Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
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.
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.
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.
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.
January play got off to a sluggish start compared a year ago, as colder temperatures contributed to rounds declines in six of eight regions.
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.
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.
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
The pandemic era uptick in golf popularity and play has meant some property owners and visionaries are actively building golf courses – much more so than a decade ago or so. This development looks quite different than it did during the boom era of golf course construction, however.
While November, on a national level, is a low-volume month with rounds largely dependent on golf-friendly weather and seasonality in many parts of the country, it saw the second-biggest YOY jump of any month in 2023.
Examining Rounds Sustainability
Interest, intent, pandemic play trends, and price increases
Here’s what the latest Core golfer surveys reveal about “itch” and intent to play, trends in post-pandemic rounds growth, and potential obstacles to future play – including full tee sheets and rising green fees.
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Approximately half of Core golfers buy golf-related gifts during the holiday season. Has there been any change this year in those planned behaviors and which categories are the most popular for gift-giving?
