Senate Resolution No. 1917

BY: Senator MARTINEZ

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
May 10, 2026, as Golf Day in the State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commemorate those activities and industries which contribute
significantly to the vitality, prosperity, and well-being of the people
of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10, 2026, as Golf Day
in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National
Golf Day; and

WHEREAS, Golf is a sport enjoyed by millions of New Yorkers of all
ages and backgrounds, providing recreational opportunities that promote
physical activity, mental health, and social interaction across every
region in New York; and

WHEREAS, New York is home to a rich and diverse golfing tradition,
with 833 golf courses spanning the state, from the scenic Adirondacks to
the rolling Hudson Valley and the shores of Long Island, offering
opportunities for public recreation, championship play, and community
engagement; and

WHEREAS, New York ranks fourth in the nation in golf participation
with 1.6 million golfers, underscoring the sport's popularity and
accessibility across the state; and

WHEREAS, The golf industry in New York is a $12.9 billion economic
engine, supporting 89,044 jobs, generating $3.8 billion in labor income,
and contributing more than $1.03 billion in state and local tax revenue,
reinforcing its vital role in the state's fiscal health and economic
development; and

WHEREAS, New York golf drives significant tourism and destination
travel, supporting $1.7 billion in golf tourism annually, while major
championships and industry events generate more than $227 million in
direct economic impact, positioning New York as a premier global golf
destination; and

WHEREAS, New York's golf industry delivers broad public access, with
72% of courses open to the public, including 153 municipal facilities,
ensuring that the game remains accessible and inclusive across urban and
rural communities alike; and

WHEREAS, Golf facilities across New York hosted more than 14,000
charitable events in 2023, raising over $267 million to support local
causes including hospitals, schools, Veterans programs, and youth
initiatives, demonstrating the industry's deep commitment to community
engagement; and

WHEREAS, New York boasts a storied golf heritage, from Saint
Andrew's Golf Club in Hastings-on-Hudson, the oldest private golf club
in the United States, to Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx, home to the
nation's first public golf course; and

WHEREAS, New York has hosted more U.S. Opens than any other state
and continues to lead on the national and global stage, including
hosting the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, the 2026 U.S. Open at
Shinnecock Hills, and future championships through 2036; and

WHEREAS, New York golf courses are leaders in environmental
stewardship, collectively managing more than 103,000 acres of green
space, providing critical ecosystem services including stormwater
management, carbon sequestration, air and water filtration, and wildlife
habitat; and

WHEREAS, New York golf courses are actively engaged in
sustainability, nearly all courses report implementation of best
management practices (BMPs) across water conservation, energy
efficiency, and waste reduction, with courses implementing an average of
21 BMPs in these areas combined; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 98% of courses employ multiple water conservation
practices, and collectively account for less than one-half of one
percent of the state's total water use, demonstrating responsible and
efficient resource management; and

WHEREAS, Golf facilities also contribute to sustainability through
waste reduction, diverting 37% of operational waste from landfills; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Legislature has supported sustainable
turfgrass management through the Turfgrass Environmental Stewardship
Fund, promoting environmental protection, research, and workforce
development in the golf industry; and

WHEREAS, The Empire State Golf Alliance, formed in 2025 and
comprised of 18 allied organizations representing PGA professionals,
superintendents, club managers, owners, and industry leaders, is working
collaboratively to advance the game's economic, environmental, and
community impact across the state; and

WHEREAS, The Empire State Golf Alliance will convene in Albany, New
York, for its inaugural New York State Golf Day on May 12, 2026,
bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders to engage with
policymakers and highlight the game's contributions to the State; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting and proper to recognize the many
contributions of the game of golf and to designate a day in its honor,
celebrating its enduring impact on the State of New York and its
residents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 10, 2026, as Golf Day
in the State of New York, in recognition of golf's invaluable
contributions to our economy, environmental stewardship, and communities
across the Empire State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.