"Amendment 309 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, introduced by Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma"

Dave Shedloski tells us that it was Coburn who specifically targeted golf from inclusion in the federal stimulus package.

Initial disbursements from the $787 billion stimulus package were delivered in late February. Golf won't see a cent. Amendment 309 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, introduced by Republican Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, excludes funding for "any casino or other gambling establishment, aquarium, zoo, golf course or swimming pool."

And...

A putdown was not the intention, said Don Tatro, press secretary for Sen. Coburn. "It was not a slap at golf. It has to be looked at in the larger view of priorities. Nevertheless, we realize there are elements where parochial interests weighed in with the next election cycle in mind."