Scottsdale's Golf Business
Is More Than Great Courses

By Joan C. Fudala
GolfArizona.com Staff Writer

According to a 1999 City of Scottsdale report, "Golf in Scottsdale," the estimated direct economic impact generated by the 19 golf facilities (courses) in Scottsdale is nearly $42 million annually (based on a 1996 survey, including operating expenditures plus salary and wages).

Add to the City's $42 million figure the impact generated by dozens of free-standing golf retail stores, free-standing golf schools, golf travel and resort companies -- plus the growing number of businesses in the golf industry that have started or relocated to Scottsdale - and the actual economic impact is much greater.

• Past articles by Joan C. Fudala • Recent GolfArizona.com course reviews • Recent GolfArizona.com feature stories

The number of golf-oriented businesses that choose to locate in or near the Scottsdale Airpark area alone seems to grow by the week: • golf schools, such as John Jacobs and Kostis/McCord

• golf product manufacturers, such as Royal Precision, Iron Gloves, Royal & Ancient, Performance Fitted and Antigua Sportswear

• course architects like Tom Weiskopf Enterprises, Scott Miller Design and Gary Panks Associates

• management companies such as Troon Golf , Granite Golf and Morningstar Golf

• vacation companies like Southwest Fairway tours and John Jacobs Golf Vacations

• tournament promoters, such as Jaguar CEO Tour (which is moving its headquarters here from Hawaii this year)

• retailers, ranging from the ultimate In Celebration of Golf to Nevada Bob's and Las Vegas Golf & Tennis

• courses, such as TPC Scottsdale (home of the Phoenix Open since 1987), Kierland (home to renown teaching pros Mike and Sandy LaBauve), and Grayhawk (home to the Williams World Challenge), and the new Sanctuary at Westworld, one of only seven courses in the U.S. to get Audubon certification.

"Golf is becoming an increasingly important part of our economic mix," said City of Scottsdale Economic Development Director David R. Roderique. "It is especially important to Scottsdale's tourism industry as well as a key component in our quality of life, which helps attract new business to Scottsdale."

National and international exposure generated by Scottsdale's three major golf tournaments -- via live television broadcasts, on the Internet and in magazines and newspapers - is a key contributor to Scottsdale's stature as a golf travel and business hub, according to the City's golf report.

According to Rachel Sacco, executive director of the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, golf has universal appeal in all of Scottsdale demographic and geographic target markets.

"Golf is one of Scottsdale's top destination drivers," Sacco said. "What sets us apart from other golf destinations is the large number of quality golf courses visitors can play in a relatively small area. Visitors also get to play well known courses that they've seen on television throughout the year. There is a certain cache about Scottsdale golf, and, as our destination changes, it is the one thing that we can deliver on best."