POSTED: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 --- 5:50 p.m.

Wisconsin is playing host to the best golfers in the world.

As the PGA Championship kicks off, this state is once again hanging its hat and cashing in on a sport that's proving to be quite the money maker.

The 2010 PGA Championship has barely begun and already thousands of fans are packing the golf course in Sheboygan County. The money these people will bring to the area is a pretty obvious benefit but golf's positive impact on this state runs much deeper than that.

All it is, is a game. Put the ball in the hole.

But when those who do it best come to town it's enough to whip wide eyed fans into as big a frenzy as a golf course allows.

Young Stephanie Szweda made the trip with her dad. She says, "It's so cool. Sometimes I just want to scream their name, like, oh come here I want your autograph. But I have to keep it professional."

The draw of watching the best in the world is luring plenty from the Madison area to make the two hour drive.

Darren Berg says, "Me and my wife took a week off of work. We're big fans. We love to watch and play golf. When it's right in your back yard it's hard to pass up."

The last time Wisconsin golf fans were treated to a PGA event at Whistling Straights was 2004.

That tournament brought 76- million dollars into Wisconsin. It's a nice boost for the state but a number that pales in comparison to the 2.4-billion the golf industry generates in this state every year.

Governor Jim Doyle says, "We're crazy about golf in Wisconsin. Believe me I know about the economic impact because a fairly high amount of my disposable income goes into the golf business."

Many of the fans are also players, responsible for the numbers Doyle discussed today at the tournament while announcing the Wisconsin Golf Economy Report.

It's just a game, but a game bringing millions into the state and providing 38-thousand jobs for Wisconsin residents.

Doyle says, "It has become a central part of our tourism industry and a major employer in Wisconsin."

The positive impact of the pros coming to Wisconsin will only continue with the PGA committed to coming back in 2015 and 2020.

The governor says this year they're hoping to surpass the 76-million dollars 2004's tournament brought into the state, providing an even bigger boost to the area's economy.

_______________________________________________________
Release from PGA:

See site below for the full Wisconsin Golf Economy Report:

http://images.pgalinks.com/vmc/pressReleases/WI Golf Economy Report.pdf

KOHLER, Wis. - While the sports world is focused upon Whistling Straits this week for the Season's Final Major, The PGA of America announced the results of Wisconsin's Golf Economy Report that underscores the significant impact the game has on the state of Wisconsin.

While events such as the PGA Championship provide significant economic impact on the local communities it visits each year, golf's economic impact in Wisconsin extends further than hosting a major. The independent study, conducted from 2008 data, found that the total economic impact of golf in the state is $2.4 billion. The same study also found that golf provides more than 38,000 jobs in Wisconsin and provides a $771.5 million of wage income. Wisconsin's nearly 500 golf facilities in the state, like most small businesses, serve as the main driver in the golf economy.

Announcing the findings were Joe Steranka, chief executive officer of The PGA of America, Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and the chairman and chief executive officer of Kohler Co., Herb Kohler.

"Golf is more than just an enjoyable pastime for thousands in Wisconsin; it is a billion-dollar industry that serves as a major contributor and driver of jobs, wage income and tourism," said Steranka. "The PGA of America is pleased to return to Wisconsin to present the 92nd PGA Championship and to show off to a viewing audience of more than 500 million worldwide what a truly amazing venue Wisconsin has to offer."

The Wisconsin Golf Economy Report, prepared by SRI International, was commissioned by GOLF 20/20 for the Wisconsin allied golf associations including the Golf Course Owners of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Wisconsin PGA Section and the Wisconsin State Golf Association.

"The economic report confirms what many of us have known - Wisconsin is golf crazy," said Doyle. "Golf contributes billions of dollars to our economy, provides tens of thousands of jobs and our top rate courses attract golfers from around the world. I'm happy to welcome The PGA of America back to Wisconsin for another great Championship to show off one of our signature courses to golf fans."

Golf also has a significant charitable impact on the state of Wisconsin. In 2008, the SRI study revealed that golf in Minnesota raised more than $46 million for various charities. Charities throughout Wisconsin also have benefited from the 92nd PGA Championship being in their home state.

A total of 165 charities from the area have participated in the 2010 PGA Community Relations program, receiving an estimated value of more than $532,000. There were 124 charities participating in the Tickets for Charities Auctions Program and 36 charities received some 4,500 tickets to attend the PGA Championship In addition, one local food shelter will receive all of the remaining non-perishable food and products.

Among the findings in the Wisconsin Golf Economy Report:

About The PGA of America
Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the multi-billion dollar golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf.