Golf Means $3.04 Billion to MN Economy

MGA

EDINA, Minn., (Feb. 13, 2025) – Since the previous economic impact study was released in 2019, and after weathering a global pandemic, Minnesota’s golf industry has experienced a resurgence in golfer participation and rounds played, and corresponding economic growth. The size of Minnesota’s direct golf economy grew accordingly, from $1.555 billion to $1.867 billion, or at a 2.31 percent CAGR* (compound annual growth rate).  

When the total economic impact of golf-related activities is considered (core industries such as golf facility operations, construction, capital investment, plus enabled industries like real estate and hospitality/tourism), Minnesota’s golf industry generated approximately $3.04 billion in direct, indirect and induced economic output, $1.207 billion of wage income and 34,829 jobs. 

There can be no question that golf in Minnesota remains a popular recreational activity with important contributions to small-town economies across the state given that 90 percent of golf facilities are open to the public. Minnesota is home to approximately 577,700 golfers who played about 7.96 million rounds in 2023, in addition to the approximate 870,000 rounds played by visitors.  

Quantifying the economic impact is clearer now, thanks to the recently published study,  “The Contributions of Golf to the State of Minnesota 2023 Economic Report,” prepared by the National Golf Foundation in collaboration with the Minnesota Golf Association and its allied association partners (the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Club Management Association of America, the Minnesota Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Minnesota Section of the PGA, and the Midwest Golf Course Owners Association), on behalf of the golf industry in Minnesota. 

“While the study points out how broadly golf impacts Minnesota’s economy, it also highlights the importance that every golf course plays in its local community,” says Jon Mays, MGA executive director and chief operating officer.

Among the study highlights, golf facilities accounted for $774.6 million in economic activity statewide, in addition to $311.1 million in state and local tax revenue.

“Golf is an important economic engine creating thousands of jobs, growing small businesses, providing revenues for municipal governments and helping raise millions of dollars in charitable funds in the state of Minnesota,” says Paul Meierant, MGA president.   

The MGA supports the cooperative marketing efforts of the Explore Minnesota Golf Alliance, a golf industry group that pools resources to promote Minnesota as a golf tourism destination and Explore Minnesota Tourism. Golf is a substantial tourism industry: travelers who played golf while on a day or overnight trip generated $669.6 million in total visitor spending.   

To put golf economic impact in perspective with Minnesota’s other outdoor recreation industries, golf’s total impact is greater than the combined totals for Boating and Fishing ($1.1 billion), Hunting, Shooting and Trapping ($554 million), RVing ($528 million) and Snow Activities ($238 million).  

According to a 2023 national study compiled by the NGF, the direct U.S. golf economy accounted for $102 billion in goods and services. The report also estimated that golf generated a total economic impact of $226.5 billion, enabling more than 1.65 million jobs. Beyond its sport and recreational value, golf is at the heart of a major industry cluster that generates jobs, charitable contributions, commerce, economic development and tax revenues for communities throughout the country.  

Copies of “The Contributions of Golf to the State of Minnesota 2023 Economic Report” are available by contacting the MGA at 952-345-3966.