According to the National Golf Foundation, Minnesota golfer participation consistently ranks at the top of national lists, with more than 733,000 Minnesotans playing golf; and

Minnesota ranks 11th in the United States in the number of golf courses; and

Minnesota is nationally recognized as a leader in the golf industry and ranks 4th among a list of golf destinations; and

Golf in Minnesota is a $1.2 billion industry, employing more than 34,650 people and generating $776.7 million in total wages; and

The Minnesota golf industry, with its $1.2 billion direct economic economic, is on par with other important and diverse industries, including dairy products, printed circuit assembly, and accounting, tax, and payroll services; and

Juniors participate in numerous golf programs in Minnesota, including the Minnesota Golf Association, the Minnesota Section PGA, the Minnesota Women's Golf Association, The First Tee, the Fairway Foundation, the Minnesota Minority Junior Golf Association, and the Ladies Professional Golf Association; and

More than $52.4 million dollars in charitable contributions were made in 2006 to hospitals, non-profit health associations, and other charitable groups from golf industry fundraising efforts, including professional tournaments and charity programs in Minnesota.