Page 46 - LVGL Summer 2019

[ GOLF ]

COMMUNI T Y

Major golf leaders from the WGF, the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA
of America and United States Golf Association share the consensus that
local leaders share about golf being on an upswing at the national level.
“Examining the state of the game today in 2019, there are positive signs
that a whole new generation is getting excited about the sport, both
from a fan and a participation perspective,” says Greg McLaughlin,
president of the World Golf Foundation. People are watching exciting
professional golfers and want to try the sport. The industry commu-
nicates to this group in countless ways, always looking to reach them
where they are most comfortable finding their news, therefore we put
a heavy focus on sharing industry highlights through our social media
channels.

The direct

economic

impact of golf in $1.242billion

Nevada ($1.242

billion) was more

than agriculture

($664.9 million)

and performing

arts ($883.7

million). $884million

“Fan engagement in the game is at an all-time high, due in part to
the myriad vehicles in which fans may interact with the sport. This
outreach is showing results. There are more than 24 million ‘tradition-
al’ golfers in the United States, and another 15 million have said they
are very interested in playing, which is an all-time high. Last year, 2.6
million people tried golf for the first time. Off-course participation
continues to grow at a rapid pace with another 23 million experiencing
the game at off-course venues.”

The recent Nevada impact study compared golf to other industries
within Nevada with some interesting findings. The direct economic
impact of golf in Nevada ($1.242 billion) was more than agriculture
($664.9 million) and performing arts ($883.7 million). Golf leaders
hope the findings will assist the industry in legislative issues and con-
tinue to help with water challenges. “I was surprised that we do more
than the agriculture in the state,” says Red Rock Country Club general $665million

44 LVG&L SUMMER 2019 W W W.L ASVEGASGOLFANDLEISURE.COM