NON-ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTION HIGHLIGHTS
Golf is part of the rich tapestry of enjoyable outdoor activities and recreation that define the State of Maine , contributing to both the overall economy and the quality of life for residents and visitors alike . Notable noneconomic contributions from golf in Maine include :
³ Golf courses comprise 24,576 acres of green space within the State and provide affordable outdoor recreation to nearly 1.4 million Maine residents .
³ All the golf facilities who completed the survey responded that they participated in at least one program for fostering the growth of the game in 2023 , with 98 % offering some type of formal junior golf program .
³ Maine golf courses offer leagues , programming for disabled golfers , active military , and veterans , as well as specialized beginner programs like WELCOME2GOLF , Get Golf Ready , and customized golf clinics .
³ Maine golf appeals to both the young and lifelong golfers , ranking 3rd overall for the percentage of golfers aged 65 and home to nearly 13,000 Junior golfers . Roughly 2,500 juniors participate in a Youth on Course program annually .
³ Golf facilities elevate the quality of life in communities by improving the health and well-being of citizens and providing social , youth / family activities , and programming . While traditional golf is not an option for some , golf facilities offer other amenities and activities available to a broader audience , such as driving ranges , practice facilities , golf simulators , cross country skiing , snowshoeing , sledding , other snow / winter sports , and public meeting spaces .
³ Over 88 % of the facilities indicated they offer a GHIN handicap . 35 % include the GHIN with their membership fee . For facilities that charge for a GHIN hanicap , the average fee in state of Maine is $ 40 annually .
³ Nearly all the public facilities in Maine ( 96 %) offer a junior membership . The average cost of an annual junior membership for public golf is $ 164 for a 9-hole facility and $ 345 for an 18- hole value / standard facility and $ 1,100 for a premium 18-hole facilty .
The Contributions of Golf to the State of Maine | 2023 Impact Report 10