Report: Golf tees up big economic impact in Indiana

The results of a new study suggest the business of golf is a $2 billion economic driver in Indiana. The 2022 Economic Impact Report from the National Golf Foundation found the activity also provides more than $1 billion in direct expenditures annually to the state’s economy.

The study, based on 2021 data, shows golf supports about 23,000 jobs generating more than $600 million in wage income from the sport and ancillary businesses.

The study indicates the sport generates about $147 million in state and local taxes.

“This economic impact study drives home what we have always thought to be true, which is that golf is a significant contributor to our state’s economy, charitable organizations, youth development, and quality of life,” said Mike David, executive director of Indiana Golf, the governing body for the sport in Indiana that commissioned the study.

The organization says there are more than 400 golf courses throughout the state, with 82% of them being public access.

Indiana Golf says 554,000 Hoosiers, ages six and above, take part in the sport.

“Golf in Indiana is also more accessible and affordable than much of the rest of the country, and there are opportunities for everyone, at all ages and abilities, to enjoy this sport of a lifetime,” said David.

David says golf helps enhance Indiana’s tourism industry, generating $152.9 million in spending across more than 1 million day and overnight trips from drive-in markets like Chicago, Dayton, Cincinnati and towns throughout southern Michigan.

The organization says there were more than 3,700 charity events in Indiana, contributing more than $50 million for charities and foundations.

You can connect to the full report by clicking here.