Do You Know What Day It Is?

By: Elisa Gaudet


Yes, it's the deadline for income-tax filings but also National GOLF Day. Golf has its own day and what many might not know is the important role the game plays in the American economy.

Before you step up to the tee at your favorite muni course, private club or watch golf on TV, a good many people and events were hard at work to make it all possible.

While some may turn to a stereotypical idea of "what golf is," this is not about a certain demographic, income bracket or gender that plays the game, rather it's an vibrant industry with considerable economic impact.

It is worth taking a deeper look into and understanding golf's positive effects on finance, job creation, charitable giving and health benefits. Golf is a very important and viable industry similar to automotive, agriculture and film.

Fast facts:

• Approximately 52 million golfers worldwide
• Approximately 26 million golfers in the U.S.
• 1.98 million jobs created from golf
• Golf is a $68.8 billion industry
• Approximately 15,350 golf facilities in the U.S. accounting for 2 million-plus acres of green space
• Charitable impact of golf ($3.9 billion in 2011) is greater than the MLB, NFL, NBA and NHL combined
• Nine out of 10 rounds are at a public facility, accounting for 76 percent of golf played at a median cost of $26.

These statistics paint a much different picture than the general perception of golf. On National Golf Day, leaders from various sectors of the industry meet in Washington, D.C., on Capital Hill. April 15 is an opportunity for industry leaders to convene with Congress and share details about the many benefits generated by the game.

Congressman Jim Clyburn of South Carolina realizes the huge role golf plays in his state, where tourism is its No. 1 industry. "I have a love and respect for the game and have seen how golf helps build character, relationships and move agendas. This is especially true with children and their development through the confidence and encouragement golf provides," said Clyburn.

Golf is a conversation worth joining at #NGD15@wearegolf.

Elisa Gaudet brings a wealth of entertainment and golf experience to Cybergolf. Elisa has spent the past several years in the golf industry in the U.S., Latin America and Spain. She worked for the PGA Tour and the Tour de las Americas before founding Executive Golf International, a marketing company that works with clients to develop strategies using golf to develop and implement golf-related programs. Elisa worked in the entertainment industry for over 10 years as a model and SAG and AFTRA actress. She has appeared on numerous radio and TV programs and has been a guest speaker on a variety of golf topics. Elisa published her first book, "Two Good Rounds" (Skyhorse Publishing) in 2011. The second book, "Two Good Rounds Superstars," was published in late 2013 and her most recent, "Two Good Rounds TITANS," was released in late 2014. Her story for Cybergolf, "Golf a Romantic Affair at Cabin Bluff," won first prize in ING's 2012 Travel Writing category, and that same year she won the ING's Outstanding Achievement award for the Op/Ed Writing Category for her Cybergolf article, "I Want to Fall in Love with Tiger Again." For more information about Elisa, visit her websites at www.twogoodrounds.com or Executive Golf International www.execgolfintl.com. She splits her time between New York City and Florida.