More Than A Pastime, State Golf Industry Is An Economic Driver
according to a recently published study, Wisconsin's golf industry generates $6.44 billion in economic impact
While Wisconsin may be best known for its agricultural offerings – this is America’s dairyland, after all – its outdoor recreation scene has increasingly been recognized as a powerful economic impact driver.
The proof is in the pudding; Wisconsin is on a three-year, record-breaking roll in terms of
the outdoor rec industry’s economic impact – accounting for nearly half of the state’s $25.8 billion in total economic impact in 2024.
Beyond the activities one might expect from the state’s rec offerings – boating and fishing, hunting, hiking, biking and camping, etc. – a report released this March put a spotlight on the golf scene.
To put that figure – $6.44 billion – into perspective, these new data put golf’s economic contributions above that of Green Bay Packers home games and the craft beer, wine and local spirits sectors.
According to the new statewide study, conducted by Radius Sports Group, Wisconsin’s golf industry generates $6.44 billion in total economic impact. Over half of that is from direct economic activity.
To put that figure – $6.44 billion – into perspective, these new data put golf’s economic contributions above that of Green Bay Packers home games and the craft beer, wine and local spirits sectors. (Those sectors, together, generate roughly $5 billion in economic impact.)
Home to over 500 golf courses, Wisconsin ranks ninth nationwide in total golf courses. Across the Chippewa Valley, more than a dozen golf courses can be enjoyed.
While specific economic impact data on the local golf scene is not readily available, per area tourism organizations Visit Eau Claire and Go Chippewa County, there’s no questioning the popularity of the sport.
According to the 2026 Best of the Chippewa Valley Reader Poll, these are the top three area golf courses:
- Hickory Hills Golf Course (E4080 Hickory Rd., Eau Claire)
- Princeton Valley Golf Course (2300 W. Princeton Ave., Eau Claire)
- Wild Ridge Golf Course (3647 Kane Rd., Eau Claire)
On top of the actual activity, golf facilities also impact the real estate, charitable giving and golf retailers and suppliers sects, among others.
“New residential construction in and around golf communities added significant value to the state’s housing stock, generating $206.6 million in direct spending within the construction industry,” the statewide study found. “The presence of a golf course provides quantifiable premium to the value of homes in golf course communities, adding an estimated 20% to their value.”
As it relates to charitable giving, every surveyed golf facility hosted at least one charitable event in 2023, the study states. Those events – roughly 9,000 in total – led to $166 million raised for Wisconsin nonprofits.
At least 31 golf-related manufacturers and service providers were also identified in Wisconsin, including equipment and apparel companies, to golf course architects and construction companies.
Those golf-related companies supported over 2,100 jobs in 2023; the industry overall supporting 56,000-plus jobs.
So, the next time you hit the green – as a golfer or supportive cart driver, there for the good vibes – know that you're playing a part in one of the state's growing, economic-driving scenes.
View the full report from Radius Sports Group online • Learn more about the Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls and Menomonie golf course facilities online through the respective community tourism organizations
