Washington DC, United States: The American Golf Industry Coalition (AGIC), representing the leading organisations and companies in golf, is hosting its 16th annual National Golf Day event this week.

Industry associations, partners, and leaders have gathered in Washington, DC to share the stories of the sport and industry’s economic, societal, and charitable impact.

Leading the efforts of the AGIC, Greg McLaughlin, CEO of the World Golf Foundation, said: “The game is more accessible and more impactful than it has ever been – with more than 45 million people engaging with the sport, driving a direct economic impact of US$102 billion and 1.65 million jobs across the US.”

This week, the AGIC, whose members include the PGA of America, PGA Tour, LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), and many more, have converged on Capitol Hill to discuss a number of key issues that impact the industry.

The AGIC’s 2023 Annual Review includes current priorities for the industry as a whole.

The bi-partisan Congressional Golf Caucus, led by Representatives Nancy Mace (SC-01), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), and Richard Hudson (NC-09), work with their colleagues to explore ways to support and expand the golf eco-system in America.

Mace said: “Here in the Lowcountry, golf-related tourism tees up millions of dollars to our economy and thousands of jobs. Our fairways aren’t just green – they’re gold mines!”

Panetta added: “Although the district that I grew up in and now represent in Congress is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, I learned early on that golf is not just about the course, but also about the experience.

“National Golf Day highlights the many benefits of playing golf no matter where you’re at, including the challenge, the camaraderie, and the outdoors. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus, I appreciate National Golf Day, but as the US Representative of the 19th Congressional District, I firmly believe that every day can be a great day to play golf.”

Hudson said: “Our region in North Carolina is home to some of the best golf courses in the world, including the host of the 124th US Open Championship, Pinehurst Resort, contributing significantly to our community and economy.

“As a Co-Chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus and Representative of the Cradle of American golf, I look forward to working with my colleagues as we explore new opportunities to expand the game of golf for Americans across the country so they can enjoy it as much as we all do.”

This year, attendees heard from NBC Sports’ Steve Sands during a private event and will participate in a Community Service Project across the National Mall in partnership with the GCSAA and the National Park Service.