Virginia Governor Ralph S. Northam

WHEREAS, Virginia has a rich history as a golfing destination, with its first course established in 1892 at the historic Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia; and

WHEREAS, today, Virginia boasts more than 320 golf facilities across the Commonwealth, making golf a key industry contributing to the vitality of Virginia’s economy; and

WHEREAS, the golf industry supports $2.5 billion in economic output, along with nearly 30,000 jobs and $733.4 million in wage income; and

WHEREAS, Virginia golf courses follow Best Management Practices and utilize a written nutrient management plan to ensure environmental stewardship; and

WHEREAS, golf brings visitors to the state, spurs new residential construction, generates retail sales, and creates demand for a myriad of goods and services; and

WHEREAS, golf tournaments held in Virginia and televised internationally help showcase the Commonwealth to the world and encourage people to visit our state; and

WHEREAS, Golf Digest magazine named Virginia as one of the greatest golf destinations in the world; and

WHEREAS, the game of golf provides physical and social benefits to players of all ages; and

WHEREAS, golf has the support of numerous allied associations who are committed to the promotion, growth, and education of the game and who serve and share invaluable resources in every community; and

WHEREAS, golf continues to benefit the economy, quality of life, and culture of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is for Golf Lovers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ralph S. Northam, do hereby recognize May 25, 2019, as VIRGINIA GOLF DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.