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ROUNDS FALTER IN AUGUST
Rounds fell 2.7% nationwide on a same-store basis in August 2007 vs. August 2006, according to a survey of over 2,100 golf facility operators. As a result, the year-to-date figure slipped to -0.8% through August. Nevertheless, the premium public segment is slightly positive.
Severe weather in the Midwest was the primary cause for the drop in U.S. rounds. However, five of 11 NGF climate regions were actually up slightly. But the Lower Midwest, hardest hit among regions, was down 8.6%. Still, it is the South Central that has the poorest performance year-to-date, even though the region had a relatively good August.
Rounds Played, 2007 vs. 2006
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
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August |
Year-to-date |
| Total U.S. facilities |
-2.7% |
-0.8% |
| |
|
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| Private Clubs |
-3.0% |
-2.0% |
| Total Public Courses |
-2.6% |
-0.6% |
| Public Courses: |
|
|
| Premium |
1.9% |
0.4% |
| Standard |
-1.6% |
-0.1% |
| Value |
-4.0% |
-1.0% |
| |
|
|
| Region |
|
|
| Northeast |
1.9% |
2.2% |
| Mid-Atlantic |
1.2% |
-1.6% |
| Southeast |
-1.4% |
1.1% |
| Central/South Florida |
2.5% |
-0.2% |
| Gulf Coast |
-3.1% |
-4.4% |
| South Central |
2.4% |
-8.3% |
| Lower Midwest |
-8.6% |
-2.5% |
| Upper Midwest |
-4.6% |
-0.4% |
| Mountain |
0.1% |
-0.8% |
| Southwest |
-1.8% |
2.7% |
| Northwest |
-1.5% |
-0.4% |
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Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart:
Premium (High) - Above $70; Standard (Middle) - $40-$70; Value (Low) - Below $40
Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.
About the NGF
The mission of the National Golf Foundation, founded in 1936, is to help golf businesses succeed by providing marketing, research and other consulting services. Based in Jupiter, Fla., the NGF serves many constituencies in the golf industry, including equipment manufacturers; builders and developers; facilities and practice ranges; course architects; retailers; turf maintenance suppliers; golf associations and the media. For more information, visit www.NGF.org.
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