Golf Associations Highlighting Industry’s Positive Impact and Sustainable Practices
VICTORIA (May 18th, 2011) – Today the British Columbia Allied Golf Associations (BCAGA) brought local golf industry representatives to the Legislature to increase awareness of golf as a major driver of British Columbia’s economic and physical well-being and highlight the responsible practices of the industry.
“Golf is played by more Canadians than hockey,” said Doug Ferne, spokesperson for BCAGA. “More than 812,000 British Columbians, and six million Canadians, play golf each year, making it Canada’s number one sport in participation and a great way to get fit, stay healthy, and have fun.”
A recent report by the National Allied Golf Associations found that British Columbia’s golf industry represents more than $2 billion in direct sales across British Columbia every single year. BCAGA members and their affiliates employ almost 47,000 British Columbians across the province. The golf industry contributes $417.2 million per year in tax revenue to the various branches of government.
“British Columbia’s golf courses contribute a great deal to our economy,” Mr. Ferne continued, “but we also want people to know how we positively impact the environment.”
Across Canada the golf industry manages 160,000 hectares of green space and nearly 41,000 hectares of unmanaged wildlife and vegetation. Golf courses employ certified operators, using the latest scientific methods, to ensure they engage in modest, safe environmental practices - increasing playability of golf courses while reducing the costs of course operators.
“Golf is good for our health and the economy of British Columbia,” said Mr. Ferne, “And we will continue to be good environmental stewards because it’s good for the planet and our bottom line.”
BCAGA is a provincial golf organization comprised of the National Golf Course Owners Association Canada (NGCOA), British Columbia Golf, BC Golf Superintendents Association (BCGSA), Professional Golfers Association of BC (PGABC), Canadian Society of Club Managers (CSCM), Western Canada Turfgrass Association (WCTA), and the BC Golf House Society, dedicated to improving all sectors of golf in British Columbia.
To view the BCAGA's "British Columbia Golf Awareness Day" presentation, please click here.
For more information, please contact:
Spencer Keys, BCAGA Public Affairs
Telephone: 613-883-5889 (cell)/ 613-233-8906
Email: spencer@impactcanada.com
