Golf is big business -- with a direct U.S. economic impact of almost $102 billion annually. NGF produced the most recent, and often-quoted U.S. Golf Economic Impact Study, and also conduct standard reports on golf's impact at the state level. These numbers are a part of many of our latest one-page state summaries that detail key supply and demand data at a more localized level -- now available to members.
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
The post-pandemic surge has proven more durable than some initially expected, with rounds of golf at U.S. courses climbing to yet another all-time high in 2025. It's a run that has similarities to the early 2000s "Tiger Boom," but is far from apples-to-apples comparison.
Where is the competition for public access golf the fiercest and why? This member sidebar details not only the number of golfers per public course, but which states have the highest proportion of private golf, which have the most golf-related real estate, and much more.
Golf has a direct economic impact of almost $102 billion annually. NGF’s team of researchers and consultants produced the most recent Economic Impact Study and have also conducted a growing number of in-depth, state-level reports -- research that is critical for communicating golf's profound and wide-ranging impact.
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, providing the latest data on golf participation — from changes in traditional green-grass participation to detailed information on key segments such as females, people of color and juniors. Also highlighted is the annual golfer "churn," the regular inflow and outflow within the game that impacts participation levels.
January 2026 saw the biggest year-over-year jump in rounds of golf played since 2021.
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report, offering details and visuals on historical supply trends, public and private golf course and facility totals, trends and counts in the golf resort and residential space, and the best-supplied states in various categories.
Member graphics and a summary report offer a closer examination of the recent run of record-setting U.S. play, with looks at “post-Covid era” as well as pre-pandemic years, the total volume of rounds played by various geographic regions, includes play by segment, age cohorts and avidity, and takes a broad look at weather-related impacts.
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Why Join the NGF?
The NGF has the leading research and business services team in golf, providing you and the industry with the most accurate and latest golf business data and trends.
With proven success in market analysis, sales analytics, direct marketing, and consulting services available, the NGF offers a variety of services than can help you.
The NGF is supported by individuals and companies from every corner of the golf industry, making possible our research, and grow the game and educational initiatives, like Welcome2Golf.
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Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the NGF and the benefits of membership.
Monika “Moe” Baldwin
(561) 354-1617
Madison Myers
(561) 354-1632
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