By: Fred Altvater
The year 2020 will be forever known for the COVID-19 pandemic. Americans were forced to shelter-in-place. Businesses were closed by executive order and millions were put out of work.
In March, just as the temperatures were beginning to push the thermometer higher, golfers were dreaming of the Masters and hitting the links in record numbers. However, a new terror swept across the nation, stopping the country and golfers dead in their tracks.
Although several states allowed golf courses to remain open during March and April, most governors and state health agencies felt it necessary to close golf courses, parks and other outdoor recreation facilities.
Golf associations, in those states that denied courses to stay open, pled their case to the state officials, but for the most part found little success. There seems to be a prejudice that golf is an elitist sport, enjoyed by a small percentage of Americans.
Golf is BIG Business 
In total, Golf generates just shy of $200 billion annually to the United States economy. Golf outings, charitable events and professional golf tournaments donate more than $4 billion to charities, of every size and type every year. Over 15,000 golf courses provide jobs for nearly 300,000 and pay out nearly $9 billion in wages.
The total number of people employed in the golf industry is 1.9 million and they serve 24 million golfers. Of that number, nearly 6 million (24%) are women and 4.5 million (19%) are non-white. In fact, over the past few years, women account for the fastest growing segment of the golf industry.
In addition, these 24 million golfers spend over $6 billion to purchase clubs, balls, gloves, shoes, colorful attire.
Travel is yet another important aspect of the golf industry. Golfers like to visit other courses and spend nearly $26 billion annually in golf-related travel.
Golf is BIG Business, if it suffers, the entire country suffers.
Golf is SAFE
When government officials have taken the time to visit a golf course that exhibits the appropriate safety features to keep patrons safe during this pandemic, they have come away impressed.
A California State Health officer visited two courses in the Sacramento area. He soon realized golf did not present a threat to the spread of the disease, if proper safety measures were followed. He quickly recommended that the state’s courses be reopened.
Wisconsin reopened their courses after the positives, of the golf industry were explained to state regulators, by a lobbyist hired by a combined group of golf associations.
Golf course owners understand they need to practice new procedures to keep their courses safe. Flags are not to be touched and left in the hole. The holes themselves are filled so the ball does not need to be pulled out. Rakes are stored in the maintenance shed and bunkers are left au natural’.
Single riders are allowed in carts and they are completely wiped down after every use. Better yet, golfers are encouraged to walk and maintain a six-foot social distance, which is easy to do on a 300-acre facility. A limited number of golfers are allowed into a clubhouse at one time and many courses have adopted a pay online system, or simply accept payment outside.
The golf industry in the United States is big business, but it is also a way for participants to get some exercise and experience the joy of being outdoors.
Golf is open to all walks of life and genders. It provides exercise, is the perfect antidote for high stress and young people learn, sportsmanship, etiquette, plus they gain confidence that will help them all through life.
As of the end of April most states have re-opened golf courses with restrictions to use and social distancing requirements.
Enjoy, but Stay Safe out there Golfaholics!
