Thursday, December 15, 2016

Golf industry economic impact study now available for the state of Arizona



State’s golf courses have an estimated total economic contribution of $3.9 billion and directly employ 18,750 full and part-time employees


The Cactus & Pine Golf Course Superintendents Association, with cooperation from the Club Managers Association of America and the Southwest PGA Section, released the “The Contribution of the Golf Industry to the Arizona Economy” study on Dec. 13, 2016 at Gainey Ranch Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz.   

The study, conducted by the Department of Agriculture & Resource Economics and Cooperative Extension at the University of Arizona utilizes the results of a statewide survey, secondary data and an economic contribution analysis using the IMPLAN model to determine the game’s contribution to the Arizona economy as well as its influence on the environment.  

“The study indicates the importance of the golf industry to the state of Arizona and its residents,” stated Rory Van Poucke, Cactus & Pine GCSA president and general manager/Class A superintendent at Apache Sun Golf Club in San Tan Valley, Ariz.  “Golf in Arizona has a total economic impact of $3.9 billion, directly employs 18,750 full and part-time employees and generates $72 million in state and local taxes. These numbers substantiate golf’s contribution to the economic vitality of the state.”  

The state’s over 300 facilities played host to 11.6 million rounds of golf in 2014.  “Over 32 percent of those rounds were played by out-of-state and foreign visitors accounting for $1.1 billion in total sales”, said Cactus & Pine GCSA executive director Carmella Ruggiero. “The golf industry continues to be one of the primary drivers of tourism to Arizona.”

In addition to the economic contributions, the study also highlights the industries conservation and management practices.  Golf uses only 1.9 percent of Arizona’s total freshwater withdrawals and courses have reduced the average number of acres overseeded from 89.3 in 2009 to 75.8 in 2014. “The study demonstrates our industries continued efforts in the area of water conservation and sustainable environmental practices,” said Desert Mountain director of agronomy Shawn Emerson. “We are proving that you can balance the use of natural resources while achieving bottom line results.”

Access the full report here.

The Cactus & Pine GCSA is recognized as a unified voice for the turfgrass industry in Arizona and is dedicated to enhancing the professional recognition of its members through education, leadership, collaboration, government relations and environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit the Cactus & Pine website.

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