Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
Assessing Golf's Real Estate Market in the U.S.
Golf real estate trends, economic impact and the best-supplied U.S. markets
The direct economic impact of golf real estate is almost $15 billion in the U.S., which has nearly 3,200 golf communities in total. And the opportunity to live in active, outdoor communities (especially those with golf courses) has only gained favor in post-pandemic years, amplified by remote work options.
Topics: Construction, Development, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply
The Surge's Impact on the Private Side of Golf
Amid the recent increases in play and participation nationwide, what's happening on the private side of the game? This NGF member-exclusive examines supply and demand changes when it comes to private clubs, as well as the overindexing of private course development.
Topics: Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Slight peak season dip in play driven by hotter temperatures in parts of southern U.S.
Record or near-record high July temperatures in a number of golf-rich states, including Florida and California, helped keep national play levels below 2023 pace -- at least for the month.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
9-hole community course has sand greens and is free to play
Thanks to the support of locals, golf is back as a recreational amenity for this tiny town in rural North Dakota, with a free-to-play Par 3 course that has some of the most unusual greens in the golf world.
Topics: Development, Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Peak season month sees moderate increase, with biggest gains in the Northeast U.S.
June play momentum remains strong on nationwide level as rounds continue to run ahead of 2023's pace.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Facilities
Contextualizing 2024's Course Closures
Taking a closer look at mid-year supply changes - stocks & flows
New course development is up fairly significantly, but midyear course closures continue to outpace openings. Here is some added context on the "why" behind inevitable course shutdowns in the U.S. market.
Topics: Closures, Course Closures, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest
How to Plug Golf's "Leaky Bucket"
Key learnings on the golfer journey from Introduction to Commitment
When tracking the beginner to Committed golfer pathway, many of the things that predict successful “conversion” are relatively low incidence. Why is this?
Topics: Beginners, Conversion, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers
National rounds continue to track ahead of 2023's record pace
For the second straight month, play was relatively flat in May on a national level. Rounds continue to run slightly ahead of last year's record pace heading into the peak months of the golf season.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Participation
Member report details recent gains in golf retail sector
NGF's annual update on off-course golf retail store supply in the U.S. through 2023 tracks the changes in the number of doors and square footage of regional/independent and national retailers.
Topics: Economy, General Interest, Reports, Research, Retail
Female Participation & Engagement Report Now Available
See the highlights from NGF's new member report
The recent positive momentum in the world of female golf participation hasn't just been pandemic-fueled. The overall participant pool -- when factoring both on- and off-course forms of the game -- has risen 85% over the past decade, with nearly 15 million women and girls now playing golf in one of its increasingly various forms.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Female, Female Participation, General Interest
Regional mix as YOY play remains relatively flat in April
After a significant increase in March rounds, April play was relatively flat on a national level compared to 2023 as several golf-rich regions of the country saw slight dips that are likely attributable to weather.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Golf Travel: A Growing Appetite and Impact
Golf travel is tied to approximately 40% of the game’s overall economic impact and is currently bigger business than ever. So, which states have the most golf resorts? Which metro areas have the most public golf per capita, and which states have the most rounds played by non-residents?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, General Interest, Golf Travel
