Rep. Aresimowicz At Second Annual CSGA Day at The Capitol: Golf Industry Adds $1 Billion to CT Economy

House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz (D-Berlin & Southington) and State Representative Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury) joined Governor Dannel P. Malloy, other lawmakers, and representatives of the state’s golfing community to discuss the sport’s impact on Connecticut’s economy.

“With over 180 golf courses, more than 3 million rounds of golf are played every year around the state. But golf is more than a hobby in Connecticut—it is a billion-dollar industry for our state,” said Rep. Aresimowicz who spoke during the second annual Connecticut State Golf Association Day at the Capitol in Hartford. “Events like the Travelers Championship generate millions in entertainment & tourism dollars, and the Traveler's Championship has generated more than $30 million for regional non-profits since its inception.”

With golf courses, driving ranges and various golf related businesses spread throughout Connecticut, the golf industry has an annual economic impact of over $1 billion according to the Connecticut State Golf Association. While financial and insurance services are a pillar of Connecticut’s economy, golf is comparable to revenues generated by other key industries in the state, such as computer systems design ($3.4 billion), accounting and tax preparation ($1.5 billion), and industrial machinery manufacturing ($1.1 billion). 

“I am very pleased to participate in this event once again to continue to drive home the fact that the golf industry contributes to Connecticut’s economy in many ways,” said Rep. Berger. “I look forward to working with the industry to ensure we capitalize on all that golf has to offer .”

“Golf also gives young people an opportunity to see firsthand that hard work, practice and perseverance pay off. These kids learn skills that they can use in all areas of their lives throughout their lifetimes,” said Rep. Aresimowicz, who has long been active in youth athletics in his hometown of Berlin from coaching the town’s Little League and basketball teams to serving as director of football.

Nathan Grube from the Travelers Championship, PGA Golfer Suzy Whaley, and David Polk with First Tee of Connecticut also spoke at today’s event.  

Second Annual Golf Industry Day at the Capitol Participants

• Connecticut State Golf Association (CSGA) 
  
• The Travelers Championship 
  
• The First Tee of Connecticut 
  
• Connecticut State Golf Course Superintendents Association (CTGCSA) 
  
• Southern New England Women's Golf Association (SNEWGA) 
  
• Connecticut State Women's Golf Association (CWGA)  
  
• CT Section PGA 
  
• Connecticut Golf Course Owners Association 
  
• Golf Digest 
  
• Personal Golf Network  
  
• Back9 Network 
  
• CSGA New England Junior Team 
  
• CWGA Junior Tri-State Team
  

BHS golfers also honored

State Representatives Joe Aresimowicz and Cathy Abercrombie, who represent Berlin in the Connecticut General Assembly, recognized two outstanding Berlin High School students at the State Capitol today.

As part of the the second annual Connecticut State Golf Association Day at the legislature, Ashley D'Attilio and Julia Kemmling were introduced on the floor of the House and presented with official citations for their golfing accomplishments  by Reps. Aresimowicz and Abercrombie.

Ashley D'Attilio recorded six top-10 finishes on the 2012 CT PGA Junior Tour, and she was champion of the CT PGA Ellington Ridge Camera Memorial Junior Tournament.

Julia Kemmling finished in the top-10 of every CT PGA event she entered in 2012 and was champion of the season-ending 2012 Jack Kelly Tournament of Champions in Shennecossett G.C. in Groton.