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Golf industry brings in the green for state
By Shelia Watson
Contributing Writer
A new report from the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism found that golf continues to be serious business in South Carolina, generating a total economic impact of $2.26 billion in 2004, the most recent year with complete data available.
That figure compares to $1.54 billion in economic impact in 2001, when the SCPRT did its previous report for the South Carolina Golf Course Owners Association.
“We are pleased to have the 2004 study completed,” said Terry Sedalik, executive director of the SCGCOA, which is based in Charleston. “Despite recent tough business conditions, the golf industry continues to be significant to the tourism industry in South Carolina and to the state’s overall economy. We continue to strive to foster growth and provide more than 30,000 jobs and additional green space to our communities.”
The first golf course in America was built in Charleston in 1786. Today the state has 375 golf courses, the highest number of holes per capita in the United States. Golf Digest ranks South Carolina among the top five golf states.
The economic impact of the state’s golf courses includes 30,938 jobs, $713 million in personal income and $180 million in local, state and federal taxes, according to the study. Greens fees and club membership dues alone generated $11.9 million in admissions tax revenue.
The report also found that 923,000 trips to South Carolina in 2004 included a round of golf. Those trips generated $900 million in visitor expenditures, and of that amount, $700 million was spent away from the course at hotels, restaurants and other retail and entertainment venues.
“South Carolina is recognized around the world for its variety and quality of golf courses,” said Chad Prosser, director of the SCPRT. “Our golf courses generate a substantial impact on our state’s economy, as well as make South Carolina a very attractive place to live.”
The report found that only 20% of golf trips are in-state, with North Carolina and Virginia providing 12% each of the out-of-state visitors, followed by Ohio with 7% and Massachusetts with 6%.
Major annual golf tournaments have additional economic benefits to the state. In 2004, the Heritage Classic Foundation commissioned a study by Clemson University to assess the economic impact of the tournament on Hilton Head Island and the region.
According to that study, visitors attending the golf tournament spent $84 million, of which $52 million in income benefited area businesses. More than 70% of tournament attendees were from outside the region.
Although not quantified in the study, residential real estate developments surrounding golf courses were noted as another significant economic impact area.
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