NORTON, Massachusetts — Massachusetts is home to some of the oldest and most revered public access and private courses in the country, so it’s no surprise that the Bay State is brimming with avid golfers. The game’s popularity has soared in recent years, leading to a host of benefits for playing and non-playing residents alike.
The 2022 Economic Impact Report, which was developed for the Alliance of Massachusetts Golf Organizations (AMGO), showed that in 2022, Massachusetts’ golf industry supported nearly 35,115 jobs, paid out $1.9 billion in wage income, raised over $72.2 million in charitable giving, and contributed $225.8 million in state and local taxes.
READ: SUMMARY OF REPORT | FULL REPORT | SUPPORTING GRAPHICS | AMGO HOMEPAGE
Mike Higgins, Executive Director of New England, PGA Section of America, noted the recent growth of golf in Massachusetts: “Golf’s popularity has exploded since the last time this report was released, and its impact on the Commonwealth is significant. PGA Professionals are helping to lead the way in growing the game, raising significant dollars for charity and impacting lives throughout golf.”
The game drove $2.06 billion in direct economic activity, an increase of 19% over its $1.74 billion impact in 2012. Further, when considering indirect economic stimulation in industries such as tourism, hospitality, and real estate, the total economic impact topped $3.3 billion.
“This report reflects the incredible levels of impact and engagement we have been experiencing throughout the industry, which benefits and supports citizens throughout the Commonwealth,” said Jesse Menachem, Executive Director/CEO of Mass Golf. “From playing the game, to working in the game, to giving back to a local charity, golf is a vehicle that is essential to our economy, environment and well-being. This was proven throughout the pandemic and holds true given the figures in this report that we were able to achieve through the monumental year of 2022.”
The market for golf continues to thrive in Massachusetts, supporting 221 public access facilities, plus 37 stand-alone driving ranges, and 43 simulator locations. Survey results estimated that 93% percent of facilities offer a junior program—coupled with programs like the PGA Junior League, Youth on Course, and the First Tee, these efforts have ensured that golf will remain accessible, and the game will continue to grow with a new generation.
The abundance of golf courses affords residents approximately 52,000 acres of green space in the state. Don Hearn, Executive Director of Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, said, “Golf course superintendents have put an emphasis on the environment, outlined in the Best Management Practices for Massachusetts golf courses, and are helping ensure the game remains sustainable.”
The study demonstrates the many ways the game of golf continues to flourish in the Commonwealth. As Elaine Gebhardt, Executive Director of the New England Golf Course Owners Association, put it: “I am so proud of the way AMGO came together to spearhead efforts like the Economic Impact Study. No single organization could pull this off, but as a team we can get the job done. We have a great story to share and now we have current figures to back it up.”
AMGO is dedicated to serving the interests of golf in the Commonwealth by promoting and protecting all facets of the game.
AMGO is comprised of eight core organizations: Mass Golf, New England Section of the PGA of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of New England, Golf Course Superintendents Association of Cape Cod, National Golf Course Owners Association – New England Chapter, New England Chapter Club Management Association of America, New England Golf Association, and the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund.
Mass Golf is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to advancing golf in Massachusetts by building an engaged and inclusive community around the sport.
With a community made up of over 110,000 golf enthusiasts and over 360 member clubs, Mass Golf is one of the largest state golf associations in the country. Members enjoy the benefits of handicapping, engaging golf content, course rating and scoring services along with the opportunity to compete in an array of events for golfers of all ages and abilities.
At the forefront of junior development, Mass Golf is proud to offer programming to youth in the state through First Tee Massachusetts and subsidized rounds of golf by way of Youth on Course.
