As participation levels have increased in recent years, this particular segment has seen a 36% increase in on-course golfers since the start of the pandemic.

Traditional, on-course golf participation in the U.S. was up again in 2022, and off-course gains were even more significant.

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.

Golf’s evolution has been under way for some years now, long before more recent changes spurred by the pandemic, and two milestones hit this year are significant.

There are interesting and noteworthy distinctions between age groups when it comes to behaviors, needs and motivations related to golf. So what do we do with this information?

After a couple of great years for rounds, some might feel the pandemic ‘bloom’ might be off the rose, so to speak. NGF President & CEO Joe Beditz weighs in.