Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
August rounds of golf saw the biggest year-over-year jump of any month this year, pushing the industry slightly ahead of the record-setting play pace set in 2024.
Member Presentation: Understanding Golf’s Hidden Phone Costs
NGF research shows the majority of golf course operators are aware of the opportunity cost of 6 million phone hours, but only a small percentage have actually implemented technology solutions to minimize waste, with a fraction more exploring their options. This gap points to a competitive advantage opportunity for operators willing to act.
Buoyed in part by play at private clubs, rounds jumped in July and put 2025 almost on the same pace as last year's record-setting trajectory. It bears noting that July is traditionally the highest-volume month of the year when it comes to rounds-played.
Midyear Update: Golf Supply and Development
The U.S. golf market continued its march toward equilibrium at the midway point of 2025, with supply and development patterns reinforcing trends that emerged in 2024 and previous years.
Topic: Facility Management
Rounds of golf for June -- one of the most high-volume months for play -- were virtually unchanged from a year ago, as the U.S. market remained within striking distance of the record-setting rounds pace of 2024.
Topic: Course Operations
Assessing the Trajectory of U.S. Municipal Golf
Numbers to know - from openings and closings to conversions and resurrections
Municipal golf is in a unique place. On one hand, there are high-profile examples of popular muni facilities on the proverbial chopping block due to land values. On the other, there are well-backed efforts to preserve and restore some of the game's most historic properties. Municipal facilities are typically where golf is most affordable and accessible to people of all demographics, and there's greater attention on their impact today given the sport's renaissance.
Short Course Supply Update
Member update on Par 3 supply and development in the U.S.
Over the past 5 1/2 years, “short courses” – Par 3 courses, in particular -- have accounted for over one-third of new openings. While overall U.S. golf development remains relatively limited despite a recent uptick, this trend is more than just a blip on the radar.
Cooler, weather May weather in parts of the East coast contribute to a slight national dip in year-over-year play.
Moderate rise in April pulls 2025 YTD even with last year's record play
After a solid April, U.S. play through the first four months is even with the record-setting rounds levels in 2024.
The Price to Play
Examining the changes in public playing fees and the average 18-hole rate by state
When detailing the average price of public golf, it’s not uncommon to hear the refrain, “But that’s not it costs to play golf where I live.” And there’s a reality behind those assertions. Not only can peak weekend fees be substantially higher, but playing fees vary widely by geography as well as the type of public facility.
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.
Strong spring start again in northern climes
After seasonality limited play in some parts of the country in January and February, March rounds rebounded thanks to favorable golf weather in much of the northeast, helping spur another spring surge.
