Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. - The economic impact of an Executive Women' Golf Association chapter is $577,000 in annual golf-related spending, according to a study by the PGA of America reported in its Play Golf America annual report. Considering there are more than 115 EWGA chapters throughout the United States, that's a lot of economic clout.
Since the EWGA started in 1991, more than 75,000 women have benefited from membership in the organization which is dedicated to providing opportunities to learn, play and enjoy the game of golf for business and for life. Throughout the country, EWGA chapters now are hosting spring kickoff events to launch their golf season and bring more women into the game and the Association. Visit www.ewga.com
The PGA's study found EWGA members spent, on average, $3,993 on golf fees, lessons, equipment and food and beverage during the past 12 months. And 63 percent of this membership segment also reported annual spending of $2,212 on golf-related travel. To determine an EWGA chapter's economic impact, an average chapter size of 163 women was used.
"We always knew our members were passionate about golf and our association, but we still were impressed by the PGA's finding on the total dollars that our chapters generate for the golf industry," says Pam Swensen, executive director of the EWGA. "As we continue to reach out to more women and expand our membership, we expect to make even greater contributions to the growth of the game."
EWGA chapters provide a wide range of golf, social and networking activities for new and experienced golfers. A welcoming environment, golf education and player development, and organized play programs are all part of the many benefits of EWGA membership. The significant, economic impact of an EWGA chapter reflects the survey's finding that 61 percent of EWGA members are avid golfers, playing 25 or more rounds per year.
The study also found that women who are new to the game and new to the EWGA have a 93 percent retention rate in golf after their first year. Swensen believes that the convenience of organized play opportunities provided by EWGA chapters is a critical factor in this excellent success rate.
The EWGA is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. For more information about the association and its membership, visit www.ewga.com.