Michigan Golf Alliance News

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall Takes Time to Talk Golf with Industry Leaders at 17th Golf Day at the Capitol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (5-22-2025)

Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall Takes Time to Talk Golf with Industry Leaders at 17th Golf Day at the Capitol

  LANSING – Speaker of the House Matt Hall (R-Richland Township) made time in his busy schedule to talk golf, specifically about the industry during the 17th Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event Wednesday.

  Hall met with presidents, executive directors and owners from the Michigan Golf Alliance member organizations in his office, asked questions seeking input from the industry leaders and answered questions, too.

  “Speaker Hall listened to our message, talked about specific legislation that pertains to our industry and made it clear he believes in what we do and understands the impact golf has on the state,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Association, said.

“Our golf leaders had the opportunity to discuss the industry with Speaker Hall and thanked him for all of his efforts.  I can’t overstate the importance of this day in delivering the message to our government leaders.”

  Hall also presented a Special Tribute to the Michigan Golf Alliance honoring their unwavering dedication to advance the game of golf across the state and championing the economic, environmental and community benefits of golf in Michigan.

   The Michigan golf industry shared its message and the impactful results from a 2024-released National Golf Foundation (NGF) study by visiting the offices of each state legislator and inviting them and their staff members to lunch and dessert in tents on the Capitol building’s front lawn.

   The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA), Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), Michigan Section PGA and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF) form the Michigan Golf Alliance. Representatives from each Alliance group dispersed and delivered information to the offices of each legislator.

   Among the messages being delivered:

  • The Michigan golf industry contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy, supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes, and has a charitable impact of $104.3 million annually.
  • Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Our state is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses and fourth in volume of annual rounds played (16.42 million in 2023).
  • Michigan’s golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries, and the facilities practice several environmental impact programs.
  • More than 1.85 million golfers travel to Michigan for golf and spend more than $1 billion annually with non-residents playing about three of every 10 rounds in the state each year.

  Light rain didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the event, and legislators who came received golf umbrellas.

“The Michigan Golf Alliance was able to convey to the legislators that golf is a seasonal, weather dependent industry.  It’s important to let our legislators know who their constituents are”  Paisley said.  “Today was a great success once again.”

VIEW ALL THE PHOTOS

INFORMATION: Visit michigangolfalliance.com, or contact Jada Paisley of the MGCA at 800-860-8575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ATTACHED: A Special Tribute to Michigan Golf Alliance presentation  photo of the Michigan Golf Alliance leaders and Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall; from left, Tammy Carter of the GMCMA, Carey Mitchelson of the MTF and College Fields Golf Club, Stephanie Jennings of the Michigan PGA and of Whole Golf, Tom Schwark of MGCA Government Affairs and Sycamore Hills Golf Course, Speaker Hall,  Jim Szilagyi of the MGCA and Lynx Golf Course, Richard Aginian of the GAM, Gene Davis  of MiGCSA and Elk Rapids Golf Club, and Jada Paisley of the MGCA.

Golf Day at the Capitol

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (5-19-2025)

GOLF DAY AT THE CAPITOL

Allied Golf Associations to Bring Message of Industry’s $6.1 Billion Economic Impact to Michigan Legislators

  LANSING – Golf on the Capitol’s lawn with Michigan legislators has become an impactful spring tradition.

   The Michigan golf industry will share its messages and results from a 2024-released National Golf Foundation (NGF) study with each state legislator on Wednesday, May 21, by presenting the popular Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event.

   The Golf Association of Michigan (GAM), Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA), Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), Michigan Section PGA and Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), which form the Michigan Golf Alliance, will convene on the lawn of the state Capitol, and representatives will then walk to the offices of each legislator to share information and answer questions.

  For 17 years, course owners, operators and superintendents have gathered each spring to voice a cooperative message. The leaders of Michigan golf have once again created a dynamic day of activity to promote the impact of golf in the state.  To mark the day, the Governor’s office is expected to proclaim that “June is Michigan Golf Month.”

  The executive directors, presidents and members of the organizations in the Michigan Golf Alliance will be under a tent between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to meet with media and guests and discuss the wide range of topics regarding the golf industry, including and not limited to the effect on business, the impact on tourism and employment in the state, and the industry’s positive effect on the environment.

  Among the messages being delivered are the eye-opening results of the recent NGF Michigan Golf Impact Report, including:

  • The Michigan golf industry contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy, supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes, and has a charitable impact of $104.3 million annually.
  • Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Our state is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses and fourth in volume of annual rounds played (16.42 million in 2023).
  • Michigan’s golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries, and the facilities practice several environmental impact programs.

  “The Michigan Golf Alliance created this event to facilitate golf industry representatives introducing themselves and informing the legislators and their staff members on who we are and what our industry brings to the State of Michigan,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said. “I can't overstate the importance of this day in delivering the message to our government leaders.”

  The schedule will include Senate and House office visits and an up-close look at Michigan’s golf industry. All legislators will be invited to meet with their constituents on the Capitol’s lawn.

ATTENTION MEDIA: Contact Jada Paisley of the MGCA at 800-860-8575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information, and if you plan on attending and bringing the great stories of the Michigan golf industry to your audience. See more about the study at michigangolfalliance.com.

Golf Day at the Capitol

Rep. Angela Witwer Helps Allied Golf Associations Spread Message of Industry’s Impact in Michigan

View the 2024 Legislative Day Photo Album

  LANSING – State Rep. Angela Witwer (D-Delta Township) has played golf since age eight, grew up in golf-rich Northern Michigan and every vacation used to be a golf vacation before she became an elected official.

  “Golf is something I love and have enjoyed a lot in my life, and I want you to know how important your industry is not just to my entire family, but the whole Michigan family and people from around the country,” she said to members of the Michigan golf industry who presented the 16th Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event Thursday.

  “I’m here to present the proclamation declaring June as Michigan Golf Month and it is a great honor to be able to do that.”

  The Michigan golf industry with guidance from the Small Business Association of Michigan shared its message and results from a new National Golf Foundation (NGF) study by visiting the offices of each state legislator and inviting them and their staff members to lunch under a large tent on the Capitol building’s front lawn.

  The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), the Michigan Section PGA, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) and the Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA), which form the Michigan Golf Alliance, have a legislative friend in Witwer.

  “Michigan is the most beautiful place, and my husband and I have played the Robert Trent Jones Trail in Alabama and we’ve played all over the East Coast, but when we come home –I ’m from Northern Michigan originally – home is where all the best courses are,” she said. “It’s not just because this is the most beautiful state, it’s that you make it even more beautiful with your golf courses and I can’t thank you enough for what you do for Michigan.”

  The executive directors, presidents and members of the organizations in the Michigan Golf Alliance met with legislators and guests to discuss a wide range of topics regarding the golf industry, including and not limited to the effect on business, the impact on tourism and employment in the state, and the industry’s positive effect on the environment. Making this year’s message even more impactful were results from a new NGF Michigan Golf Impact Report that revealed remarkable numbers, including:

  • The Michigan golf industry contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy, supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes, and has a charitable impact of $104.3 million annually.
  • Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Our state is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses and fourth in volume of annual rounds played (16.42 million in 2023).
  • Michigan golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries, and the facilities practice several environmental impact programs.

   Many of those points were part of the proclamation indicating the Governor’s office and Witmer are listening. Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA, said Witwer is a friend of golf and small business in Michigan.

    “She is a golfer and a legislator, and she understands the importance of our industry and this day,” Paisley said. “It was great to visit with her and the other representatives and legislators who enjoyed lunch with us.”

INFORMATION: Visit michigangolfalliance.com, or contact Jada Paisley of the MGCA at 800-860-8575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

View the 2024 Legislative Day Photo Album

Allied Golf Associations to Bring Message of Industry’s $6.1 Billion Economic Impact to Michigan Legislators

LANSING – “Let’s do lunch at the turn Michigan Legislators!”

  The Michigan golf industry will share its impactful messages and results from a new National Golf Foundation (NGF) study with each state legislator on Thursday by presenting the popular Michigan Legislative Golf Day at the Capitol event.

The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), the Michigan Section PGA, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) and the Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA), which form the Michigan Golf Alliance, will convene on the lawn of the state Capitol, and visit with each legislator.

  For 16 years, course owners, operators and superintendents have gathered each spring to voice a cooperative message. This year the leaders of Michigan golf have again created a dynamic day of activity to promote the game and the golf business.

  To mark the day, the Governor’s office is expected to proclaim that “June is Michigan Golf Month.”

  The executive directors, presidents and members of the organizations in the Michigan Golf Alliance will be under the big tent between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to meet with media and guests and discuss the wide range of topics regarding the golf industry, including and not limited to the effect on business, the impact on tourism and employment in the state, and the industry’s positive effect on the environment.

  Making this year’s message even more impactful are results from a new NGF Michigan Golf Impact Report   that revealed remarkable numbers, including:

  • The Michigan golf industry contributes $6.1 billion to the state’s economy, supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes, and has a charitable impact of $104.3 million annually.
  • Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Our state is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses and fourth in volume of annual rounds played (16.42 million in 2023).
  • Michigan golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries, and the facilities practice several environmental impact programs.

  “The Michigan Golf Alliance created this event to facilitate golf industry representatives introducing themselves and informing the legislators and their staff members on who we are and what our industry brings to the State of Michigan,” Jada Paisley, executive director of the MGCA said. “I can't overstate the importance of this day in delivering the message to our government leaders.”

  The schedule will include Senate and House office visits and “lunch on the turn” with traditional golfers’ fare. All legislators will be invited to lunch with their constituents.

ATTENTION MEDIA: Contact Jada Paisley of the MGCA at 800-860-8575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for information, and if you plan on attending and bringing the great stories of the Michigan golf industry to your audience. See more about the study at michigangolfalliance.com.

Michigan Golf Provides $6.1 Billion Impact, Study Reveals

LANSING – The Michigan golf industry’s total economic impact is $6.1 billion, yes billion, in part because the state is home to 859 courses, including the most public golf courses in the nation, stands as the top winter-interrupted golf tourism destination in the country and provides 61,000 jobs according to a recently completed study by the National Golf Foundation (NGF).

  The study, commissioned by the Michigan Golf Alliance, a collection of the leading golf organizations in the state, confirmed the message the state’s golf industry leaders plan to share with state legislators when the 17th Michigan Golf Day at the Capitol event is presented Thursday, June 6, on the state capitol lawn.

  “Speaking on behalf of the Michigan Golf Alliance, we are excited to have the latest data to share with our state legislators and media outlets, and are thrilled that it reflects and confirms what we see Michigan golf courses working so hard at providing each and every day,” Jada Paisley, the executive director of the Michigan Golf Course Association, said of the first NGF study of Michigan golf since 2006.

   Among the NGF study’s notable findings:

  • The Michigan golf industry contributed almost $6.1 billion to the state’s economy in 2023 and supports 61,000 jobs with $1.795 billion of wage and benefits income and more than $821 million in state and local taxes.
  • Michigan has 859 golf courses that are part of 709 facilities, almost all of which are classified as small businesses. Of those 709 facilities, 604 are public and 105 are private.
  • The NGF said outside of the coastal, warm weather states of Florida and California, it can be argued that no U.S. state has a more substantial footprint in the world of recreational golf. Michigan is 10th in the U.S. in size and 11th in population but ranks third in the total number of golf courses.
  • More than 1.85 million golfers travel to Michigan for golf and spend more than $1 billion annually with non-residents playing about three of every 10 rounds in the state each year. Only a handful of states have a larger proportion of annual rounds played by visitors like the Sunbelt states of Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina and the world-wide tourist destination Hawaii.
  • Only Florida, California and Texas with golf facilities open the year around have a higher volume of annual rounds played than Michigan, which had approximately 16.42 million rounds played in 2023.
  • Approximately 896,700 residents play traditional, green-grass golf. Only seven U.S. states have more golfers.
  • Michigan golf provides 92,200 professionally managed acres of green space in Michigan serving as wildlife sanctuaries and the facilities practice environmental impact programs like expanding natural areas, reduction of water usage, using natural algae controls and providing garden beds and bee and bird houses.
  • Golf facilities in Michigan had a charitable impact of $104.3 million in 2023 by hosting an estimated 4,880 dedicated charity events with 467,400 participants.

  The Michigan Golf Course Association (MGCA), the Michigan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MiGCSA), the Michigan Section PGA, the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation (MTF), the Golf Association of Michigan (GAM) and the Greater Michigan Club Management Association (GMCMA) form the Michigan Golf Alliance.

  Paisley said the data provides welcome updated information to each of the Alliance associations that serve and impact the industry in diverse ways.

  “The data reinforces not only golf’s economic impact, but the role in outdoor tourism, golf as a group of small businesses that provides community impact with jobs, tax revenue, greenspace for environmental impact, quality of life and more,” she said. “Michigan is an incredible state with an incredible golf industry and this study reinforces that completely.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jada Paisley of the MGCA at 517-482-4312. See more about the study at michigangolfalliance.com

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