Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
Member-only research on demographics, frequency of use, and locations
Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
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.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Off-course Participation, Participation, Research
Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
Why Do You Play Golf?
Why Do You Play Golf?
We asked golfers what they’re most thankful for when it comes to the traditional game and the results reveal its widespread and generation-spanning appeal. But what is particularly interesting is the differentiation in responses among age groups.
Topics: Engagement, Golfer Surveys, Golfers, Participation, Reasons To Play Golf
Why Do You Play Golf?
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
Golf leaders weigh in on their business, state of industry
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
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?
Topics: Economy, Executive Sentiment, Executive Survey, Financial Health, Golf Business
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
A summer resurgence showed 2022's slow start was attributable to poor golf weather rather than a softening in demand
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
“We were down significantly in April and not exactly sure what to expect... and then it came roaring back.”
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
Strong summer pulls 2022 rounds totals closer to record 2021
August 2022 National Rounds Played
August of 2022 yielded the third straight peak-season month of year-over-year play increases at U.S. golf courses.  
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
August 2022 National Rounds Played
8 best practices to help your business
Improving the Customer Experience
The past several years have been generally very positive for golf operators, thanks to the "Covid boom." But how should we be improving the customer experience to ensure we're prepared and positioned for the future?
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Improving the Customer Experience
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
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.
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Spend is almost split between public and private, but share is not
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
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.
Topics: Construction, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
"this legislative initiative is based, at least in part, on inaccurate information"
NGF Responds to California's 'Public Golf Endangerment Act'
Municipal golf is under fire in California, misguidedly so. See the attached PDF for NGF's full response.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers, Municipal Golf
NGF Responds to California's 'Public Golf Endangerment Act'
New Normal or Old Normal?
Can golf's current higher levels of demand be sustained? History suggests the answer is "Yes."
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Equipment, Facilities, Facility Supply
New Normal or Old Normal?
Interview: Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz
Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz discusses the impact of the coronavirus on the golf industry, investment and opportunity in golf, and the continued growth at Troon.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Interview, Interviews
Interview: Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz

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