Page 48 - LVGL Summer 2019

[ GOLF ]

COMMUNI T Y

on the courses are the backbone of our sport. We live in a fast-paced,
high-energy and high-stress world. A casual round of golf or a family
visit to a professional tournament can provide the mind and the soul
with a little bit of good. Moreover, all those visits by fans are likely
driving increased dollars into local charities.”

One of the arguments against the golf industry is that the courses
use too much water and are wasteful. The new economic impact study
reveals how the water outlay is beneficial to many of the state’s goals
and how continually raising water rates and potentially taxes will put
even more pressure on an industry with a thin profit margin.

As for water, the Southern Nevada Golf Course Superintendents
Association (SNGCSA) and its allied national association, continually
implement best practices to utilize only each ounce of water needed.

The following is from a recent document of SNGCSA talking points
used during discussion with legislative bodies. “Golf courses in South-
ern Nevada, which use less than two-percent of the water consumed
in Nevada, are businesses that serve as a valuable community asset, a
source of tax revenues and employment, and an important recreation-
CHRIS CAIN, the director of the successful UNLV al outlet for community members of all ages. Golf is a beneficial use
Professional Golf Management PGA of America of water and with (Nevada) Governor Sisolak’s focus on travel and
program and a Nevada Golf Alliance member, sees the tourism, golf will play an important role in helping further develop
the state as a leader in global tourism. Courses in Nevada continue
business of golf in Nevada through a local, regional and to make strides in reducing water usage through sound agronomic
national lens. practices, turfgrass reduction, efficient and targeted irrigation, turfgrass
“As a proud member of the Nevada Golf Alliance, I research and a reliance on reclaimed water. Additionally, superinten-
am pleased to learn of the recent golf impact findings, dents are highly skilled and trained in irrigation and receive continuing
education not only through the Southern Nevada GCSA, but the Golf
which support the growing diversity of the Nevada state Course Superintendents Association of America, the United States Golf
economy,” Cain says. “A previous report commissioned Association and numerous irrigation companies that support the golf
in 2005, focusing only on Southern Nevada, illustrated a industry including Ewing, Hunter, Rain Bird and Toro.”
$900M impact. When accounting for inflation, a broad-
er lens and the growth sectors associated with the game, In the next two issues, we will look deeper into the particular cate-
the recent $1.907 billion finding is not surprising.” gories where golf in Nevada is making a dramatic and indelible impact,
with tourism arguably being the most important with a direct impact
of $744.3, and indirectly being a top amenity for affluent guests and
gamblers who flock to Las Vegas for vacations or to attend world class
events and conventions.
manager and Nevada Golf Alliance board member Thom Blinkinsop.
“With this much influence, we should get more responses about our “Golf plays an important role in tourism for both Las Vegas and our
concerns about taxes and water. We will see.” extended destinations of Boulder City, Laughlin, Mesquite and Primm
as a top-notch amenity to add to any leisure or business trip,” says
At the national and Nevada level, the numbers are staggering regard- Lisa Motley, CSEE, LVCVA, Director of Sports Marketing & Special
ing the opportunities and how the golf industry contributes to society Events. “While golf is appealing to the luxury guest, thanks to the wide
at all levels. In Nevada, golf accounts for more than 17,000 jobs directly variety of options from Shadow Creek to a Topgolf experience, there’s
and indirectly. Throughout the United States, the numbers climb into an option for almost every budget and ability level. And considering all
the millions. of the business that’s done in Las Vegas, golf makes a great corporate
hospitality activity for clients and vendors.”
“There are more than two million jobs impacted by the game and
its diverse benefits to our economy and our society,” says LPGA Tour “While Las Vegas is home to what is probably the best collection
commissioner Mike Whan. “It's often forgotten that the people working of world-class courses, golf is still a bit of a hidden gem with room to

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