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.