Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
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.
What is Behind the Rise of Private Golf Development?
Three states are leading the way, with over 50% of new private projects
The recent rise in private golf development is a notable departure from the current U.S. supply landscape, as more than half of new courses under construction or in-planning are private clubs. The current trajectory is attributable to a multitude of factors, both economic and societal, but is representative of a more measured and targeted approach than the industry experienced in the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
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.
