Each of the past four years have seen record or near record levels of Americans hitting the road to play golf and 2026 is poised to reach a new high in golf travel. Golf trips, whether with friends, family, significant others, colleagues or clients, are a vital part of the industry because they concentrate spend, time and engagement in ways everyday play doesn’t. And this elevated demand is impacting U.S. supply.
Interest in golf among non-golfers is close to record levels, even as the number of on-course participants has jumped by 20% over the past six years (with an even bigger increase in engagement among off-course formats). While maintaining high levels of attraction is important, converting that interest into sustainable participation is critical for the game’s future.
Following a decade of limited pricing power, peak green fees at public golf facilities in the U.S. have increased during the 'post-pandemic era." How closely do these increases mirror that of changes in inflation over that same period from 2019 to 2025?
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.
Rounds of golf for March remained relatively stable at a national level, with declines on the East Coast offset by West Coast gains driven by warm, dry weather.
2026 is shaping up to be another record-setting year for golf travel. Among adult golfers, one age group is leading the way (by a slight margin), accounting for almost one-third of destination-motivated golf trips.
Outside the current definition of "off-course participation," a number of golf-related activities that engage participants away from the golf course continue to grow. And they expand the game's reach, reinforce awareness, and help serve as a gateway to participation with other forms of off-course golf and even traditional, green-grass play.
The PopStroke concept is rooted in golf, with a growing portfolio of tech-enabled putting venues that blend golf with F&B and social experiences, but this modern golf entertainment version of mini golf isn't counted among NGF's off-course forms of participation. While PopStroke's owner acknowledges the platform exists adjacent to golf, he also sees its influence within the game's broader ecosystem.
A deeper member look at golf's public pricing, including at the state level, the difference between municipal, daily fee and resort green fees, and the game's cost changes over the past six years.
National play sees second straight YOY monthly gain to start 2026
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.
Greg Nathan Shares The State of the Golf Economy with Golf Channel’s Golf Today
Our CEO's profile in the latest issue of the USGA's Golf Journal
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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
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