Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
The pandemic era uptick in golf popularity and play has meant some property owners and visionaries are actively building golf courses – much more so than a decade ago or so. This development looks quite different than it did during the boom era of golf course construction, however.
While November, on a national level, is a low-volume month with rounds largely dependent on golf-friendly weather and seasonality in many parts of the country, it saw the second-biggest YOY jump of any month in 2023.
Examining Rounds Sustainability
Interest, intent, pandemic play trends, and price increases
Here’s what the latest Core golfer surveys reveal about “itch” and intent to play, trends in post-pandemic rounds growth, and potential obstacles to future play – including full tee sheets and rising green fees.
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Approximately half of Core golfers buy golf-related gifts during the holiday season. Has there been any change this year in those planned behaviors and which categories are the most popular for gift-giving?
Rounds of golf in October were relatively flat on a national level compared to a year ago, with the biggest fluctuations in northern parts of the country most significantly affected by seasonality and fall weather impacts.
Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
Member-only research on demographics, frequency of use, and locations
Whether commercial or residential, home simulator usage and supply is on the upswing. And while participation in off-course golf activities is found to generally increase golfers’ engagement with the traditional game, simulator golf might be the best evidence of this relationship.
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
"We want our customers to feel welcome here, and knowing they aren’t being judged for their attire can help achieve that, especially the new golfers.”
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
From participation to watching as fans, what are Core golfers saying about the team component?
The majority of golfers say they’ve played in at least one team event within the past 12 months -- not surprisingly most likely a scramble. And an even higher proportion say they're interested in playing in a team event within the next year.
The Growth of Destination Golf
A closer look at one of golf's biggest development categories
Whether its golf destinations, destination golf resorts or destination golf in general, this niche continues to grow in popularity – on both the public and private side.
