Raleigh, NC – In recognition of golf’s multi-billion dollar contribution to the state’s economy, Gov. Mike Easley proclaimed May 23, 2007 as Golf Day in North Carolina.
"Golf is more than just a game," Gov. Easley said in issuing the proclamation. "It’s an integral part of our way of life in North Carolina, providing significant economic, environmental and charitable benefits for our state."
Gov. Easley pointed to a recent study by NC State University showing the game generated over $2.1 billion in economic impact during 2006, a 15.5 percent increase since 2002. In all, golfers played over 10 million rounds of golf last year on North Carolina’s 550 golf courses, the study reported.
The Governor’s proclamation pays special tribute to Pinehurst/Southern Pines, "universally recognized as the Home of American Golf. The Pinehurst Resort has hosted two US Open Championships in the last 10 years, while Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club is hosting this year’s Women’s Open Championships.
In addition, North Carolina will host five PGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, PGA and Nationwide Tour tournaments this year, attracting national television coverage and bringing thousands of visitors to the state. Tour stops are held in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Cary and Hickory.
The Proclamation also states that "is among the cleanest, greenest and most sustainable industries in the state" and that "golf is economically vital, environmentally responsible and socially beneficial to the people and state of North Carolina".
The Proclamation was sparked by the efforts of a coalition of the state’s major golf associations, including the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, Carolinas PGA Section, Carolinas Golf Association, North Carolina Women’s Golf Association, The First Tee Chapters of North Carolina, North Carolina Golf Marketing Alliance, Turfgrass Council of North Carolina, NC Green Industry Council, North Carolina Golf Course Owners Association and Carolinas Chapter of the Club Managers Association of America.
"We want to thank Governor Easley for this proclamation and for helping raise awareness of the important role golf plays in the life of the state," said Chuck Borman, executive director of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, speaking for the coalition.
"We hope this will be the first of many Golf Days in North Carolina, and we invite Tar Heels everywhere to join us to celebrate by getting to their favorite golf course and teeing it up."
Contact:
Chuck Borman
Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association
1-864-423-9382
