Southern Pines, NC – In recognition of exciting developments in North Carolina’s golf industry, Governor Roy Cooper will declare Tuesday, August 31st as “North Carolina Golf Day.” Golf industry officials will convene at the Governor’s Mansion on Tuesday, August 31st for the official signing of a proclamation in celebration of golf’s role in the economy, health, environmental stewardship and tourism of North Carolina.
“If you want to play a few rounds of golf on the best courses in the world, North Carolina is a place you cannot miss,” said Governor Cooper. “Not only does golf and the great tournaments it attracts increase tourism and create good jobs, but it also provides a great way to exercise and relax which has been particularly important during the pandemic.”
“We, as an industry, are delighted at this recognition,” said Del Ratcliffe, President of the North Carolina Golf Course Owners Association. “Last year golf provided safe, healthy outdoor recreation when the COVID pandemic hit, leading to record rounds, great popularity and a surge in growth of the game.”
As announced this spring, North Carolina will continue to be a destination for major golf tournaments, with five U.S. Open Championships to be held at the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course by 2047, the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open to be held at Pine Needles Lodge and the 2022 Presidents Cup and the 2025 PGA Championship to be held at the Quail Hollow Club. In addition to these events, annual golf tournaments like the Wells Fargo Championship and the Wyndham Championship are televised internationally and showcase North Carolina to the world and encourage tourism.
In addition, the United States Golf Association has officially recognized North Carolina’s Pinehurst region as “the Home of American Golf” and has chosen to locate their Golf House in Pinehurst, investing $25 million and bringing 50 full time USGA Staff Members to the area.
Home to 520 golf courses, golf is an economic engine for North Carolina, generating $2.3 billion in direct spending and a total economic impact of $4.2 billion in the state, including nearly 53,000 jobs and total wage income of $1.3 billion. Golf is represented in virtually every North Carolina County – the game is part of our history.
Additionally, NC State University is recognized as a leader in research on sustainable golf course management practices, an effort the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association supports.
North Carolina leads in golf course management, with universities hosting more PGA Professional Golf Management Programs than any other state, with one each located at Campbell University, Methodist University, and N.C. State University. Graduates move on to lead golf in North Carolina, the US and the world.
The golf industry brings countless opportunities to North Carolina and will continue to be an economic and tourism engine for years to come.
