I am perplexed - the golf industry is struggling mightily, with rounds declining and costs increasing, yet we have reached the fifth page on why the wages in the golf industry should be increased...hello??? If people don't want to work at/on golf courses at prevailing wages they are free to move on!
I must agree. The market. Golf is just a recreation, not food, not shelter, (not medical care). Not essential.
I live in Canada and these are the numbers here;
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CANADIAN GOLF ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY:
The game of golf accounts for an estimated $14.3 billion of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which is up from the $12.2 billion reported in 2009*. Included in that economic impact are:
• 300,100 direct, indirect and induced jobs (342,000 in 2009)
• $8.3 billion in household income ($8.0 billion in 2009)
• $1.4 billion in property and other indirect taxes ($1.3 billion in 2009)
• $2.2 billion in income taxes ($2.6 billion in 2009)
• Canadian golf industry generates $14.3 billion in economic activity (GDP)
• Industry employment estimated at more than 300,100 golf related jobs,
• $533 million in philanthropic dollars generated at more than 37,000 events at golf courses
• Golf related travel within Canada generates nearly $2.5 billion in tourism annually
• Estimated 60 million rounds of golf played in Canada in 2013
Not an essential service, but, definitely a viable source of income for many and at least worthy of discussion. I imagine the US numbers dwarf the ones of Canada as well.