General Limiting Conditions
Economic Report
The economic report is based on information collected from direct National Golf Foundation Consulting, Inc. (“NGF”) research completed for the state of Colorado in 2020 for the data year of 2019.
General
Every reasonable effort has been exerted to ensure that the data contained in the written report reflects the most accurate and timely information possible; and is believed to be reliable. However, no responsibility will be assumed for inaccuracies in reporting by sources used to collect data from golf facilities, associations and other data source used in preparing the report.
Custom NGF Facility Survey – 2020
NGF conducted a survey among golf facility operators in Colorado in an effort to gather inputs to help quantify the economic impact of golf in the state. Data collection took place between February and March 2020. Key survey questions centered around operational data such as rounds, revenues and expenses, as well as capital expenditures. Information on employment/staffing and charitable events was also included.
Survey Response by Region
Out of 236 golf facilities in Colorado, a total of 71 responded for a response rate of 30 percent. Survey responses were reviewed and weighted by type (public/private, number of holes, etc.) to properly match the mix of golf facilities in Colorado. The data collection effort was completed with the support of the Colorado Golf Association and Colorado PGA, who assisted NGF in enhancing participation in the survey. The responses by region are noted below:
IMPLAN Economic Modeling
The IMPLAN economic modeling system was used to derive estimates of several direct and secondary economic impacts (including value added, employment, and labor income). The methodology and calculations were prepared and reviewed for soundness and accuracy by Terry L. Clower, the Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University.
Acknowledgments
The economic impact report was prepared by National Golf Foundation Consulting, Inc. in agreement with the CGC. In addition, support for this report was provided by the following allied national golf organizations: CMAA, GCSAA, LPGA, NGCOA, PGA of America, PGA TOUR, and USGA. The economic study was conducted by David Lorentz, Richard Singer, Clark Brown, Andre Paul, Ed Getherall and Jodi Reilly at NGF, with support from Dr. Terry L. Clower the Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University (also Director of GMU’s Center for Regional Analysis).
Environmental Report
The Colorado golf environmental report is based on information collected from direct research completed by Radius Sports Group (“Radius”) for the state of Colorado in 2020 for the data year 2018.
Custom Radius Facility Survey – 2020
Radius conducted a survey among golf facility operators in Colorado in an effort to gather inputs that would assist in the quantification of golf’s environmental impact in the state. The information request was specific to processes and metrics around environmental impact from Colorado golf courses. Key survey questions centered around golf course maintenance data like water use, water sources, waste management, energy efficiencies, conservation practices, as well as number of holes, acreage, and other similar general characteristics.
The full database of Colorado golf facilities was compiled through the Colorado Golf Association, with the support of the RMGCSA. Data collection took place from December 2019 through February 2020. Surveys were administered via email and online to RMGCSA members. Email reminders were sent periodically, and direct phone calls were conducted as needed during the open period to those facilities for which phone contacts were available. Of the 236 golf facilities in Colorado, a total of 103 completed the survey for a response rate of 44 percent. Data was primarily completed by Superintendents/Directors of Agronomy (88 percent) with additional responses from maintenance support positions. 85 percent of survey respondents have one golf course operation, 13 percent operate two courses, and 2 percent operate three courses.
The data was received for more than 50 cities, 24 counties and is segmented and weighted for five regions, incorporating coefficients based on acreage and on a per-hole basis. In addition to regional extrapolation, data was also refined with coefficient multipliers based on county levels where applicable. (i.e. acreage extrapolation by county, water extrapolation by region). Questions that presented yes-no options or asked respondents to select among multiple options were analyzed using a simple count method.
Survey data was complemented with secondary US Geological Survey (USGS) and GCSAA reporting, in addition to municipal, state, and federal data on goals and environmental benchmarks from a variety of sources.
Acknowledgments
The environmental impact report and study was prepared and conducted by Radius Sports Group, a sports and sustainability consulting firm, and subsidiary of ARCUS Marketing Group, LLC. in agreement with the CGC.
The consolidated Colorado Golf Economic & Environmental Impact Report was developed and designed by Radius Sports Group.
General
Every reasonable effort has been made to report the most accurate, reliable, and timely information possible. However, no responsibility will be assumed for inaccuracies in reporting by sources used to collect data from golf facilities, associations, and other data sources used in preparation of the report.