The Hill News

This month the eyes of the world were focused on the greens of an American pastime and a sport's crowning achievement. The emotional bond between Bubba Watson and his mother after winning the Masters brought tears to our eyes and reminded each of us of the American dream. Golf is more than a sport - it teaches the values of self discipline, dedication, and that even though you have some "misses," the opportunities for recovery and success are available to anyone who stays focused, overcomes, and persists in the face of countless obstacles.

In North Carolina, golf is more than just a pastime - it’s an economic job engine. Home to over 550 facilities, golf’s total economic impact exceeds $5 billion a year while supporting 68,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in income. Yet it seems that for some policymakers and opinion leaders, golf remains a mere stigma of the privileged and barrier to the middle class.

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