3-Minute Business Insights
NGF research shows many golf facilities are hemorrhaging resources on avoidable (and often trivial) phone calls, diverting staff from higher-value touch points and revenue-generating activities. Consider that two-thirds of golf course calls are about reservations and pricing, and only 40% of golfers are booking tee times exclusively or mostly online – compared to 80-90% for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Topics: Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facility Management, Facility Operations
When it comes to indicators of golf’s sustained play levels -- at least nationally -- consider this: all 26 peak-season months dating back to 2020 have seen rounds trend at least 10% higher than recent pre-Covid comparisons. And based on mid-year play data, it’s quite possible 2025 could hit record levels yet again.
Topics: Course Management, Courses, Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses
For decades, many short course operators have marketed themselves with a "championship-lite" promise to deliver all the hallmarks of the "real thing," but with the added benefits of speed and accessibility. While a sensible strategy for some, the pursuit of legitimacy through scaled-down emulation appears to have created a perception trap for many short courses.
Topics: Course Management, Course Owners, Courses, Development, Engagement
Golfers’ perceptions of Short Courses are crucial to understanding their place – and untapped opportunity – within the golf landscape, particularly when considering 'transitional' golf facilities that can convert beginners to lifelong golf consumers. Our recent survey on the perceptions of Core golfers revealed some stark contradictions.
Topics: 9-Hole, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Par 3
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.
Topics: Executive Courses, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
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.
Topics: Beginners, Commitment, Female, Female Participation, Girls
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.
Topics: 18-34, Beginners, Consumers, Engagement, Female
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?
Topics: Consumers, Core Golfers, Demographics, Golfer Demographics, Golfer Segmentation
Why Golf Trip Recommendations Hinge on Consistency
The Par That Pays
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.
Topics: Golf Travel, NGF, Research, Tourism, Travel
Golf’s Travel Boom and the Hidden Loyalty Engine
The past three years have seen record or near-record numbers of U.S. golfers traveling to play the game. What does that mean for the industry at large when it comes to the "travel window" effect?
Topics: Destination Golf, Destinations, Economy, Golf, Golf Destinations
Replacing ‘Dead-End’ Questions with Loyalty Catalysts
If golf is supposed to be a relationship business, why are golfers greeted in pro shops and retail stores with generic transactional questions typically answerable with a single word?
Topics: Economy, Facility Operations, Golf Economy, Golf Facilities, Golf Retail
Masters of Loyalty: Strategies Beyond Points and Perks
The Masters Tournament has cultivated one of the most passionate followings in any industry. It's a phenomenon worthy of attention, especially as the golf industry more broadly examines strategies that can build enduring loyalty -- without points or perks.
Topics: Engagement, Facility Management, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
