Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?
On a national level, rounds saw a major move after the highest-volume month of the year (July)
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Participation
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf
It’s estimated that approximately 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media, at varying levels. About 80% of them are non-golfers who have very different perceptions of golf than those who don't engage with the game at all.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Research
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive
The growth and evolution of off-course forms of golf have led to questions (and opinions) about its impact on the traditional game. Here's a closer look at that divide and the latest research into how green-grass participation, trials and interest are being affected.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game
At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?
Beyond year-over-year comparisons, it's perhaps even more meaningful how close we are to the record-setting pace of 2021, a year in which there were more rounds of golf played at U.S. courses than at any time in history.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Continued signs of equilibrium in world's best-supplied golf market
Over the past four years, the number of annual golf course closures has dropped 62%. So what does the market look like at the midway point of 2023? And how do course openings compare to recent years?
Topics: Closures, Construction, Development, Economy, Facilities
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
Mid-year pulse of golf's $40 billion-a-year travel & tourism impact
The current interest in golf getaways mirrors the broader general appetite for travel. Here's a look what some NGF member golf resort operators are experiencing at the midpoint of 2023.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations
Reviewing Retail: A Mid-Year Look
Is June a turning point for golf retail as Father's Day and the U.S. Open intersect?
U.S. consumers are being more financially cautious, according to McKinsey, so what does this mean for golf retailers?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, Golf Balls, Golf Clubs
Tracking "Resurrections" - Closed Courses Get New Life
New golf course openings in the U.S. remain limited, averaging about 13 over the past decade. But the number of “new-to-you” properties in the U.S. market is considerably higher when considering renovations, reconstructions and another category: “resurrections,” or closed courses given new life.
Topics: Construction, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
State-by-State Golf Reports Available
One-page state level overviews on supply and demand, rounds played and more
NGF Member Exclusive: state-level snapshots of golfers, golf courses, rounds played, price point, facility types and the estimated economic impact of the golf business.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, States
Golf Supply Reports Now Available
5 Numbers to Know About U.S. Golf Course Supply
The latest industry data points on the U.S. golf market -- from course openings and closures to total supply, facility health, municipal golf, short courses and more.
Topics: 9-Hole Courses, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Management
8 Numbers to Know: Participation Segments
Golfer overviews, from beginners to Baby Boomers
In addition to the annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, members can access one-page summary reports focused on various participation segments. Here's a sampling: 8 notable golf participation datapoints across various groups.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Golfers, Junior Golf, Minority
Tracking New Golf Course Development
Among the U.S. golf courses in construction or in-planning, almost one-third of the projects are located in two states. But as history shows, not every project in golf's developmental pipeline opens for play.
Topics: Construction, Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
