The money pumped into the Canadian economy is up by 14% over the last five years, a new study shows, and that’s before the surge in interest in the game from this season.

Eighteen. Billion. Dollars.

In fact, the golf industry generated $18.2-billion for the Canadian economy last year, according to a study by the National Allied Golf Associations, a group of golf-oriented businesses and organizations.

The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada further reinforces the enormous financial, employment, charitable, tourism and positive environmental impact that the sport and the business of golf are affecting across Canada. This third iteration of the study provides the golf industry with a powerful snapshot of the scale and magnitude that our sport has on the Canadian economy and within the communities where we live, work and play.

In all, Canadians played 57-million games of golf during 2019.

The new study showed the game’s impact on the economy is up 14% since the last time the process was examined in 2013. The study also noted 249,000 people are employed by golf either directly or indirectly, and golf contributes $10.6-billion to household income in Canada, while generating another $4.5-billion in tax revenue.

Golf is a key and important economic driver for many families in Canada, employing the equivalent of 150,000 full-time positions, and nearly another 100,000 when indirect and induced employment is factored in. The study suggested golf is a significant factor when it comes to youth employment, with 48% of the sport’s workforce identifying as students.

Travel

While Canadians may have stayed put during the pandemic, travel is a key for Canadian golfers, with Canuck fans of the game making 4.8-million trips around the sport, including 1.8-million outside of their home province or abroad.

Charity

The industry generates $330-million in charitable giving through tournaments and other golf-related vehicles.

Gear

Canadians spend $2.7-billion annually on golf equipment, which surely accounts for a lot of lost golf balls! Passionate Canadian golfers spend another $108.9-million trying to get better so they don’t have to spend as much replacing those lost golf balls.

Transport and food

Golfers in Canada spend $935.3-million getting to their courses and home, and another $1.3-billion on food and drinks.

Based on what we learned through the 2020 season, the safety of golf through this pandemic and the potential for a lift in participation and spending on the game, we are optimistic in looking ahead.

The full study is here.