MGA Press Release

GOLF MEANS $2.4 BILLION TO MINNESOTA'S ECONOMY

EDINA, Minn.(April 8, 2008) - How does one explain why golf is so great in Minnesota? Our state leads the nation in golfers per capita; Hibbing is home to a golfer who consistently plays more rounds and posts more scores than any other golfer in the U.S.; and Minnesota is the only state to have hosted all 13 USGA national championships plus the Walker Cup, Curtis Cup, and men's and women's State Team championships.

According to the report's findings, the size of Minnesota's direct golf economy is approximately $1.2 billion. When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism) Minnesota's golf industry generated approximately $2.4 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $776.7 million of wage income and 34,653 jobs.

While Minnesota's quality of golf seems to defy conventional wisdom, quantifying what golf means to Minnesota is clearer now, thanks to a recently published study on the economic impact of the golf business to the Minnesota economy.  Titled The Minnesota Golf Economy, the study was prepared by SRI International (a nonprofit research and consulting firm), and commissioned by the MGA on behalf of the golf industry in Minnesota.

 While the study points out how broadly golf impacts Minnesota's economy, it also highlights the importance that every golf course plays in its local community, says Tom Ryan, MGA executive director and chief operating officer.  Golf-related tourism spending in Minnesota amounts to about $361 million.

Golf is a major part of the tourism equation, says John Valliere, MGA president and member of the Governor's Tourism Council. We are serving the golfer by being the agency that demonstrates golf's impact on the larger economic picture, and the new study validates Minnesota's golf tourism [marketing] investment, he adds.

The MGA supports the cooperative marketing efforts of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance, a golf industry group that pools resources to promote Minnesota as a golf tourism destination, and Explore Minnesota Tourism.  

To put the golf business in perspective with Minnesota's other important and diverse industries, golf's economic output is on par with the following industries: dairy products ($1.1 billion); printed circuit assembly ($1.3 billion); and accounting, tax and payroll services ($1.4 billion).

According to a recent GOLF 20/20 report, the U.S. golf economy accounted for $76 billion in goods and services. The report estimated that golf generated a total economic impact of $195 billion, creating about 2 million jobs with wage income of $61 billion. Beyond its sport and recreational value, golf is at the heart of a major industry cluster that generates jobs, commerce, economic development and tax revenues for communities throughout the country.

Copies of  The Minnesota Golf Economy, are available by contacting the MGA at 952-927-4643.

About this study

The Minnesota Golf Economy study was conducted by Nancy Chan, John Chase, Katherine Johnston, Jennifer Ozawa and Peter Ryan of SRI International with significant contributions from individuals representing the Minnesota Golf Association and its allied associations: Tom Ryan and John Valliere (MGA); Jack Mackenzie (MGCSA); Kathy Swanson (MNPGA); Greg Stang (MWGCOA); Jeff May (MPGMA); and Kevin Valento (CMAA-UM). The study was prepared by SRI in agreement with GOLF 20/20 and with the support of the following organizations: CMAA, GCSAA, LPGA, NGCOA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and USGA.

About the MGA

The MGA's mission is to uphold and promote the game of golf and its values for all golfers in Minnesota. Founded in 1901, the MGA is a non-profit association of more than 400 member golf clubs and 80,000 associate members who play organized golf at these public and private facilities. The MGA conducts 16 amateur championships and nine USGA qualifiers every year. In addition to golf competitions, the MGA publishes the Minnesota Golfer magazine, conducts Rules of Golf workshops and education, provides USGA course rating and measuring services, supports Turf Grass Research at the University of Minnesota, and provides charitable support for additional good-for-the-game initiatives.

Source list for The Minnesota Golf Economy study prepared by SRI International and commissioned by the MGA:

Tom Ryan, MGA Executive Director/COO, 952-345-3971

John Valliere, MGA President and Minnesota Tourism Council (Braemar Golf Course General Manager), 952-826-6799 (x 1227)

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