Golf – Florida Sports Foundation

Florida boasts over 1,100 golf courses that play host to over nearly 48 million rounds annually, with 33% by out of state visitors, 14% by non-local Florida residents, and 54% by local residents.

As a percentage of total rounds played, nearly half (49%) occurred during the Jan.–April period. Fall was the second most popular period with 16 million rounds (28%) being played, followed lastly by the May–Sept. period with just under 14 million rounds (source: Economic Impacts of the Florida Golf Course Industry by John J. Haydu, Ph.D. and Alan W. Hodges, Ph.D. released June 2002.)

Decision-making in professional golf is made in Florida as the PGA is headquartered in West Palm Beach, the LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach and the PGA Tour headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach.

Florida Sports is taking a proactive approach toward marketing Florida as the world’s leading golf destination. The state’s marketing program, PLAY FLORIDA is reaching out to thousands of golf enthusiasts across the U.S. and Canada. The program features a full-color golf directory and vacation guide aimed at helping people become better acquainted with Florida’s $11 billion a year golf industry.