WATERLOO - Wendell Nolting of Denver said economic pressures have not affected his regular golf routine.

"I'm out here Monday and Wednesday morning," Nolting said on a morning round at Irv Warren Memorial Golf Course. "It's the sport I like to play, so we get out and play quite a bit."

In fact, golf courses all over the Cedar Valley seem to be doing a brisk business, in spite of the current recession.

Course pros and managers say that, in some respects, it may be because of the recession they're doing so well.

"It's funny, because I talk to people a lot, and a lot of people aren't going on vacation this year," said Andy Devine, the golf pro at Irv Warren.

"They're kind of staying around Waterloo and doing some of the stuff in the city."

According to Iowa Golf Economy 2006, a study prepared by SRI International and published for the Iowa Golf Alliance, golf ranks only behind corn and soybeans as a revenue generator for Iowa.

The study found that, in 2006, the $428.9 million golf economy generated an additional $377.7 million in indirect and induced economic impacts for the state.

The total impact of the golf economy was an estimated $769.6 million.

The recession doesn't seem to have slowed the golf industry, although private golf clubs may have taken an economic hit, according to Bill Dickens, executive director of the Des Moines-based Iowa Golf Association.

"I personally think it could have an even greater impact, since Iowa is not as far along in promoting golf tourism as states around us," Dickens said.

On a good day, the Warren course attracts about 250 golfers, Devine said, adding that this year is no different, recession or not.

John Bermel, golf pro at Pheasant Ridge in Cedar Falls, said traffic at his course has increased, due to people foregoing vacations or switching from private clubs.

"Everything is up a little bit," Bermel said.

Greg Mason, golf pro and owner of Legend Trail Golf Course in Parkersburg and the pro at Waverly's municipal course, agreed.

"Actually, last year, the thing that affected us was the gas prices," he said.

"If they can find a way to keep gas prices at $2.50 a gallon, that will help all of us."

Not that costs aren't factored into the golf experience.

Devine said the Warren course's half-priced Monday and Wednesday morning rates - $16 covers green fee and half a share in a cart - has been a hit.

"Now, we're out of carts by 10:30 a.m., and we have people playing from all over," Devine said. "For that price, guys will make a road trip."

Dickens said about 75 percent of Iowa's golfers play on public courses.

And, Mason said, they are picking up whatever slack there is.

"We're getting some of those castoffs from country clubs that are still going to play their golf per week."

But officials at country clubs in the area say business has not suffered.

In fact, they report quite the opposite.

"We actually had a drive this summer and gained 29 members," said Dave Crawshaw, club manager at Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo.

"Our member usage is up for the summer, and this is the time of year when they will use it."

Sunnyside membership was at 422, as of last week, he added.

Sunnyside, like other clubs, also is pursuing additional revenue streams, Crawshaw said, adding that the club hosted its fifth wedding of the season Saturday.

"We already have some bookings for next June," he said.

Merchandising activity tends to vary by club. Sunnyside's pro shop has continued to do a brisk business, Crawshaw said.

"It's been real good," he said.