VERMONT GOLF INDUSTRY GENERATES $671.4 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT, DRIVING TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMIES STATEWIDE
VERMONT GOLF INDUSTRY GENERATES $671.4 MILLION IN ECONOMIC IMPACT, DRIVING TOURISM AND LOCAL ECONOMIES STATEWIDE
Study Highlights Golf’s Role in Visitor Spending, Jobs, and Year-Round Economic Activity Across Vermont
MONTPELIER, Vt. (APRIL 21, 2026) - A new statewide study conducted by Radius Sports Group on behalf of the Vermont Golf Alliance shows golf in Vermont generates $671.4 million in total economic impact, supporting 5,376 jobs and $212.1 million in wages. The industry produced $397.2 million in direct economic activity and $66.8 million in state and local taxes, reinforcing golf’s role as a significant contributor to Vermont’s economy and communities.
Golf is a key driver of Vermont’s outdoor tourism economy, supporting more than 190,000 golf-related trips and generating visitor spending across lodging, dining, and recreation. With 68 courses across mountain and lake landscapes, golf complements Vermont’s outdoor economy and draws visitors who pair golf with hiking, cycling, and seasonal travel. The industry’s total economic impact exceeds several of Vermont’s signature sectors, including maple syrup production and craft brewing, underscoring its scale as a destination-driven economic engine. Key highlights include:
ECONOMY: $397.2 million in direct economic activity and $66.8 million in state and local taxes
JOBS: 5,376 jobs supported and $212.1 million in wages
TOURISM: 190,000+ golf-related trips driving $121.9 million in direct visitor spending statewide
CHARITABLE IMPACT: 700+ events raising $12.4 million for Vermont nonprofits
ENVIRONMENT: 10,880 acres of managed greenspace with widespread adoption of water, habitat, and energy best management practices (BMPs)
“Golf supports jobs and economic activity that complement the state’s ski industry and help sustain employment and local economies across seasons,” said Melanie Boese, owner, Brattleboro Country Club. “Golf courses are part of the community in every sense, from providing jobs to hosting local events to supporting schools and families. Facilities contribute in ways that go far beyond recreation.”
Vermont’s golf industry is, at its core, a community-centered industry. Facilities serve as year-round anchors that support local programs, schools, and events while creating gathering spaces. In 2024, facilities hosted more than 700 events, raising an estimated $12.4 million for Vermont nonprofits, supporting youth programs, healthcare organizations, schools, veterans’ groups, and community services.
“The Vermont golf industry represents a unique year-round economic driver,” said Gina Rizzi, President of Radius Sports Group. “What stands out is how deeply golf is integrated into Vermont’s broader economy, particularly through local food systems and agricultural partnerships, with facilities sourcing from local farms and regional suppliers. That connection reinforces golf’s role as both a tourism driver and a contributor to Vermont’s small business economy.”
The report highlights a defining characteristic of Vermont golf: its connection to local food systems and the small business economy. Golf facilities actively source from local farms and suppliers, integrating Vermont’s farm-to-table culture into clubhouse operations. In addition, 41% of facilities invested in capital improvements in 2024, supporting investment in infrastructure, course conditions, and strengthening the local supply chain.
“Investment in course conditions and infrastructure goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship,” said Jesse Sutton, golf course superintendent, The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa. “We manage these landscapes with a long-term focus on water quality, habitat, and environmental health, which is essential to preserving the natural beauty that draws people to Vermont.”
Environmental stewardship is a defining pillar of Vermont’s golf industry. Vermont’s golf courses provide 10,880 acres of managed green infrastructure, supporting wildlife habitat, water quality, flood mitigation, and climate resilience. Facilities demonstrate widespread adoption of BMPs, including water and energy conservation, habitat protection, and waste reduction, reinforcing golf’s role in preserving the natural landscapes that define Vermont.
The Vermont Golf Economic Impact Study was conducted by Radius Sports Group in collaboration with the Vermont Golf Alliance, comprised of the Vermont Golf Association, New England PGA Section and Vermont PGA Chapter, Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the New England Golf Course Owners Association.
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About Vermont Golf Alliance
The Vermont Golf Alliance is a statewide coalition of leading golf industry organizations dedicated to representing and advancing Vermont’s golf courses, professionals, and industry stakeholders. The Alliance brings together the Vermont Golf Association, New England PGA Section and Vermont PGA Chapter, Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the New England Golf Course Owners Association. Collectively, these organizations support the growth of the game, advance industry standards, promote environmental stewardship, and champion the economic and community value of golf across the state.
About Radius Sports Group
Radius Sports Group is a sustainability consulting, data analytics, and community engagement firm focused on connecting sustainability and sports. Based in Reno, Nevada, the firm drives economic, environmental, and community impacts through strategic partnerships with sports franchises, facilities, golf courses, suppliers, and governing bodies.