Don’t put your house on it Vince!

Government minister Vince Cable hasn’t endeared himself to the golfing community by suggesting the country’s housing crisis could be solved by building on golf courses.

The Business Secretary’s comments came in relation to research by the London School of Economics that showed more of Surrey is devoted to golf courses than housing with a total of 103 courses in the county.

But PGA chief executive Sandy Jones has been quick to point out the economic impact that golf brings to the community as reflected in a PGA commissioned study which revealed golf has an annual €6.1 billion impact in Great Britain & Ireland and €15.1 billion across Europe with 180,000 people employed across the industry.

“Golf plays a significant role both in its economic impact and also in delivering social, behaviour and sporting benefits,” he said.

“The 100 plus courses in Surrey generate hundreds of jobs across the community and millions of pounds of revenue so I don’t think the contribution golf makes to the community should be underestimated.”

To read the full economic impact report click here.