National Golf Day showcases sport before Capitol Hill lawmakers

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- WE ARE GOLF, a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners, visited Capitol Hill on Wednesday for the seventh annual National Golf Day to showcase golf’s nearly $70 billion economy, $4 billion annual charitable impact, environmental value to local communities and fitness benefits.

Golf’s leaders met with Members of Congress throughout the day to share stories about the game’s almost 15,000 diverse, small businesses, which employ more than two million people and provide $55.6 billion in annual wage income. In addition, industry executives discussed golf courses’ positive influences on ecology, tax revenues and tourism. They even explained how walking 18 holes can burn 2,000 calories.

“As a lifelong golfer, I’ve been pleased to participate in National Golf Day with the good folks at WE ARE GOLF on their visit here to Capitol Hill today,” said Senator Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.). “Golf is a great game, and I appreciate the opportunity to discuss expanding diversity in all aspects of the game.”

Organizations participating included the Club Managers Association of America, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Ladies Professional Golf Association, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA Tour, United States Golf Association, United States Golf Manufacturers Council, World Golf Foundation and others.

National Golf Day featured a day-long exhibit in the Cannon Caucus Room with live lessons for Members of Congress and staff from 2012 PGA Teacher of the Year Michael Breed, host of “The Golf Fix” on Golf Channel, and LPGA Professional Dana Rader. Special exhibits and activities included a “Closest to the Pin” contest utilizing an about Golf simulator; state-of-the-art swing analysis from GolfTEC; Birdie Ball, the latest at-home training technology; and a Republican vs. Democrat “Putting Challenge.”

“Today, we stood together in D.C. to represent the two million men and women whose livelihood depends on the golf industry,” said Steve Mona, CEO of World Golf Foundation and administrator of WE ARE GOLF. “Our unified voice helps Congressional Members better understand the profound influence golf has on the American economy.”

Visit WE ARE GOLF's social media hub. Through May 31, be sure to use #NGD14 and tag @wearegolf on Twitter and Instagram to show your support for the golf industry.