Question of the week [October 28 – November 3]: What impact, if any, will the upcoming U.S. presidential election have on the golf industry?
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As a Canadian, I am loath to weigh in on another country's democratic process. I am unaware of any direct policy difference between the two parties/candidates that would directly impact the golf industry. I do know golf is very labor intensive as it takes many to staff a club/facility in such a way that allows us to enjoy a great experience. As a luxury and pastime we need a certain amount of prosperity to pay for our golf so there is an indirect connection between good government policy and our capacity to afford to golf. In 2024, Americans are faced with two very different choices hence it is reasonable to speculate what impact each candidate may have on the game in the USA and the industry as a whole. The most important thing is to vote.
Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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If Kamala Harris wins the presidency, then I foresee little changes in our thriving golf industry. I believe that our country’s immigration system needs to be improved and strengthened to reduce illegal border crossings while also badly needing workers across many industries — including the golf industry. We all know that many of the best horticultural workers come from Hispanic descent.
If Donald Trump is elected and he carries through on his promise to deport both documented and undocumented immigrants, I believe that will cause a massive shortage of workers nationwide wide from hotel workers to roofing contractors to the agricultural sector — all of whom rely on these workers to keep their businesses running. That shortage of workers means higher costs across the board and entertainment industries will likely suffer the most.
All in all, I think the golf industry and our economy will be better off with Kamala Harris in the oval office.
George Sinner
Fargo, North Dakota
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No matter who wins the presidential election, golf will continue to be a fantastic sport to play in the great outdoors across our nation.
However, there will be a negative influence on the rules of golf should Donald Trump be elected. As writer Rick Reilly documented in his book "Commander in Cheat," Trump bends the rules to defeat his playing partners in ways that most players would never tolerate.
If it weren’t for LIV Golf playing at Trump-owned courses, Trump’s golf investments would be losing money.
Jeff Swanson
Bend, Oregon
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I think that golf is well served by having a president who plays the game. Dwight Eisenhower popularized the game while sitting in office.
John Kennedy was a fine player and a member at Hyannisport Club, but remained shy about playing due to the perception of the President playing too much golf. Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump have all enjoyed the game to varying degrees, and all have helped the growth and popularity in their own way.
A president who does not play golf will have no impact on the game. A president who does will help grow the game, but will always have detractors from the opposite political party. It's a script that is already written, and one we can all ignore.
Dave Curley
Las Vegas, Nevada
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If Donald Trump wins, the federal government will pump a lot more money into his private golf courses.
James Brock
Atlanta, Georgia
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If Donald Trump is elected, while good for the economy, many products (clubs, balls, etc.) manufactured off shore will be assessed a significant tariff. This will raise the price of golf equipment by at least an estimated 20% while manufacturers determine whether or not to switch back to manufacturing in the US. It's a small price to pay for bringing our economy back in line.
If Harris is elected, then all bets are off. Inflation will continue to escalate. Taxes on manufacturing will go through the roof and prices will escalate significantly.
Either way prices will rise. At least with a Republican victory we will have more disposable income to purchase equipment and pay to play the game we love.
Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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Front: The raising of the American flag during the official opening of the 2019 Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool Golf CLub in Hoylake, England.
Photo: Thos Caffrey | Golffile