Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
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.
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
Golf leaders weigh in on their business, state of industry
Rising inflation, labor challenges, supply chain issues, the threat of an impending economic recession... How do golf business leaders feel about growth potential for their companies and organizations in years ahead? And how does that compare to CEOs more broadly?
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Proliferation of off-course golf is a factor in on-course growth
Looking broadly at the game’s evolution and its overall participant base, the total number of on- and off-course golfers in the U.S. has risen to record levels because of the emergence and continued growth of non-traditional forms of the game.
The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
How the unique characteristics of age cohorts groups pertain to consumer engagement
The meaningful differences between age cohorts can be of particular relevance and importance for those in the golf business, helping to understand the wants, needs and motivations of customers.
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
The evolution and growth of MCOs in the U.S. golf market
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Play continues to trend ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
After strong play totals in June and July, YTD play entering August was trailing the record pace of 2021 by only 4%. And there are clear signs of retaining recent gains.
Equipment Market Remains Strong Midway Through '22
Member look: Golf club & ball shipments up significantly compared to pre-pandemic
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
The ongoing correction in the world's richest golf market began in 2006 after an unprecedented, and unsustainable, 20-year golf course building boom. The recent slowdown in closures may indicate the market is moving closer to equilibrium.
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
A member-only look at rounds comparisons to previous years
In assessing play levels, it can be helpful to look beyond year-over-year comparisons. Here's how May 2022 stacks up against recent years just before the pandemic-driven play surges.
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Spend is almost split between public and private, but share is not
Beyond the exciting (but limited) number of new golf courses we read about, the real industry investment is in upgrades, improvements, renovations and restorations at existing facilities. And it's significant.
A Longer Look at Short Course Supply
While new Par 3 courses grab attention, has overall supply been increasing?
Short courses have accounted for over 1/4 of new course development over the past decade – a number of highly-visible examples at resort properties – despite accounting for 10% of overall supply.
A Closer Look at Course Openings
A member-only dive into new facilities
In 2021, the number of new course openings in the U.S. was again limited. And yet these debuts, from Florida to Washington, hit their highest number since 2017.
