Why is a Chicagoan writing an article about the Big Apple? Simple: the impact that golf makes on New York's state economy and my jaw hitting the floor.

According to Golf Course Industry Magazine, the golf industry has a "total economic impact of $5.3 billion" on the state of New York.

Simply put, golf is a major player in the success of the state's economic prowess even during a major national recession largely in part to the number of jobs and tourism the 818 golf courses draw each year.

As the birthplace of the United States Golf Association (1894) and the PGA
of America (1916), New York has 818 courses, 38 golf resorts, and it's hosted four U.S. Open Championships in the past decade and hosts as many as nine annual championships, including showcase events of the USGA, PGA of America, PGA Tour,
Champions Tour and LPGA Tour - all which enhances the game as a benchmark in the Empire State's economy.

The idea of even looking at how (poorly) golf effects the economy of Illinois almost makes me shudder... so I'm going to leave that alone until our next governor gets arrested.