National Golf Day - April 16

April 16 is National Golf Day!  What is National Golf Day you ask?  I'm glad you asked, because this is not just a day to celebrate the greatest game of all time, but to celebrate the benefits of the game of golf for our economy, wellness, charitable giving, and environmental leadership.

This will be the 6th annual National Golf Day.  On this day a group of industry representatives will meet with congress and share stories, facts, and figures relating to the game of golf and what it means to our country.  Here is a snapshot of few items that will be discussed:

• National Economic Benefits of Golf: Golf is a nearly $70 billion industry, providing nearly 2 million jobs and total wage income of $55.6 billion. That’s larger than spectator sports and performing arts industries combined.
• Golf's Charitable Impact: Golf’s national charitable impact was $3.9 billion in 2011— more than 12 million people participated in 143,000 golf-related charity events at 12,000 different golf facilities.
• Supporting our Troops: The PGA TOUR has raised more than $10 million for US military and their families through Birdies for the Brave. PGA professionals and USGA members have raised more than $16.4 million for the Folds of Honor Foundation, which has provided more than 3,600 scholarships for military families. The Salute Military Golf Association has helped rehabilitate wounded warriors, providing more than 1,700 free, private lessons and custom-fitted clubs to our veterans.
• Health Benefits of Golf: Walking 18 holes of golf is the same as taking a 5 mile walk or running 3.5 miles – well in excess of the 10,000 steps recommended for daily exercise. You burn about 2,000 calories when you walk and 1,300 when you use a cart – and your blood glucose levels fall anywhere from 10 to 30 percent.
• Environmental Stewardship: Golf is now on the leading edge of environmental sustainability and stewardship efforts. Golf courses account for two million acres of green space across the country, which are home to a vast array of wildlife species. New, industry-wide principles on sustainability ensure continual improvement in the design, development, construction, and management of golf courses.

To celebrate National Golf Day, two of our courses are offering promotional discounts.

Chalk Mountain Golf Course will be offering $10 green fees all day.  Dairy Creek Golf Course will be celebrating with $20 green fees all day long accompanied by a free hot dog.  The goal is to get people out in the sunshine taking in all that nature has to offer by providing exceptionally affordable recreation for all to enjoy!

No matter where or how you choose to celebrate be sure to share all of the wonderful aspects that this game offers.  All too often the golf industry is looked upon negatively by the general public because we are considered to be resource wasters, polluters, and elitist facilities.  We need to stand together as a group (golfers and operators) to tell everyone who will and won't listen about the economic impacts, charitable fundraising, health benefits, and environmental stewardship that the game of golf provides.  So get out there and start telling the world just how good this game really is!