No reasonable person disputes that the first mission of our colleges and universities is to educate our children. Of equal, if not greater, importance is the need to support the economic engines of this state that provide these graduates with job opportunities.

With the view that research to support the golf industry is low level for economic development, Gov. Mark Sanford has proved once again he just doesn't get it. A March 2002 state government report estimated that the total annual economic effect of this industry exceeds $1.5 billion.

The golf industry in South Carolina represents hundreds of small businesses, more than 30,000 jobs and an aggregate annual payroll in excess of $500 million. With golf activities contributing more than $100 million annually to state and local tax revenues, spending a fraction of 1 percent on research to support this industry is a wise use of our money.

If the governor needs to know more about the importance of the golf industry, I got all of my information from a report published by one of the governor's Cabinet agencies, the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

Moore, an S.C. senator, is a Democratic candidate for governor in 2006.