Does Golf Have a Capacity Problem?

The direct economic impact of golf real estate is almost $15 billion in the U.S., which has nearly 3,200 golf communities in total. And the opportunity to live in active, outdoor communities (especially those with golf courses) has only gained favor in post-pandemic years, amplified by remote work options.

Amid the recent increases in play and participation nationwide, what’s happening on the private side of the game? This NGF member-exclusive examines supply and demand changes when it comes to private clubs, as well as the overindexing of private course development.

Record or near-record high July temperatures in a number of golf-rich states, including Florida and California, helped keep national play levels below 2023 pace — at least for the month.

Thanks to the support of locals, golf is back as a recreational amenity for this tiny town in rural North Dakota, with a free-to-play Par 3 course that has some of the most unusual greens in the golf world. 

June play momentum remains strong on nationwide level as rounds continue to run ahead of 2023’s pace.

New course development is up fairly significantly, but midyear course closures continue to outpace openings. Here is some added context on the “why” behind inevitable course shutdowns in the U.S. market.