In 2023, New York's golf industry generated a direct economic impact of $6.9 billion and a total economic output of $12.9 billion including indirect and induced effects. This robust performance solidifies golf's position as a cornerstone of the state's vital recreation and tourism sectors. The industry is a significant employer, supporting more than 89,044 jobs and generating $3.8 billion in wages and benefits. Its economic activity contributes an estimated $1.0 billion in state and local taxes, providing essential funding for public services across the Empire State.

Economic Impact of the Golf Sector for New York

New York Golf Economic Highlights

New York State is the nation's fourth most populous state with a population of 19.57 million in 2023, anchored by major metropolitan areas including New York City (8.26 million), Buffalo (275,000), and Rochester (207,000). The state's gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded $2.2 trillion in 2023, an output that, if it were a sovereign nation, would rank among the largest economies in the world.

While often defined by the Wall Street financial services sector, New York's modern economy is remarkably diverse. Key industries driving its GDP include healthcare, professional and business services, information technology, retail trade, and manufacturing. The state's role as a global center for business is underscored by its position as home to 53 Fortune 500 companies, ranking third in the nation. Golf provides a powerful platform for New York’s industry leaders like JPMorgan Chase, Pfizer, and Verizon to engage clients, build relationships, host charity events, and leverage business-related tourism.

Within this thriving economic landscape, the game of golf has flourished. The industry provides premier recreational amenities that enhance quality of life and function as a powerful economic engine, contributing billions in economic output, and supporting thousands of jobs statewide.

The New York Golf Market

The New York golf landscape is a unique blend of rich history and modern vitality, boasting a diverse ecosystem of courses that cater to a wide spectrum of players. As the birthplace of The PGA of America in 1916 and host to some of the game's most iconic championships, the state's pedigree is unrivaled. This deep heritage, combined with a recent surge in participation, has solidified New York's status as a premier golf destination.

The stability in the state's golf course supply has held steady at 833 facilities since 2007 (+2%) which shows the industry’s staying power and ability to serve growing demand. This dynamic of a largely fixed supply meeting escalating demand has fundamentally increased the value and utilization of existing facilities, driving revenue growth and capital investments across the state. The golf industry’s $12.9 billion impact exceeds the combined economic output of iconic New York sectors including craft beverages, horse racing, and New York Yankees home games.

Key New York Golf Facts

New York’s storied golf legacy is rooted in iconic clubs, championship history, and widespread public access. The state boasts an unparalleled collection of world-renowned courses. Golf Digest's 2023/2024 ranking of the top courses in New York features legendary venues such as Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, National Golf Links of America, Fishers Island Club, Winged Foot Golf Club, and the Bethpage State Park Black Course, which was the first public course to host a U.S. Open. Across the state, a diverse mix of municipal, daily-fee, and resort courses ensures accessibility for all ages and abilities. Historic courses like Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course in the Bronx, the oldest public course in the U.S. dating back to 1895, showcase New York’s commitment to multi-generational participation in the game.

New York Golf Industry
Summary of Economic Impact

The New York golf industry generates a substantial $12.9 billion in total economic impact, a figure that encompasses direct industry sales, indirect supply chain activity, and induced household spending by employees whose livelihoods are supported by the industry. This wide-reaching impact extends to the state's labor market, driving total employment of 89,044 and labor income of nearly $3.8 billion. The industry's total fiscal contribution is estimated at more than $1.0 billion toward local and state taxes, supporting essential community services across the state.

* Revenue from golf facility operations including on-course merchandise sold.
** Total retail sales do not include on-course merchandise sold.
***Jobs reflect incremental employment from larger charitable tournaments; smaller event staffing is captured under Facility Operations.
****Segment totals may not sum precisely due to rounding.

Golf Industry Segments

Direct Impact from Core Segments

The direct economic activity generated by the core segments of New York's golf industry forms the foundation of its overall impact. These segments, which include the daily operations of golf facilities, capital investments, sale of golf-related goods, major tournaments, and charitable events, collectively contributed nearly $6.9 billion to the state's economy in 2023.

Golf-Related Supplies

New York golf retail generated $163.0 million in retail margins from $387.0 million in golf apparel, equipment, and shoe sales in 2023. Of this, $170.7 million was driven by off-course retail outlets, while on-course golf shops accounted for the remaining $216.4 million in sales (included in total consumer spending within facility operations).
108 golf-related manufacturers and service providers were identified in New York, including golf architects, construction companies, equipment and apparel manufacturers, event and golf course management companies, and more. Golf-related companies contributed $542.6 million to the New York economy in 2023 and supported 6,377 jobs encompassing retail, manufacturing, marketing, and corporate management roles.
Companies that call New York home include major golf media brands GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest with significant national and global reach; in addition to OnCore Golf Technology, Inc., Summit Golf Brands golf apparel and sportswear, and Izzo Golf Accessories to name a few.

Golf Facility Operations

Direct consumer spending at golf facilities for green fees, memberships, golf shop retail sales, driving range usage, lessons, food and beverage, and additional activities totaled $3.2 billion in 2023 vs. $1.6 billion in 2007 ($2.3 billion inflation-adjusted).
Facility Operations is the single largest component of the industry's economic engine across New York’s 833 courses; real growth of 38% over the 16-year period.
Golf facility operations supported 48,464 total jobs across the state, an increase from 35,241 jobs in 2007. (+38%)

Capital Investments

A stable number of courses and a surge in demand has created reinvestment in existing facilities to sustain the quality of New York's golf product, supporting nearly 8,500 total jobs and $422.5 million in total labor income for the construction and service-sectors in 2023.
In 2023, New York golf facilities directly invested over $588.6 million in capital improvements including new facility construction, large-scale course renovations, irrigation system upgrades, and improvements to clubhouses and other existing structures.
39% of New York golf facilities launched or continued large-scale capital projects that were not included in regular operating expenses.

Charitable Giving

The New York golf community demonstrates a profound commitment to philanthropy, every surveyed golf facility in New York hosted at least one charitable event in 2023, contributing to an impressive 14,284 total events, both golf and non-golf, raising $267.4 million in critical funds for local New York charities.
Beneficiaries included local Boys & Girls Clubs, Food Banks, Veterans’ organizations, and a wide array of causes, from wellness to youth development, making golf a powerful vehicle for community support.

Tournaments & Associations

New York is a premier host for major championship golf, hosting 20 U.S. Opens and 13 PGA Championships – more than any other state - across iconic venues like Winged Foot, Shinnecock Hills, Oak Hill Country Club, and Bethpage Black. The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black marks New York’s debut on golf’s most prestigious international stage - adding a major milestone to the state’s rich golf legacy.
In 2023 the industry generated a direct economic impact of $227.5 million from tournaments and associations. The centerpiece of 2023 was the 105th PGA Championship, held at Oak Hill in Rochester, complemented by the DICK'S Sporting Goods Open, a perennial stop on the PGA TOUR Champions schedule, hosted in Endicott, in addition to two LPGA-affiliated events, the Twin Bridges Championship (Epson Tour) in Guilderland and the inaugural LPGA Legends Weekend in Monticello.
New York is home to over 300 golf-related associations that contributed $105.2 million in economic impact. Major associations include four Sections of the PGA of America, New York State and Metropolitan Golf Associations, the New York State Turfgrass Association, six chapters of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, and two chapters of the Club Management Association of America.
Tournaments and Associations contributed 2,687 jobs in 2023.

Direct Impact from Enabled Segments

Beyond its core activities, the golf industry enables significant economic contributions in related sectors, most notably tourism and real estate. These segments are fueled by the appeal of New York's golf offerings, generating a combined direct impact of nearly $2.0 billion in 2023, creating a ripple effect that supports thousands of jobs in hospitality, construction, and related service industries.

Golf Tourism

Golf is a powerful motivator for travel, New York golf tourism generated nearly 1.6 million overnight trips, plus more than half a million day-trips of more than 50 miles within the state in 2023.
Visiting golfers contributed nearly $1.7 billion in direct spending to the New York economy in 2023, marking a substantial increase from $520.2 million ($765 million inflation-adjusted) in 2007. In addition to staying at any of New York’s 36 golf-related resorts, expenditures include nearby lodging, transportation, food and beverage, and other entertainment by travelers on golf-related trips.
In total, golf tourism supported more than 19,000 jobs and $871.1 million in labor income for New York through its direct, indirect, and induced activities.

Golf Real Estate

Golf courses significantly enhance the value of surrounding real estate, driving economic and fiscal contributions that totaled over $444.6 million in direct impact in 2023. This impact is driven by two key factors:
- Golf-Related Residential Construction: New residential construction in and around golf communities added significant value to the state's housing stock, generating $311.8 million in direct spending within the construction industry. This investment, which includes the development of single-family homes and condominiums, supported 2,685 jobs through direct, indirect, and induced spending.
- Net Gain to Local Tax Jurisdictions from Value Premiums: The presence of a golf course provides a quantifiable premium to the value of homes in golf course communities, adding an estimated 20% to their value. This premium generated a fiscal contribution of $132.8 million in local property tax revenue in 2023, helping to fund municipal services, city and county streets, schools, and public safety for New York communities.

Demographic & Industry Insights

An analysis of New York's demographic and economic trends provides context for the golf industry's performance. The state's unique profile - characterized by a stable population, high household income, and a slightly older median age compared to the U.S. average shapes the market.

New York’s population experienced modest growth at .20% annually from 2007 to 2023 — below the national growth rate of .66%.
Median household income in New York ($82,095) is higher than the national average ($77,719), indicating a strong earnings base, and aligning with higher living costs in some areas.
New York’s median age of 40.2 exceeds the national average of 38.2, suggesting an aging population that may influence labor force trends, healthcare demand, and recreational preferences, including golf.
Despite slower growth, New York remains economically powerful, with a dense urban population, high income levels, and a mature consumer base — important factors for industries like golf, tourism, and events.

Golf's Growth Outpaces Population Trends

The industry has experienced growth fueled by deeper engagement from the existing population, increased participation of residents, and growth in visiting golfers.

New York’s population grew by 0.17% from 2022 to 2023, while the state’s golf industry showed on-course golf participation rising by 3.8%, more than 22 times the rate of population growth over the same period - in addition to growth in golf tourism up 115% in real terms since 2007, offsetting New York’s modest population growth since 2007 of 3.2% and reinforcing the industry as a stable sector and the sport’s rising appeal to both residents and visiting golfers.
With a median age of 40.2 and a strong base of over 1.6 million on-course golfers, New York’s demographic profile and golf’s accessibility for all ages favors continued participation.
New York’s competitive median household income of $82,095 and globally connected business landscape offers an ideal environment for golf to intersect with corporate events, tourism, and talent recruitment — underscoring the sport’s relevance in driving quality of life and economic opportunity.

Community Impacts

Golf across the Empire State supports health, wellness, and recreation while enriching communities statewide. Walking 18 holes covers approximately 5 miles and cart-assisted rounds span 3 miles – supporting prevention, cardiovascular health, stronger immunity, improved mood, and cognitive benefits to reduce risk of chronic disease and associated medical costs. Golf’s impact also extends to youth development, inclusion, and accessibility across urban and rural regions.

A Welcoming Place for All

Nearly 69% of New York courses surveyed offer youth development opportunities through junior golf, scholastic golf teams, or The First Tee. New York supports a thriving competitive environment for the state's approximately 8,000 high school golfers and provides extensive resources for those aspiring to play at the collegiate level.
New York PGA Sections provide extensive junior golf programming, serving over 6,200 juniors and utilizing a network of more than 400 facilities to foster youth development, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for the game.
More than 50 New York courses participate in Youth on Course through the Metropolitan Golf Association and New York State Golf Association, providing affordable access to junior golfers statewide with rounds for $5 or less.
Approximately 30% of surveyed courses provide targeted engagement for beginners, seniors, Veterans, military, and individuals with disabilities through initiatives like PGA HOPE and adaptive golf programs, offering inclusive events and therapeutic recreation to expand access and promote wellness.
All New York PGA Sections have dedicated foundations affiliated with the PGA of America REACH Foundation’s mission to advance inclusion through programming geared toward youth, military, and under-served populations - ensuring age, background, or cost never limit access to the sport.
About 1 in 13 New York golf courses support shared-use initiatives, such as walking trails, gardens, bird-watching areas, and educational programs - enhancing their role as community-focused greenspaces.
71% of New York facilities offer amenities beyond the golf course, including racquet sports, fitness, or aquatics - underscoring golf’s role in multi-sport recreation.
Golf in New York is inclusive with women 4% more represented and diversity 13% higher than the U.S. average.
NYSTA’s Apprenticeship Program connects students with turf careers through FFA partnerships, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities.

New York golf serves as a model for community engagement, with a deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and leaders, while promoting social and health benefits across generations.

Total Impact Summary

The New York golf industry experienced a period of extraordinary growth between 2007 and 2023, demonstrating its role as a major economic driver for the state. After adjusting 2007 figures for inflation, the analysis reveals substantial real growth with total economic impact increasing by 65% and direct impact growing by 61%. Employment expanded 57%, adding 32,450 jobs, bringing total direct, indirect, and induced employment to 89,044. Labor income grew significantly - rising 61% from an inflation-adjusted $2.36 billion in 2007 to $3.80 billion in 2023, highlighting golf’s significant contribution to New York’s workforce. These gains underscore golf’s economic influence, extending beyond the industry itself to benefit tourism, real estate, and hospitality sectors across the state.

While past performance is not a guarantee of future results, the industry’s $12.9 billion economic footprint in 2023 highlights its substantial and growing influence on jobs, tourism, real estate, and community well-being. New York golf is poised to remain a vital and enduring force for generations to come.

Economic Impact Summary