Norman, Couples Kick Off National Golf Day

On Wednesday May 13, Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples will join the allied golf associations in celebrating the second annual National Golf Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The purpose of National Golf Day is to educate Congress, the media, and opinion leaders on the economic, human, and environmental benefits of golf.

Golf's day on Capitol Hill begins with a congressional breakfast with Presidents Cup captains Fred Couples and Greg Norman.

The day will begin with the annual The First Tee Congressional Breakfast. Presenters include two First Tee scholars, as well as Fred Couples and Greg Norman, captains of The Presidents Cup's U.S. and international teams, respectively. Norman is also chairman of The Environmental Institute for Golf's Advisory Council and a member of The Institute's board of trustees.

The remainder of the day's activities will focus on strategic outreach by the allied organizations to congressional leadership and key congressional committee chairs.

According to a study by The World Golf Foundation Golf 20/20, the golf industry generated $76 billion in direct economic impact in 2005, and when combined with indirect economic impact, the total rises to $195 billion. The report also states that the industry generates more than $3.5 billion annually for charities across the country.

National Golf Day was developed after the industry was excluded in the tax relief measure passed by Congress in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Golf was again omitted from last year's relief measures to help citizens and business owners impacted by floods and storms in the Midwest. Golf was excluded from this year's economic stimulus bill too.

Representatives from the world of golf will use this opportunity May 13 to share quantifiable data that shows golf isn't just a game, but an industry that contributes billions each year to local, state and national economies and employs more than two million people nationwide.