Washington, DC, United States: The American Golf Industry Coalition (AGIC) has announced that Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Scott Peters (D-CA) have joined as new co-chairs of the Congressional Golf Caucus.

They will serve alongside existing co-chairs Representatives Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) in a strengthened bi-partisan leadership team dedicated to advancing policies that support the golf industry’s contributions to the American economy, environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The expanded leadership comes at a pivotal moment as the caucus advances HR 1583, the Parity for Athletic Recreation (PAR) Act, bi-partisan legislation aimed at amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove existing restrictions on the use of tax-exempt bond proceeds for golf facilities.

These outdated provisions currently prevent golf courses from accessing economic development tools and disaster relief available to other small businesses and recreational facilities.

“The addition of Representatives Hudson and Peters strengthens our bi-partisan effort to achieve tax code parity for the golf industry,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO, American Golf Industry Coalition.

“Their leadership is instrumental in educating colleagues about how today’s golf industry differs dramatically from when these restrictive provisions were written nearly 40 years ago,” added McLaughlin.

According to the National Economic Impact Study released by the American Golf Industry Coalition in 2023, golf is a US$102 billion industry that impacts nearly two million US jobs with approximately US$60 billion in annual wage income.

Today, approximately one out of every 75 jobs in the US is connected to the golf industry.

“America’s golf courses contribute significantly to our local economies through jobs, tourism, and community development in places like my home county,” said Republican Hudson.

“Unfortunately, the outdated tax code has unfairly penalised these businesses for too long, making it harder for them to grow or recover after a disaster. As co-chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus, I’m proud to champion this legislation to support our golf industry.”

Representative Peters added: “As co-chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus, I’m thrilled to work alongside my colleagues to support the golf industry. With most golf facilities open to the public, it’s clear that golf is a vital part of accessible recreation for millions of Americans.

“These small businesses are essential in keeping the sport affordable and enjoyable for communities nationwide.”

The PAR Act would enable golf course operators to secure more affordable financing for renovations, expansions, and infrastructure improvements. This is particularly important as an estimated 62% of golf facilities invested an average of US$419,500 per facility on capital improvements from 2016-2022, with courses investing US$3.65 billion in capital improvement projects in 2022 alone.

“Golf courses are much more than just businesses – they are community hubs for engagement, youth sports, and tourism,” said Representative Mace. “As co-chair, I look forward to advocating for these businesses that support local economies while preserving green spaces for families to enjoy.”

Representative Panetta added: “I’m excited to serve as a co-chair of the Congressional Golf Caucus and support the green grass facility segment, a major contributor to the golf industry’s overall impact. It’s essential that we continue to foster the growth and accessibility of golf across the nation.”