Golf industry leaders, legislators, workforce partners, superintendents, educators, suppliers, and community organizations from across the state gathered on Tuesday, May 12th at the New York State Capitol for the inaugural New York Golf Day, a statewide event highlighting golf’s role in New York’s economy, environment, tourism industry, and local communities.
Hosted by the Empire State Golf Alliance, New York Golf Day featured Capitol speakers, interactive exhibits, STEM demonstrations, workforce and apprenticeship discussions, sustainability education, locally sourced food and beverage, and formal acknowledgments on the floors of both the New York State Senate and Assembly.
The event follows the adoption of a New York State Senate resolution sponsored by Senator Monica Martinez recognizing Golf Day in New York and highlighting the game’s economic, environmental, and community impact statewide. Assembly Member Judy Griffin will sponsor the companion resolution in the Assembly. Legislators from both the Senate and Assembly are expected to participate throughout the day, including Assembly Member Amanda Septimo, who has led efforts to establish the newly formed bipartisan Golf Caucus.
According to the New York Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report, golf generates $12.9 billion in total economic impact, supports more than 89,000 jobs, contributes over $1 billion in state and local taxes, and sustains approximately 103,000 acres of greenspace statewide.
“New York Golf Day is an opportunity to bring the industry’s impact to life for our legislators and the public,” said Tom Kaplun, President of the Empire State Golf Alliance and Huntington Country Club Director of Golf and Grounds. “From tourism and workforce development to environmental stewardship, local suppliers, charitable giving, and community engagement, golf touches every region and community across New York.”
Programming throughout the day included presentations on environmental best management practices, equipment electrification, apprenticeship pathways, golf accessibility initiatives, PGA HOPE, local sourcing tied to championship events, and the role of golf in supporting tourism and small businesses across the Empire State.
Special guests and speakers include Empire State Development President and CEO Hope Knight, members of the New York State Senate and Assembly, golf industry leaders, workforce development representatives, Veterans advocates, and supporting golf’s growing economic and tourism impact across New York State.
New York Golf Day is supported by participating golf organizations, allied associations, workforce partners, local businesses, and industry supporters committed to advancing the positive economic, environmental, and community impacts of golf across New York State.