In Georgia, the sport of golf is on the rise, and it's not just about leisure. The golf industry is a formidable economic force within the state, having a profound influence on local economies, especially during premier events like the Masters at Augusta National Golf Club. Mary Anne Duncan explored the industry's contributions in an article for Georgia Trend magazine, and details of her findings were discussed with Pamela Kirkland on GPB's Morning Edition.

With 362 golf facilities and over 6,500 holes spread across the state, golf has deeply embedded itself into Georgia's recreational and economic fabric. According to Duncan's research, the history of golf in Georgia dates back to the late 1700s with Savannah Country Club. "Actually, the first golf course in the United States was Savannah Country Club, which is still there today," Duncan told GPB, highlighting the sport's longstanding local significance.

However, it's the renowned Masters tournament that significantly bolsters the local economy each year. In a statement obtained by GPB, Duncan revealed, "So for some businesses, the week of the Masters is like having a 13th month." She cited an economic impact report stating that professional and charitable events, including the Masters, supported 3,200 jobs and contributed $273 million in Georgia in 2022.

It's not just during the Masters that golf sways Georgia's economic landscape. Duncan shared that the state's golfers - 680,000 strong, 170,000 of whom are considered avid players - and golf facilities combined contributed a staggering $1.1 billion in direct economic output in 2022. "Another $152 million in capital expenditures were invested in Georgia golf courses," Duncan pointed out, attributing the spend largely to the increase in interest during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Moreover, the industry's roots in Georgia extend to manufacturing, with the state responsible for producing a majority of the golfing essentials used worldwide. "95% of all motorized golf carts in the world are built in Georgia," Duncan stated, a fact that amplifies the state's global footprint in the sport. For more on the economic ripple effects of Georgia's booming golf industry, readers can find Duncan's comprehensive breakdown in the article at Georgia Trend.