2024 HAWAII GOLF ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

ANNOUNCING THE HAWAII GOLF INDUSTRY ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS – SUMMARY REPORT

HONOLULU, HI (APRIL 5, 2024) – The PGA of America – Aloha Section and Foundation releases a shortened Summary Report of its Hawaii Golf Industry Economic Impact Analysis.

This study, conducted by Kealapono, LLC, aims to (a) assess the current state of Hawaii’s golf industry, (b) identify best practices, (c) project its future sustainability, and (d) gauge its economic influence on the local economy.  These key factors are crucial to the sustainable health of our Hawaii Golf Industry.

Golf plays a pivotal role in driving economic activity across the state through direct operational expenses, capital investments, golf tourism, related retail spending, and the impact on property values and real estate taxes in golf-centric

communities. The industry also bolsters other businesses in Hawaii that cater to and supply golf courses, and revenue generated from professional tournaments. The televised PGA, LPGA, and Champions Tour events held in Hawaii broadcast the state’s golf prowess globally, catalyzing tourism. Furthermore, numerous annual events hosted at the state’s golf courses serve as crucial fundraising platforms for local charities and foundations.

Key highlights from the Economic Impact Analysis include:

• Combined financial outlay of $393 Million annual from operational revenue and capital investments.
• Over $1 Billion dollars generated in annual golf tourism and golf-related retail spending.
• Homes values adjacent to golf courses increase property values by an estimated 32%, resulting in real property tax collections in golf course communities amounting $2,695,761.
• Direct economic impact of $1.8 Billion and $1.6 Billion from indirect economic impact from core industries bringing the total economic contribution to the Hawai’i economy of $3.4 Billion dollars.
• In a review of the Summary, Tom Mullen – President | CEO, Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau, agrees with the findings and confirms the HVCB is targeting the traveling golfer as they meet all of their criteria for customer demographics, income and mindfulness.

The analysis was initially presented at the September Hawaii Golf Industry Conference hosted at the Kahala Resort and Hotel. Attendees included major stakeholders from Hawaii’s core golf industry, along with leaders from associated market segments directly or indirectly influenced by the golf industry.

Distinguished speakers at the conference included Kalani Ka’anā’anā – Chief Branding Officer, Hawaii Tourism Authority; Keith Vieira – Principal, KV & Associates, Hospitality Consulting, LLC; Sherry Menor-McNamara – President & Chief Executive Officer, Chamber of Commerce Hawaii; Robert Sorensen – Vice-President of Marketing & E-Commerce, Hawaiian Airlines; Corbett Kalama – President & CEO, RESCO INC. | President, Friends of Hawaii Charies; John Easterbrook, PGA – Chief Membership Officer, PGA of America; Guy Kaulukukui – Principal, Kealapono LLC; and Scott Simpson, University of Hawaii Men’s Golf Coach, PGA Champions Tour.

About the PGA of America – Aloha Section: The PGA of America – Aloha Section was established in 1976, and is 1 of 41 Section established in the United States of America that manages Hawaii’s massive golf industry. Today it is comprised of over 260 golf Professionals working statewide across Hawaiian Islands. The mission of the Aloha Section is to promote the enjoyment and involvement in the game of golf and to contribute to its growth by providing services to golf professionals and the golf industry. The Aloha Section provides competitive playing opportunities, educational seminars, and growth of the game initiatives, within state of Hawaii. For more information please visit the Aloah Section website www.aspga.com.

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