Golf 20/20, in agreement with SRI International, is developing a standardized framework for analyses quantifying the impact of golf on the economy of a state.

The first assessment and report to be developed within this framework will be for the state of Virginia, represented by the Virginia Golf Council, a statewide alliance of golf organizations.

The need for such reports was magnified in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, when golf in the Gulf Coast region was denied federal tax relief in the effort to rebuild, since golf was grouped with such businesses as massage and tattoo parlors. It is believed that had Louisiana and Mississippi had credible reports accurately quantifying the impact and importance of golf to the state's economy, the outcome might have been different.

"Because of what happened in the gulf region we wanted to find a way by which all states could affordably receive reports, in standardized formats, quantifying golf's economic impact," said Ruffin Beckwith, executive director of Golf 20/20.

SRI and Golf 20/20 will collaborate on the development of a master framework, a model that can accept data provided by state and federal sources and quantify total economic impact. The process will be based on SRI's innovative Industry Cluster Model, and will include a wide range of components, including golf's impact on real estate, travel and tourism.

Economic impact studies have been developed for several states in the past, but they all use different definitions and assumptions. The new approach will allow for cross-state comparisons using a common methodology.

An environmental component will be included in the survey. States will be directed to include data either from existing information, or from GCSAA's Golf Course Environmental Profile funded by The Environmental Institute for Golf.

"People tend to think of golf as green fees and equipment sales, when its true impact is so much broader," said John Mathieson, director for SRI's Center for Science, Technology and Economic Development. "We believe our model will provide each state with a tool that will serve their interests well in various public forums."

The master framework will be completed in time for review by industry leaders at the Golf 20/20 conference Oct. 30 and 31, and the Virginia report will be completed by the end of the year. Discussions are underway with several other states.

Once completed, all reports will be available at http://www.golf2020.com.