The Iowa Golf Council (IGC), which is a partnership of the Iowa Golf Association, Iowa Section PGA and Iowa Golf Course Superintendents Association, held the first-ever All Iowa Golf Day at the State Capitol on Thurs., April 13.

In an effort to bring more awareness to the economic impact of golf in the state of Iowa, the Iowa Golf Council was able to speak with many state leaders about the recently commissioned economic impact study and other ways the golf of golf impacts so many in the state of Iowa. Representatives from the John Deere Classic, Principal Charity Classic and 2017 Solheim Cup were also in attendance to meet with legislators.

After meeting with legislators, the Governor of the State of Iowa, Terry Branstad (pictured above) signed a proclamation declaring April 13th as “All Iowa Golf Day”.

More information on Economic Impact Study
The economic impact study, which was a catalyst to the creation of Iowa Golf Day, began in late 2016 using 2015 data, was completed in early 2017 and found that golf in Iowa has an economic impact of $817.5 million. The game employs 11,435 individuals amounting to $280.2 million in compensation and accounted for $72 million in state and local taxes.

The study includes not only direct operational expenditures and capital investments made by golf facilities in Iowa, but also golf-related manufacturing and retail spending, golf tourism, and new golf related construction.

Not to be overlooked – Iowa golf facilities hosted charitable events that generated $28.7 million in net proceeds and in-kind contributions for beneficiary organizations, up from $22.2 million in 2006. TEConomy’s survey found that Iowa facilities host 6 to 11 charitable events each year. These range from smaller, but highly impactful events that raise $2,000 to $10,000 per event for local fire departments, hospitals, food banks, and youth programs to major events like the Annual City of Hope Golf Outing that raised $465,000 for cancer research or the $1.4 million raised by the Principal Charity Classic for local children’s charities.

After meeting with legislators, the Governor of the State of Iowa, Terry Branstad (seated) signed a proclamation declaring April 13th as “All Iowa Golf Day”.