[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5290]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  IN RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL GOLF DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 19, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize April 18 as 
National Golf Day. This is a day where the leaders of the golf industry 
are able to meet with members of Congress and discuss the continued 
growth and importance of the sport.
  Of course golf is not just a sport. The golf industry generates over 
$76 billion annually in economic activity, and sustains over 2 million 
jobs. The golf industry has a direct and substantial impact on the 
economy, jobs and tax revenues in communities across this country. 
Through this growth, golf is no longer the exclusive sport of the 
privileged, the wealthy, and the upper class. The industry has become 
more democratized, and people of all ethnicities and socioeconomic 
backgrounds are able to participate.
  I applaud the golf industry for its commitment to environmental 
sustainability. As technology advances, golf course architects and 
landscape engineers are able to design and maintain courses that are 
economically viable and environmentally friendly. For example, 
technological advances have made it possible to employ more efficient 
irrigation techniques using recycled water.
  In my home state of California there are over 900 golf courses, 
generating an average annual revenue of $15.1 billion. California's 
gorgeous courses are huge tourist magnets and provide 160,000 jobs for 
Californians. I am also proud that my state of California is home to 
some of the most storied golf courses in the nation, including the 
legendary Pebble Beach and Torrey Pines.
  Mr. Speaker, as an avid golfer myself, each year I look forward to 
participating in the Annual Mervyn L. Jones and Stephanie Tubbs Jones 
Memorial Golf & Tennis Classic. This worthy event raises funds to 
provide young people an opportunity to further their education and 
reach their potential. Golf has the ability to bring people together to 
support such a cause.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing National 
Golf Day and commending an industry that brings so much joy and 
pleasure to millions of Americans and contributes greatly to this 
nation's economy.

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