to National Golf Day every year. It’s a chance to visit with the folks at We Are Golf here on Capitol Hill to talk about the positive impact the game has on our economy, worthy charities and personal fitness,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn, Assistant Democratic Leader. “I especially appreciate the opportunity to discuss expanding diversity throughout every aspect of the game of golf.”
This year’s event also included Mike Davis, Executive Director of the United States Golf Association (USGA), the PGA Tour’s Billy Hurley III and Olympic gold medallist Dan Jansen.
“The influence of the game continues to grow. Golf continues to lead the way, in terms of not just physical strength but also mental strength and character,” said Senator John Barrasso. “Golf is a worldwide, growing global activity.”
Organisations participating were the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA), Links to Freedom, National Alliance for Accessible Golf, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA Tour, Salute Military Golf Association, The First Tee, US Golf Manufacturers Council, USGA, World Golf Foundation and several others.