MALONE, N.Y. (WCAX) – Golf balls aren’t the only things taking a hit at the Malone Golf Club this summer. The strained U.S.-Canada relationship continues to have an impact on businesses across our region.
American clubs say Canadian golfers are realizing the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the border and instead, are swinging back home.
Malone Golf Club PGA General Manager Scott Delair says Canadian golfers are keeping their clubs north of the border.
“Unfortunately, due to geopolitical tension, they have decided to keep their tourism dollars in Canada,” said Delair.
Malone Golf Club President Stephen Vanier says so far, he’s lost $400,000 in Canadian revenue.
“People are not booking those stay and play packages. Some have, though, so we are cautiously optimistic we are going to get some, but we have to be realistic about it,” said Vanier.
Travel statistics from U.S. Border and Customs Protection show a 21% drop in Canadian visitors coming across the northern border in May compared to last year.
Vanier says that lost revenue represents about one-fourth of their operating costs, a staggering amount that Gov. Kathy Hochul pointed to during her stop in Saranac Lake in June.
“I don’t know how you pay the bills. I don’t know how you pay your staff, how do you keep the lights on,” said Hochul, D-New York.
Vanier says the loss in revenue won’t put them out of business but will force them to make tough decisions.
“Our managers have been cutting where they can, while maintaining the same quality of play,” said Vanier.
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