Michigan Golf Day At The Capitol Is May 20

Allied Golf Associations to Bring Message of Industry’s $6.1 Billion Economic Impact to Michigan Legislators

  LANSING – Golf on the Capitol’s lawn with Michigan legislators has become an impactful spring tradition.

   The Michigan golf industry will share its message and National Golf Foundation (NGF) facts with each state legislator on Wednesday, May 20, by presenting the popular Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event.

   The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA), Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), Michigan Section PGA and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), which form the Michigan Golf Alliance, will convene on the lawn of the state Capitol, and representatives will then walk to the offices of each legislator to share information and answer questions.

  For 18 years, course owners, operators and superintendents have gathered each spring to voice a cooperative message. The leaders of Michigan golf have once again created a dynamic day of activity to promote the impact of golf in the state. To mark the day, the governor’s office is expected to proclaim that “June is Michigan Golf Month.”

  The executive directors, presidents and members of the organizations in the Michigan Golf Alliance will be under a tent between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to meet with media and guests and discuss the wide range of topics regarding the golf industry, including but not limited to the effect on business, the impact on tourism and employment in the state, and the industry’s positive effect on the environment.

  The schedule will include Senate and House office visits and an up-close look at Michigan’s golf industry. All legislators will be invited to meet with their constituents.

  Among the facts being delivered:

• The Michigan golf industry contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy, supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes, and has a charitable impact of $104.3 million annually.

• Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Our state is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses and fourth in volume of annual rounds played (16.42 million in 2023).

• Michigan’s golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries, and the facilities practice several environmental impact programs.

  “Michigan golf businesses provide not only jobs to the communities where they reside, but also meaningful economic impact, recreational opportunities, and programs that make the game more accessible to a wider audience,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA, said.  “Nearly 80 percent of Michigan golf facilities offer programs supporting juniors, women, military personnel, and individuals with disabilities, demonstrating the industry’s commitment to growing the game and expanding access across the state.

  “I can’t overstate the importance of this day and meeting with legislators and their staff about who the Michigan Golf Alliance is and the importance of the golf industry to the State of Michigan.”

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