Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
The Revealing Complement Between Off and On-Course Golf
Almost 10% of golfers got started away from the golf course, and ties run deeper
In each of the past two years, the number of Americans participating in off-course forms of golf has surpassed the total number of traditional, on-course players. But the off-course game is complementing the on-course game rather than passing it by. Here's how.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Entertainment, Golf Simulators, Golfers
Strong spring start in northern climes lead to spikes in play
March rounds see biggest national jump since the 2021 rebound that followed 2020's pandemic lockdowns
Topics: Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
New NGF Survey: Core Golfers
Golf's best customers weigh in on 2024 plans to play, travel and spend
The approximately 13 million Core Golfers in the U.S. represent about half of on-course participants but account for over 90% of annual play and spend. These are the consumers really move the needle in the golf business when it comes to play, spend and overall engagement.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Equipment, Golfers, Research
Is Golf Really Experiencing a 'Munissance'?
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.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Rounds rebound after slow start to the year in January
On a national level, February was the third-warmest on record. More than a dozen states had one of their three-warmest Februarys ever, particularly in parts of the Midwest that typically see golf courses still closed over the first few months of the year.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
New Supply & Demand Reports for All 50 U.S. States
This state is #1 for public golf... and it's not Florida or California
Want to know more about the number of golfers in a particular state, or the proportion of public to private golf? Looking for information about municipal golf facilities, Par 3 courses, residential golf properties or resorts? NGF’s 1-page state profiles provide key supply and demand data at your fingertips.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Get the full accounting on U.S. golf courses and facilities through year-end 2023
The newest member reports on golf supply in the U.S. are now available, including a comprehensive 46-page dive into the world's best supplied-golf market. As a complement to this annual report is a one-page summary overview of golf facility supply in the U.S. Click here to access and download.
Topics: Closures, Construction, Course Owners, Development, Facilities
Par 3's Have Record Representation Among 2023 Openings
Assessing golf's short course movement
Par 3 courses are increasingly common among new course openings, especially relative to their standing in overall supply.
Topics: Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Par 3, Par 3 Courses, Research
January play got off to a sluggish start compared a year ago, as colder temperatures contributed to rounds declines in six of eight regions.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Examining 'Pandemic Era' On-Course Participation Changes
2024 Golf Participation in the U.S. report now available for NGF members
The 2024 Participation Report is out, featuring the latest year-end 2023 data on various segments and age groups, along with information on off-course only participants, interest in the game among non-golfers, and much more.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Off-course Participation, Participation
Year is capped by biggest jump for any month in 2023
Play climbed to record levels in 2023 as December rounds finished with a late surge.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
