By, Trent Bouts
Publisher, Carolinas Green
Golf’s significant contribution to the state’s economy was front and center with legislators at North Carolina Golf Day in Raleigh recently. Golf industry representatives described how the game contributes close to $2.4 billion in economic impact in 2016, supports nearly 37,000 jobs and delivers almost $435 million in federal, state, and local tax revenue.
Some of that economic bounty stems from a resurgence in new home construction at golf communities in the state. A report prepared by TEConomy Partners found that six communities – spread from the mountains to the coast - generated build-outs of more than 100 new homes last year. Several other golf communities also had significant new home activity as well.
“It’s very gratifying to be able to deliver such positive news to key decision-makers on behalf our industry,” says Brian Stiehler, golf course superintendent from Highlands Country Club in Highlands, NC. “Golf is so much more than a game. In addition to the economic impact, the game contributes to the social fabric of many communities and provides green space and habitat in urban areas.”
North Carolina is home to 534 golf facilities which, in addition to driving residential demand, play a key role in the state’s tourism economy. Major golf industry manufacturers such as John Deere and Golf Pride also have headquarters in the state. In August, golf will draw extensive international interest when Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte hosts the PGA Championship, itself expected to generate upwards of $100 million in economic impact.
The golf industry delegation met with Secretary of Commerce Anthony Copeland and Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest in separate sessions. They also delivered a series of presentations to a joint meeting of the House and Senate Commerce Committee. Senator Rick Gunn read a proclamation from Governor Roy Cooper designating “May 24, 2017, as Golf Dayin North Carolina in appreciation of the golf industry’s contribution to our state.”
“This was my fourth visit for Golf Day and I believe legislators and their staff members are now very familiar with and grateful for the role the industry plays,” says Stiehler, who is a certified golf course superintendent and master greenkeeper and serves on the board of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association. “They recognize us now when we walk in and it’s amazing how much information they retain from year to year. We are being heard. It was a good day.”
In addition to superintendents, the golf industry delegation included representatives of the Carolinas Golf Association, Carolinas Section of the PGA of America, Carolinas Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects and North Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.