Let's make a day of it!

Ok, we get it. It's hard to think about golf right now. But in just two weeks, Bay State golf industry leaders will be looking ahead to warm weather at Massachusetts Golf Day!

The Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations released an Economic Impact Report last year and this event is the culmination. The event will bring together state legislators, golf industry leaders, reps from some major brands, and special guest, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

As golf enthusiasts, you probably have some idea that golf is an influential business here in Massachusetts. But I bet you didn't know that our little industry, with a total size of $1.7 billion, generates a total annual economic impact of $2.7 BILLION...that's almost enough to fix the MBTA! Ha ha...too soon?

You probably also didn't realize that the golf industry here supports 25,500 jobs which generate nearly $800 million in wage income! This number includes not only golf-specific jobs like pros and supers, but also hospitality positions at each club, positions in major golf manufacturers like Callaway Golf and Titleist, and positions in golf retail.

Oh and did you know that we give back to charity as well? The biggest golf event that takes place here in Massachusetts - the Deutsche Bank Championship - has raised more than $24 million for charity since its inception. The Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund will award $1.6 million in scholarships next year. And The First Tee of Massachusetts uses the game of golf to help children develop into wonderful people. All told, the golf industry in Massachusetts gives back $74.3 million annually.

And the craziest thing about these numbers is that our golf season is what...6-8 months if we're lucky? But our total impact is more than all other spectator sports (football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and soccer) COMBINED!

So think warm thoughts. We will be celebrating this great game in two weeks and hopefully will be PLAYING this great game shortly thereafter!

Click here to learn more about the Economic Impact Report and Mass Golf Day