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Economic Impact Report

Golf in Wisconsin generates $6.44 billion in total economic impact, supports 56,595 jobs, and contributes $2.0 billion in wages, underscoring the industry’s dynamic role in Wisconsin’s economy and communities. The game produced $3.37 billion in direct economic impact and returned more than $288 million in state and local taxes.

Golfers played 11.24 million rounds in 2023, and Wisconsin attracted 1.8 million golf trips that fueled $902.7 million in direct golf tourism impact. These numbers reflect both the strength of everyday public play and the powerful draw of nationally recognized destinations such as Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, Sand Valley, Mammoth Dunes, and Blackwolf Run, positioning Wisconsin as one of the country’s most compelling golf markets.

The industry’s $6.44 billion total impact outpaces the combined contributions of Wisconsin’s craft beer, wine, local spirits, and Packers home-game industries, which together generate nearly $5 billion. This report highlights how golf strengthens local economies. 

Garrett Luck at Hidden Glen

Matt Shafer at North Hills Country Club

Government Advocacy

The WGCSA is asking all members to help share your position on important legislation that can have  large impact on our industry and your profession. WGCSA Government Relations Chairman Chad Grimm encourages you to become more involved!  If you would like to learn more feel free to contact him via EMAIL.

The WGCSA is proud of our members who are helping with the GCSAA's Grass Roots Ambassadors Program.

WGCSA Member
District
Legislator
Dominic Frese

WI-01

Steil

Jens Arneson

WI-02

Pocan

Greg Willman

WI-03

Van Orden

Adam Suelflow

WI-04

Moore

Brian Bonlender

WI-05

Fitzgerald

David Brandenburg,  CGCS

WI-06

Grothman

Sterling Solberg

WI-07

Tiffany

Michael Becker

WI-08

Wied

Chad Grimm

WI-Senate

Johnson

Mike Stein

WI-Senate

Baldwin


If you have any questions on becoming a Grass Roots Ambassador or would like to learn more please contact Ch. Mgr. Jake Schneider or Government Relations Chair Chad Grimm today!  We are happy to help help you get involved!

Golf in Wisconsin

Wisconsin, located in the heart of the Midwest, is known for its agriculture, education, sense of community, sports and vast outdoors. Golf plays a special role within the State, as the industry generates $6.44 billion in total economic output, produces 56,595 total jobs, and contributes $2 billion in wage income. (Wisconsin Golf Economic Impact Report) Wisconsin is home to 528 golf courses ranging from municipal to top-ranked courses, including Whistling Straits, Erin Hills, Milwaukee Country Club, Sand Valley, and Blackwolf Run. The state draws major championships including the Ryder Cup, US Open, PGA Championship, and many other professional events.

The Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association (WGCSA) and Northern Great Lakes (NGL) chapter of the GCSA are comprised of dedicated agronomists, golf maintenance professionals, industry partners, and educators who are responsible for the maintenance and sustainability of these golf courses throughout the state. The NGL represents members in the Northwoods area of Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan.

The WGCSA

The WGCSA, founded in 1930, and the NGL are dedicated to a quality golfing experience and committed to preserving natural resources through using science-based practices. We also share strong midwestern values and a commitment to our families and communities. Sharing knowledge and resources is critical for sustainable operations and environmental stewardship. We developed this guide of best management practices (BMPs) to serve as operating standards for superintendents to strive toward and an educational resource for all stakeholders. This guide was developed in collaboration with Radius Sports Group, a sustainability consulting firm, and has been reviewed by leaders in golf course management, construction, regulatory, and academic fields.

The document details 12 sections ranging from community engagement to irrigation to integrated pest management and water quality protection, to name a few. Each section contains BMPs and regulatory considerations, as well as local resources for additional information.

On behalf of the Wisconsin Golf Industry BMP steering committee, our WGCSA and NGL members, and allied partners, we hope that this BMP guide conveys the dedication and care that each Wisconsin superintendent has for the environment, our communities, and the game of golf.

To see the  complete guide or any of the various chapters please go to www.wisconsingolfbmp.org.

Best Management Practices Manual

The WGCSA is proud of our Best Management Practices Manual that was completed in 2021.  We are offering a limited number of professionally printed Hard Copy Manuals for $25.00 including shipping. This price is at "our cost" and is not being sold for profit.  If you are interested in purchasing a manual please use a credit card and click on the image to the right. If you have any questions regarding purchase please contact Executive Director Jake Schneider for more information.

View the complete document HERE and find the trifold brochure HERE.

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