Quality turf at Michigan International Speedway adds some green to the Carfax 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup race.
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Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs Advisory Reports
OMAFRA Turfgrass Management Report
OMAFRA Nursery & Landscape Report
DTM September Admissions Closed
The University of Guelph has officially stopped accepting registrations for September, 2009 entry into the Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management program as the program is expected to be at full capacity. The initial application deadline date for September, 2010 entry will be in mid-January, 2010. For more information about the program, visit the DTM Information Page.
Turf Managers Short Course
The annual Turf Managers Short Course is now accepting registrations for the four week course to be held from February 1-26, 2010 at the Guelph Turfgrass Institute. The course has provided a practical education option to practicing professionals for over three decades and continues to be the leading alternative turf management education program in Canada. For information about the program, check out the Turf Managers Short Course website.
United Kingdom Cricket/Lawn Bowling Advisor Visiting Guelph
Gareth Phillip, a lecturer at Reaseheath College in Cheshire, United Kingdom will be a guest of the Guelph Turfgrass Institute from September 9-16. In addition to his teaching duties, Gareth is also an advisor for the England and Wales Cricket Board and takes a leading role in the North Wales Cricket Groundsman’s Forum. He is also heavily involved with the Welsh Crown Green Bowling Association as a trainer and advisor. Gareth would welcome the opportunity to meet with turf managers while he is visiting Guelph to learn about how cricket pitches and lawn bowling greens are managed in southern Ontario. Please email me if you would like to arrange to have Gareth visit your operation and discuss your management practices.
National Allied Golf Associations Announce Results of Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study
Report Highlights:
• Canadian golf industry generates $11.3 billion in economic activity
• Industry employment estimated at more than 341,000 golf related jobs
• $439 million in philanthropic dollars generated by over 25,000 charity golf tournaments
• Golf related travel within Canada generates nearly $1.9 billion in tourism annually
• Estimated 70 million rounds of golf played in Canada in 2008
The Canadian Golf Industry generated $11.3 billion in economic benefits across our nation, according to a recent economic analysis conducted by Strategic Networks Group, Inc. on behalf of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA).
The Canadian Golf industry employs the equivalent of 341,794 people through direct and spin-off effects, generating more than $7.6 billion in household income. The industry also contributes more than $29.4 billion in total gross production through direct and indirect and induced spending; generates more than $1.2 billion in property and other indirect taxes; as well provides an estimated $1.9 billion in income taxes used to support a variety of programs for all Canadians.
“Today is a landmark day for golf in Canada,” said NAGA Chair Steve Carroll, Executive Director of the Canadian PGA. “The study outlines the considerable scope and magnitude of the impact of our sport on the Canadian economy while providing a benchmark for the Canadian golf industry to measure itself against moving forward. I’m especially proud of the tremendous synergies that came together among all the NAGA partners on this monumental study for our industry.”
Based on a nation-wide survey of more than 4,000 golfers and 350 golf courses in 10 provinces and three territories, the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study provides the first comprehensive and independent assessment of the economic impact of the golf industry in Canada.
The study was conducted on behalf of NAGA by Strategic Networks Group (SNG), a world leader in econometrics of economic development for communities, regions and industries.
"The Canadian golf industry creates a significant economic impact for the nation, which benefits all residents of this country," said Tom McGuire, SNG’s Vice President, North America. "The recreational opportunity and business of golf is a great national driver of economic activity, and every province in Canada offers a different experience for those who enjoy the game and those who benefit from the facilities that golf courses provide this country."
The announcement of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study was made during a press conference held at the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum. Leaders from all of the NAGA partner associations were on hand to take part in the announcement.
The game of golf accounts for an estimated $11.3 billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which includes:
• 341,794 jobs
• $7.6 billion in household income
• About $1.2 billion in property and other indirect taxes
• About $1.9 billion in income taxes
Golf in Canada generates an estimated $29.4 billion in total gross production through direct, indirect and induced spending impacts.
The total direct economic activity (total direct sales) resulting from the Canadian Golf Industry is estimated at $13.6 billion. Of this total, the revenues generated directly by golf courses and their facilities and stand-alone driving and practice ranges ($4.7 billion) rivals the combined revenues generated by all other participation sports and recreation facilities in Canada.
Additional key benefits and impacts of golf in Canada include:
• Environmental Benefits – Over 200,000 hectares of green space managed by golf course operators, including 41,000 hectares of uncultivated wildlife areas under golf course stewardship.
• Golf Participation –SNG estimates that about 70 million rounds of golf were played in 2008, a level of play that was as much as 10% off the average number of rounds based on prior years.
• Employment Opportunities – The Canadian Golf Industry provides an excellent employment opportunity, with as many as 43% of those employed at Canadian golf courses being students.
• Impact on Property Values – The location of houses adjacent to golf courses provides benefits to homeowners that stem from higher home values compared to similar homes that are not adjacent to courses. SNG estimates the total incremental impact on home values at $1.39 billion.
• Charitable Activity – Each year there are at least 25,000 charitable events hosted at Canadian courses. Conservatively, these events raise more than $439 million for charitable causes across Canada.
• Golf Tourism – Canadian travelers make more than 1 million trips involving golf, spending an estimate $1.9 billion annually on golf-related travel within Canada.
Aside from household that command more that 25% of the gross economic effects, Canada’s manufacturing sector is impacted the most by Canadian golf related expenditures, commanding 13% of the gross economic impacts. This is followed by the finance, insurance and real estate services and retail trade sectors.
The study provides new quantitative evidence of the economic significance of the sport to the Canadian, provincial and territorial economies, through primary research augmented by secondary information sources.
The results demonstrate the substantial role golf has in the economy of Canada in terms of:
• Golf’s “Gross Domestic Product” in Canada – including all goods and services that are directly and indirectly related to the game, with analysis of who benefits from golf, and to what extent;
• Other spin-off economic impacts such as employment and household income at the national, provincial and territorial scales.
An executive summary outlining the results of the Canadian Golf Economic Impact Study is available by clicking here or by visiting any of the National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA) partner websites. The complete report of key findings can be opened by following this link.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ALLIED GOLF ASSOCIATIONS (NAGA)
The study was sponsored by National Allied Golf Associations (NAGA), a national golf organization comprised of the Canadian Golf Industry Association, (CGIA) Canadian Golf Superintendents Association (CGSA), Canadian Professional Golfers Association (CPGA), Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), Canadian Professional Golf Tour (CPGT), National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA) and the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), dedicated to improving all sectors of golf in Canada. Formed in 1999, NAGA’s objective is to work cooperatively together as industry leaders ensuring a strong future for golf in Canada.
Tom Fischer Rejoins Maxium Golf Leasing
Maxium Financial Services Inc is pleased to announce that Canadian golf industry journeyman Tom Fischer has re-joined the Maxium Financial Services Inc's professional sales team. Mr. Fischer will continue to serve the golf course industry across Canada, focusing on providing creative financial solutions for the acquisition of golf cars, turf equipment and other golf course assets. Maxium Golf Leasing is a Canadian owned provider of financial solutions for all makes and models of golf course related equipment.
During the initial stages of the recent economic downturn, Maxium Financial Services Inc. made several important organizational changes that have contributed to strengthening its position in the marketplace. While other major golf industry lenders have exited the Canadian marketplace altogether, Maxium remains committed and is now poised to lead the golf course industry into the future.
Tom Fischer is eager to continue serving his client base. "We're starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel with respect to the recession," says Fischer, "and I truly believe Maxium has responded appropriately by strengthening itself from the inside-out. We are much leaner and focused and I believe Maxium is now in the best position to serve the financial needs of the Canadian golf course industry."
Tom Fischer brings 20 years of golf industry experience, coupled with 10 years as a golf course owner/operator. "I've been on both sides of the fence so I have a unique understanding of the client's perspective," says Fischer, "This dual role helps me identify with my clients and truly understand their needs." In addition Fischer is a member of the NGCOA (National Golf Course Owners Association) and serves on its Ontario Central Chapter Board of Directors.
Tom Fischer can be contacted at:
Tom Fischer
Maxium Financial Services Inc.
30 Vogell Road, #1
Richmond Hill, ON
L4B 3K6
Phone: (705) 791-4653
Email: tomf@maxium.net
Industry Calendar
Coming Events:
August 25 - GLAGS August Meeting – Caradoc Sands G&CC
August 26 - GBGSA August Meeting - National Pines GC
Check out the calendar link above for more details on these events.