INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY
Maine is unique in a great many ways . It yields about 90 % of the nation ’ s annual lobster supply , sees daylight before anywhere else in the U . S ., has the lowest population density east of the Mississippi River , boasts more than 4,600 offshore islands , and is the lone state in the continental U . S . bordered by only one other state . More than 80 % of the state ’ s land area is forested or unclaimed , the highest proportion in the nation .
There is an intimate , removed , and rural feel to The Pine Tree State , with its small towns and tight coastal communities in the upper reaches of New England , yet Maine also draws more than 15 million visitors a year . That ’ s more than 10 times the state population , with tourists from the U . S ., Canada , and beyond drawn in by the natural beauty – from rocky beaches to scenic national parks - as well as the food and abundance of outdoor recreation , golf included .
Golf is an industry that contributes significantly to the overall economy and quality of life in Maine , despite the seasonal nature of the game and the fact that the state remains among a select few that has never hosted a PGA Tour or LPGA Tour event . Maine Golf , which in 2022 rebranded from the Maine State Golf Association , supports the state ’ s 126,000 + golfers – along with the game and business of golf - by running championships , overseeing a scholarship fund , providing handicapping and course rating services , and promoting junior golf for the next generation . Maine is home to nearly 13,000 Junior golfers .
Golf ’ s economic impact in Maine compares favorably to that of industries such as boating & fishing ($ 412 million ), wild blueberries ($ 350 + million ), RVing ($ 326 million ), and craft brewing ($ 260 million ). Golf supports 6,200 jobs with $ 191 million of wage income and generates more than $ 57.8 million in state and local taxes .
Golf in Maine is a story of accessibility and affordability . While 35 states have more golf courses , few can match Maine in terms of representation when it comes to 9-hole and family- or privately-owned public courses . Over 90 % of Maine ’ s 128 “ green grass ” golf facilities are open to public play , the fourth-highest proportion in the country behind only Alaska and the 91.3 % Dakotas . More than half of the State ’ s green grass golf facilities comprise a single nine-hole course and many are longtime family-owned businesses . About half of the state ’ s public courses are available at a ‘ Value ’ price point 56.7 % of less than $ 50 for an 18-hole green fee with cart . Finally , golf is an excellent recreational outlet for the state ’ s seniors , as Maine ranks 3rd overall for the percentage of golfers aged 65 and over .
Golf activity ( rounds plus practice ) is the primary driver of the golf economy in Maine , generating revenue for golf facilities – the majority of which are open to the public - and driving ranges . Golf ’ s direct and indirect economic impacts also derive from Maine businesses that serve and supply golf courses and from off-course manufacturers and retailers of golf merchandise . Finally , direct spending and ancillary effects resulting from golf-related tourism is big business in Maine . Golf tourism accounts for almost one-third of Maine ’ s direct golf economy of almost $ 400 million , with a heavy concentration of visitors from the Northeast U . S . and Canada .
Almost three-quarters of Maine ’ s courses are more than
107
DAILY FEE
PRIVATE
12 9
MUNICIPAL
The Contributions of Golf to the State of Maine | 2023 Impact Report 2