New York Golf stands as a reflection of the Empire State itself: strong, innovative, and deeply rooted in community and connection to the land. According to the newly released New York Golf Impact Report, the game generates an astounding $6.9 billion in direct economic activity, fueling $12.9 billion in total statewide output, supporting 89,044 jobs, and delivering $3.8 billion in wages and benefits.
The industry’s contributions surpass the combined impact of several of New York’s most iconic sectors, including horse racing, craft beverages, and even Yankees home games. With 18.2 million rounds played in 2023 across 833 courses and 742 facilities, golf has become both a recreational cornerstone and an essential part of New York’s economy.
From Long Island to the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks, 72 percent of the state’s golf facilities are open to the public, including 153 municipal courses that make the sport accessible to all. Golf courses preserve more than 103,000 acres of green infrastructure, providing natural filtration, wildlife habitat, and flood mitigation—critical ecosystem benefits for one of the nation’s most densely populated states.
New York’s golf heritage runs deep. Its courses have hosted some of the sport’s most celebrated moments, including 20 U.S. Opens and 13 PGA Championships. Legendary venues such as Shinnecock Hills, Oak Hill, Winged Foot, and Bethpage Black have helped cement New York’s global reputation in golf.
Beyond its economic strength, golf’s environmental and community benefits are equally significant. The state’s golf facilities safeguard 38,000 acres of water, wetlands, and native habitat while employing advanced science-based environmental management practices. The New York Golf Industry Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide—developed through collaboration among the New York Golf Course Foundation, Cornell University, and golf course superintendents—serves as a cornerstone of sustainability, promoting responsible water use, pollinator protection, nutrient efficiency, and habitat preservation.
Related: Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses: More Relevant than Ever
Golf course operations across the state are also leaders in waste reduction, energy efficiency, and integrated pest management. These practices demonstrate the industry’s commitment to both environmental stewardship and long-term resource conservation.
The study’s findings confirm that golf is more than a sport in New York—it’s an economic powerhouse, an environmental ally, and a social connector. Thousands of charity tournaments generate millions annually for local nonprofits, strengthening ties between courses and their surrounding communities.
For more information and to view the full New York Golf Impact Report, visit the Empire State Golf Alliance at www.NewYorkGolfImpact.org.
