by GolfFellow 

On the cusp of the new golf season, last week the Minnesota Golf Association unveiled its recently-commissioned, “The Minnesota Golf Economy 2008,” which asserts the economic impact of golf in Minnesota.  http://www.mngolf.org/press_release.cfm?id=1617

Needless to say $1.2 billion is a hefty figure, and so is the golf tourism component, coming in at $360.5 million.

While pondering the economic value of the golf industry, beyond just dollars and cents, I had some vagrant thoughts:

• Several Minnesota courses are “Audobon Signature Sanctuaries,” because they do the right ‘green’ things when maintaining their courses. But with more than 500 courses in Minnesota, fathom the sheer acreage that is being held in safe harbor as golf courses, and the extent to which this land is nurtured and sustained;
• The value of this sport to individuals. Much has been written and spoken of the camaraderie of hunting and fishing camps, opening the seasons with favorite companions year after year, and golf has similar inherent traditions;
• The value of golf to families.  Drive by any golf course on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon and you will see many moms, dads and kids playing together.  In a world chock full of ‘new media,’ that four hours on the golf course is valuable family time;
• And the game is also about anticipation. Whether sharpening fish hooks and readying rods with just the right line for the fishing opener; sighting in a rifle for the opening of deer season; tempering a bow; or cleaning your golf shoes and clubs for the first round of 2008.

The season has begun, many courses are already open and they are listed at http://www.mngolf.org/courses-open.cfm and to make your early season golf plans, go to http://www.exploreminnesota.com/experiences/outdoors/golf/index.aspx 

Posted by Chuck Lennon / Golf