THE STATE OF MINNESOTA GOLF OUR FIVE FOUNDATIONAL PILLARS
Golf has long been a cherished sport in Minnesota, reflecting both its rich history and ongoing relevance. This handbook explores the numerous benefits of golf, not only as a sport but also as a significant industry in the state. It is intended to educate internal and external stakeholders on the realities of golf as both a sport and an industry throughout Minnesota, working to support informed discussions around golf engagement, accessibility, economics, and environmental practices.
Golf is more than just a game—it’s a driving force for Minnesota’s economy, communities, and environment. These five pillars illustrate how golf contributes to our state’s financial and human economic impact, fosters community engagement, promotes physical and mental health, and champions environmental stewardship. Together, they showcase the vital role golf plays in shaping a stronger, healthier Minnesota.
Financial Economic Impact
Community Impact
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Human Economic Impact
Environmental Stewardship
FINANCIAL ECONOMIC IMPACT
In 2023, the size of Minnesota’s direct golf economy was approximately $1.9 billion, while the National Golf Foundation estimates that the industry contributed just over $3 billion (direct, indirect and induced) to the wider Minnesota economy. Golf facilities and driving ranges contributed over 41% of this total direct impact ($774.7M).
$3 BILLION. The golf industry’s total contribution to the Minnesota economy.
$1.2 BILLION. Golf supported more than 34,800 jobs which generated over $311 million in state and local taxes from $1.2 billion of wage income.
$669.6 MILLION. More than 1.1 million visiting golfers contributed $669.6 million to the local economy.
$67.1 MILLION. Golf facilities in Minnesota hosted 1,860 charity events and fundraisers which brought total giving through golf to over $67.1 million.
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• As the 12th largest state in total area and the 22nd most populous, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” boasts an impressive golf landscape, ranking just outside the U.S. Top 10 in overall golf supply with 477 courses across 425 facilities. Among these, 90% are public, a distinction shared by only four other states (AK, ME, ND, SD). Additionally, Minnesota is home to 49 “off-course” facilities, including driving ranges, golf entertainment venues, and indoor simulators, showcasing the state’s dedication to accessibility and diverse golf experiences.
• Minnesota ranks third in the nation for golf participation, with nearly 11% of its 5.28 million residents over age 5 playing traditional golf. In 2023, 577,700 golfers played 7.96 million rounds, joined by visitors who added 870,000+ rounds for a total of 8.83 million—more than double the combined home attendance of the Twins, Vikings, Timberwolves, and Wild.
• In 2023, Explore Minnesota reported 80.2 million visitors spending $14.1 billion statewide. Among them, 1.14 million traveling golfers contributed $539.2 million to the economy (excluding direct spending at golf facilities).
Including golf facility spending, the total golf travel market reached at least $669.6 million, supporting over 6,000 jobs in areas like transportation, lodging, dining, and entertainment.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Minnesota has the country’s 2nd largest Youth on Course program with 20,000 members (ages 6-18) who posted nearly 96,000 rounds at 112 participating public golf courses.
• The youth pillar of PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota offers several programs for juniors to learn and play the game, including PGA Jr League, Drive, Chip & Putt and the Junior Golf ‘Sota Series—with over 2,000 juniors participating annually.
• Minnesota golf courses support First Green by hosting student field trips throughout the state, utilizing STEM education to demonstrate the environmental opportunities that golf courses can provide.
• Minnesota’s First Tee had over 5,650 kids enrolled in 2023 and 58 schools with First Tee programming.
Minnesota golf courses report a high level of programs for adaptive golfers, military & veteran golfers and specialized beginner programs such as Courage Kenny & Minnesota Golf Association, WELCOME2GOLF and Get Golf Ready. Other programs include:
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• PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a flagship program offering free golf experiences to military veterans, taught by PGA Professionals. By incorporating golf into rehabilitation, it has become a therapeutic tool for veterans with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, positively impacting thousands nationwide.
• The MGA Foundation initiated programming to serve the needs and interests of golfers with disabilities. Significant programming and playing opportunities will be expanded in 2025, including the inaugural Minnesota Adaptive Open.
• The MGA Foundation’s caddie development program, a timeless tradition in golf, has expanded to public facilities to provide young people with summer employment, life skills training, and mentorship opportunities. This program also offers a pathway to the prestigious Evans Scholarship, a full-ride college scholarship administered by the Western Golf Association.
MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS
Golf is a powerful tool for improving mental well-being. Playing golf can reduce stress, improve mood, alleviate anxiety and depression, and even help with dementia. The natural setting of golf courses enhances cognitive function and promotes relaxation, while engaging in the game boosts self-esteem and confidence. Studies show:
• 95% of golfers report increased mental well-being.
• 77% say golf provides a distraction from stress, while 66% notice improved mood and 46% feel more energized.
• Benefits include better sleep, reduced anxiety (43%), increased motivation, and a clearer mind.
Golf also teaches valuable mental skills, such as breathing exercises, pre-shot routines, and positive self-talk, helping players develop resilience and problem-solving skills.
Golf is an excellent form of exercise that contributes to overall physical health and lowers the risk of death among older adults, highlighting its longevity-enhancing benefits while fostering social connectedness and building a sense of community:
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• Walking 18 holes burns about 2,000 calories, while riding a cart burns 1,300 calories.
• Golf helps with weight loss, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.
• It improves hip mobility, core control, upper back mobility, and lower body strength.
• 82% of golfers report improved relationships with family and friends.
• Golf provides opportunities for intergenerational interaction, promoting social engagement across all ages.
HUMAN ECONOMIC IMPACT
Golf in Minnesota exemplifies human economic impact by breaking barriers, supporting charitable initiatives, and creating life-changing opportunities for individuals and families statewide.
• Golf provides upwards of 44,600 acres of green space within the State and provides affordable outdoor recreation to nearly 578,000 Minnesotans. Virtually all of the golf facilities in Minnesota surveyed by NGF in 2023 (98%) participated in at least one program for fostering the growth of the game in 2023, with 85% offering some type of formal junior golf program.
• Golf courses elevate the quality of life in communities in which they are present by helping to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens and by providing additional social and youth/ family activities. As traditional golf is not an option for some, golf facilities have introduced other amenities and activities to their offerings, such as driving ranges, practice facilities, golf simulators, bike/walking trails, bird watching, space for snow/ winter sports and public meeting space availability.
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• Black golfers have a rich history in Minnesota, highlighted by figures like Solomon Hughes Sr. and key events at Hiawatha Golf Course. This course became a social hub for Minneapolis’ Black community, though Black golfers were initially excluded from clubhouse facilities and official handicaps. In 2021, the Minneapolis Park Board renamed the clubhouse in Hughes’ honor for his role in ending segregation in professional golf.
• Since 1972, the Minnesota PGA Foundation Pro-Am has raised over $7.9 million for nonprofits supporting individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, positively impacting thousands of Minnesotans.
• Hosted by local Fox 9 Chief Meteorologist Ian Leonard, Ian Leonard’s Bad Pants Open has raised nearly $800,000 since 2006—benefiting Special Olympics Minnesota and PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota.
Efficient Water Use and Conservation
• Golf Course Superintendents prioritize efficient water management using advanced tools like soil moisture sensors, weather stations, wetting agents, and automated irrigation systems. Only 67% of Minnesota’s golf course acreage is irrigated, with 42% relying on surface water sources, and 44% of courses have performed irrigation audits, saving an estimated 7% in water use. Nationally, golf courses have reduced water usage by 29% since 2005.
Community and Environmental Impact
• Golf courses serve as critical green spaces, providing wildlife habitats, recreational opportunities, and temperature buffering. They promote sustainable landscapes and offer environmental, economic, and social value to Minnesota communities.
V ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Sustainable Chemical and Nutrient Management
• Superintendents develop precise nutrient and chemical programs using tools like GPS equipment, mapping software, and aerial imaging. These innovations have led to a 41% reduction in nitrogen use since 2006 and decreased chemical applications, protecting ecosystems while maintaining healthy turfgrass.
Environmental Benefits of Turfgrass
• Healthy turfgrass provides stormwater retention, urban cooling (reducing temperatures by 7-10 degrees), erosion control, pollutant capture, and groundwater protection. It also offers wildlife habitat, pollinator areas, carbon sequestration, and natural noise dampening, contributing to community green spaces.
Adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Supported by state agencies like the MDA, DNR, BSWR, and UMN, BMPs ensure responsible pesticide use, water conservation, and habitat preservation. These practices enhance local ecosystems and improve the recreational and aesthetic value of golf courses.
OUR COMMITMENT TO MINNESOTA GOLF
The Minnesota Golf Coalition is working to better support and preserve the future of Minnesota’s golf industry. This tool is made available for all golf stakeholders to better educate patrons, members, legislators, communities, and each other. This tool will help ensure that Minnesota golf has a consistent voice, and that our future will be discussed as one collaborative group. The Minnesota Golf Coalition will continue to empower all stakeholders, and drive effective, and positive impacts throughout our state.
“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.”
- Bobby Jones
For more info. visit www.mngolf.org/mngolfcoalition
