Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
Member Participation Update: Record Momentum Continues
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, providing the latest data on golf participation — from changes in traditional green-grass participation to detailed information on key segments such as females, people of color and juniors. Also highlighted is the annual golfer "churn," the regular inflow and outflow within the game that impacts participation levels.
Is the strong start to the year surprising?
January 2026 saw the biggest year-over-year jump in rounds of golf played since 2021.
Member Supply Update: Sizing & Scoping the U.S. Golf Market
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report, offering details and visuals on historical supply trends, public and private golf course and facility totals, trends and counts in the golf resort and residential space, and the best-supplied states in various categories.
A Closer Look at Golf’s Run of Record Rounds
New member report and insight into play by age, segment, season and pre-Covid comps
Member graphics and a summary report offer a closer examination of the recent run of record-setting U.S. play, with looks at “post-Covid era” as well as pre-pandemic years, the total volume of rounds played by various geographic regions, includes play by segment, age cohorts and avidity, and takes a broad look at weather-related impacts.
2025 finishes in record-setting territory for fourth time in five years
Play for the low-volume month of December was virtually unchanged from a year ago, resulting in another record year for rounds of golf played at U.S. courses.
NGF President & CEO Greg Nathan will deliver a must-see presentation entitled, “2026 State of the Golf Business – How Sustainable and Resilient is our Industry?” on the Main Stage at the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Moderate year-over-year gain pushes 2025 closer to record-setting territory
Limited play in Northeast states due to weather is offset by warmer weather increases further west as November rounds get a slight boost on a national level.
October rounds see slight national year-over-year decline as cooler, wetter weather slows strong play momentum in certain regions.
The indoor golf simulator niche is one of the fastest-growing in the world of golf, both from a supply and facility standpoint, as well as a participation and engagement front. These member and free documents detail the latest research and insights into this rapidly-growing space.
NGF’s top award recognizes contributions to growing the game and business of golf
Topics: Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility
September rounds of golf were up again on a national level over the same period a year ago, keeping the U.S. golf market on pace for a record-setting year for rounds in 2025.
