Golf Credited for Florida's Leisure Boom

Golf has been credited with contributing significantly to the growth of Florida's burgeoning sports and leisure industry.
Sports and leisure in the American state, a favourite destination for English tourists, has increased from $16 billion-a-year in 1999 to an estimated $36 billion ten years later.

"Golf is a major economic driver in Florida, with approximately 1,300 golf courses employing 56,000 people and generating $1.4 billion in wage income as well golf equipment company increase this number" said Joe Steranka, chief executive of The PGA of America at a forum convened by Florida‘s Governor Charlie Crist in Tallahassee.

"Florida is the number one destination for golf travellers, attracting approximately one million tourists annually who spend an average of $1,700 while they are vacationing in the state."

Florida is home to the headquarters for The PGA of America,PGA Tour, LPGA World Golf Hall of Fame and the World Golf Foundation. The state also has more golf facilities than any other state and annually hosts 18 professional men's and women's spectator events.

"We are fortunate to have the support of Governor Crist, Visit Florida and the Florida Sports Foundation who help promote golf and tourism in our state," Steranka added.

"Golf is a stable industry, as we saw last week in Orlando during the vibrant PGA Merchandise Show, which attracted more than 40,000 golf industry leaders."

Also present at the Governor's sports forum were Larry Pendleton, President and CEO of the Florida Sports Foundation; and John Webb, President of Sports Development-Broward County, the largest sports council in Florida.

"In challenging financial times like these, it is important to remember that Florida's teams and sporting traditions are a major part of the state economy, generating hundreds of thousands of jobs," said Governor Crist.

"People love the Sunshine State for many reasons, and the variety of sporting events and teams we offer is a significant draw for residents and visitors. I look forward to working with Florida's many sports organizations to keep this industry strong for future generations."