Golf drives $3B into Minnesota economy

A new Minnesota Golf Association report shows the sport is a major contributor to the state’s economy with around eight million rounds of golf played in 2023.

“The total economic impact of golf totaled over $3 billion to the state of Minnesota with a direct economic impact of over 1.85 billion. So really great numbers and since the last time that we put this out, we saw some tremendous growth,” says MGA Executive Director Jon Mays.

Golf is also diversifying in Minnesota, according to Mays. The days of golf being a country club sport for middle aged white guys is waning.

“The three demographics that have seen biggest impact on the growth of the game are females, people of color, and the youth population, which is fantastic for the future of our sport and ultimately the health of the game.”

Visitors to Minnesota played about 870K rounds of golf in 2023. Mays says the state is home to more than 450 golf courses, of which 90% are open to the public.