Industry Leaders Gather in Albany for New York Golf Day
The inaugural New York Golf Day was held in Albany earlier today hosted by the Empire State Golf Alliance. The event served to highlight the impact golf has made in all facets of life in New York. State Assembly Members such as Amanda Septimo, who helped establish the bipartisan Golf Caucus, were in attendance.
It was reported by the New York Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report that the game supports about 90,000 jobs, contributes over $1 billion in state and local taxes, and sustains over 100,000 acres of greenspace statewide. The total economic impact, approximately 12.9 billion dollars.
“New York Golf Day is an opportunity to bring the industry’s impact to life for our legislators and the public,” said Tom Kaplun, President of the Empire State Golf Alliance and Huntington Country Club Director of Golf and Grounds in a press release from the Empire State Golf Alliance. “From tourism and workforce development to environmental stewardship, local suppliers, charitable giving, and community engagement, golf touches every region and community across New York.”
The event itself featured Capitol speakers, interactive exhibits, STEM demonstrations, workforce and apprenticeship discussions and sustainability education. Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight spoke, as well as members of the New York State Senate and Assembly, golf industry leaders, workforce development representatives and Veterans advocates.
According to the Empire State Golf Alliance, in 2023, golfers played 18.2 million rounds statewide across 833 courses and 742 facilities. Additionally, 72 percent of the state’s facilities are open to the public and 153 municipal courses ensure affordability for all New Yorkers. The state has hosted 33 major championships and the Ryder Cup twice.
NYSGA Executive Director, Bill Moore, was in attendance for the first-of-its-kind event.
“It was neat getting to see the state’s commitment and value of our game,” Moore said. “I’ve found that the NYSGA’s and the Empire State Golf Alliance’s visions align for how to promote and elevate golf in our state.”
Golf impacts the state’s economy, environment, tourism industry and communities. Today’s event highlighted the way our sport goes far beyond the course. The Empire State Golf Alliance is a partnership of 18 different associations, including NYSGA, with additional collaboration from Cornell University.
