By Design - Summer 2018

DIGEST 7 A ctivity directly driven by golf generated $84.1 billion in the United States in 2016, according to the recent U.S. Golf Economy Report produced by We Are Golf, a coalition of the game’s leading associations and industry partners. That represents a 22% rise on the 2011 figure of $68.8 billion, says the report, which is based on a study conducted by TEConomy partners. The industry supported $191.9 billion in total annual activity, including 1.89 million jobs and $58.7 billion in wages and benefits. Golf’s annual contributions to the U.S. economy also include $34.4 billion in revenue from golf courses, clubs, resorts, driving ranges and other facilities; $25.7 billion in tourism spending; $7.2 billion in new home construction in golf communities; and $6 billion in sales of golf equipment, apparel and supplies. “The many positive trends show how golf is vital to the prosperity of America’s economic and social well-being,” said Steve Mona, CEO of the World Golf Foundation and administrator of We Are Golf. “Increases in so many categories signify the health of golf has far- reaching influence across many sectors of the U.S. economy.” The fourth report since 2000 to measure the game’s effect, research encompassed golf course operations, tourism, real estate, supplies, tournaments, associations, charitable events, capital investment and other commercial segments. The report was announced in conjunction with April’s 11th annual National Golf Day, the industry’s pinnacle event of the year that brings leaders to Capitol Hill to meet with members of congress, the executive branch and federal agencies to discuss golf’s social, economic and environmental benefits to society. Golf’s economic impact rises 22% in five years Golf and the economy A new golf course at Island Resort & Casino in Harris, Michigan, will open in early June. Sage Run is the second course at the resort, which is owned and operated by the Hannahville Indian Community, to be designed by Michigan native Paul Albanese, ASGCA, of Albanese & Lutzke. The first course, at Sweetgrass Golf Club, opened in 2008. “Over the years we have had more and more golfers coming to the resort and have evolved into a top golf destination,” said general manager Tony Mancilla. “Adding a second golf course was a natural move for us and something that our golfing guests were demanding.” Albanese’s Sage Run design is a marked contrast in style to the ‘prairie links’ of Sweetgrass. “The only thing that will be similar is that it fits well with the land it is on like Sweetgrass, but it just so happens this property is very different,” said Albanese. The site’s main feature is a ‘drumlin,’ a long ridge that runs through the centre of the property. “The holes go around, over and through the drumlin. Golfers will experience great holes through the trees, some in open areas and just a lot of variety in terms of landscape and feel,” said Albanese. Sage Run ready to open New golf course Albanese’s routing for Sage Run navigates a large drumlin running through the centre of the property Golf leaders met with members of congress at Capitol Hill for National Golf Day in April Photo: iStock.com/fotoVoyager Images: Island Resort & Casino