The perceived "Short Course movement" in golf, and engaging players with less time-consuming options, conceals a disconnect in the market over the past two decades. While millions of dollars are being actively invested in extraordinary par-3 experiences, the more “local” short courses that could serve as everyday developmental pathways have closed at disproportionate rates.
Women and girls have accounted for almost half of the sport's growth over the past decade and now represent one-third of all golf participants including on- and off-course players. But this remarkable surge comes with multiple challenges: getting more to make the jump to traditional golf and then keeping them coming back once they do.
Women and girls have quietly become the driving force behind golf's post-pandemic resurgence. What makes the growth particularly significant is its youthful energy. More than half of net participation gains among women have come from those under 30, and equally encouraging is the cultural shift that's taking hold.
How can the imagery used in golf media and marketing create meaningful barriers to both initial and deepening engagement? And might the consequences of our historically-narrow view influence experience design itself?
Over the past 5 1/2 years, “short courses” – Par 3 courses, in particular -- have accounted for over one-third of new openings. While overall U.S. golf development remains relatively limited despite a recent uptick, this trend is more than just a blip on the radar.
Cooler, weather May weather in parts of the East coast contribute to a slight national dip in year-over-year play.
After a solid April, U.S. play through the first four months is even with the record-setting rounds levels in 2024.
When detailing the average price of public golf, it’s not uncommon to hear the refrain, “But that’s not it costs to play golf where I live.” And there’s a reality behind those assertions. Not only can peak weekend fees be substantially higher, but playing fees vary widely by geography as well as the type of public facility.
NGF surveys reveal one-third of golfers chose their last golf destination based on recommendations from someone they know. Word of mouth isn't just important for golf travel businesses – it's absolutely critical.
After seasonality limited play in some parts of the country in January and February, March rounds rebounded thanks to favorable golf weather in much of the northeast, helping spur another spring surge.
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various participation-related topics among the U.S. golfer population.
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