General Limiting Conditions

General

Every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure that the data contained in the written report reflects the most accurate and timely information possible; and is believed to be reliable. However, no responsibility will be assumed for inaccuracies in reporting by sources used to collect data from golf facilities, associations and other data source used in preparing the report.

Custom Radius Sports Group Facility Survey – 2024

Radius conducted a survey among golf facility operators in New York in an effort to gather inputs to help quantify the economic and environmental impacts of golf in the state. Data collection took place between November 2024 and February 2025. Key economic survey questions centered around operational data such as rounds, revenues and expenses, and capital expenditures. Information on employment and charitable events was also included. Key environmental survey questions focused on water use, waste management, nutrients, and best management practices.

Survey data was complemented with secondary US Geological Survey (USGS) and GCSAA reporting, in addition to municipal, state, and federal data on goals and environmental benchmarks from a variety of sources.

Survey Response by Region

Of the 742 golf facilities in New York,148 responded to the economic survey and 154 responded to the environmental survey, yielding a response rate of 20% and 21%, respectively; this response rate provides confidence that findings are grounded in a meaningful cross-section of New York’s golf facilities. Survey responses were reviewed and weighted by type (public/private, number of holes, etc.) to properly match and be representative of the mix of golf facilities in New York. A series of extrapolation methods were utilized to assess economic and environmental impacts including total number of golf courses, holes, facilities, and key pricing data to draw an accurate and comprehensive estimate of the size and influence of the golf industry on the state’s economy and environment. The data collection effort was completed with the support of the Empire State Golf Alliance, which assisted Radius in garnering survey participation. All ten New York regions received survey responses for both surveys, including major metropolitan areas and rural regions providing strong geographic diversity. The economic and environmental surveys combined represent 200 cities and 230 unique courses across New York.

Survey Participation

The majority of economic data was completed by General Managers, Directors of Golf, and Head Golf Professionals (85%). The majority of environmental data was completed by Directors of Agronomy and Golf Course Superintendents (92%). The remaining respondents were primarily executives in finance or operations. 

RIMS II Economic Modeling

The RIMS II (Regional Input-Output Modeling System), developed by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, was used to derive estimates of direct and secondary economic impacts (including value added, employment, and labor income). RIMS II is a widely recognized input-output modeling framework that provides region-specific multipliers to estimate how spending in an industry flows through the broader economy.

Using these multipliers, RIMS II captures the indirect effects (business-to-business supply chain activity) and induced effects (household spending by employees) associated with golf-related expenditures. This approach enables quantification of total economic output, earnings, employment, and tax revenues supported by the industry across New York State.

Assumptions in the model were informed by golf industry research, the statewide survey of golf facilities, and stakeholder input. Results should be viewed as estimates that may vary slightly depending on the data available and the assumptions inherent in the modeling process.