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Tracking New Golf Course Development
Tracking New Golf Course Development
Among the U.S. golf courses in construction or in-planning, almost one-third of the projects are located in two states. But as history shows, not every project in golf's developmental pipeline opens for play.
Topics: Construction, Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
Tracking New Golf Course Development
Play in October still trended ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
October 2022 National Rounds Played
Rounds of golf for October 2022 were relatively flat nationally compared to a year ago, with a slight change within the range of typical weather-related fluctuation. 
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
October 2022 National Rounds Played
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
Golf leaders weigh in on their business, state of industry
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
Rising inflation, labor challenges, supply chain issues, the threat of an impending economic recession... How do golf business leaders feel about growth potential for their companies and organizations in years ahead? And how does that compare to CEOs more broadly?
Topics: Economy, Executive Sentiment, Executive Survey, Financial Health, Golf Business
Top Takeaways: Golf Executive Sentiment Survey
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Proliferation of off-course golf is a factor in on-course growth
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Looking broadly at the game’s evolution and its overall participant base, the total number of on- and off-course golfers in the U.S. has risen to record levels because of the emergence and continued growth of non-traditional forms of the game.
Topics: Golf Courses, Golf Entertainment, Golfers, Off-course Participation, Participation
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Play sees slight YOY dip after three months of summer increases
September 2022 National Rounds Played
Rounds of golf for September 2022 were down almost 2% compared to the same period a year ago, the first year-over-year decline in national play over the past four months. 
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Research
September 2022 National Rounds Played
Hundreds of SW Florida courses were hit by storm surges
As Courses, Communities Recover Post-Hurricane, Florida Rounds Could Dip
With over 1,000 golf courses in Florida and South Carolina impacted by the storm – some far more significantly than others – there’s bound to be a residual effect on play for at least a short window of time.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Hurricane
As Courses, Communities Recover Post-Hurricane, Florida Rounds Could Dip
A summer resurgence showed 2022's slow start was attributable to poor golf weather rather than a softening in demand
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
“We were down significantly in April and not exactly sure what to expect... and then it came roaring back.”
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
Strong summer pulls 2022 rounds totals closer to record 2021
August 2022 National Rounds Played
August of 2022 yielded the third straight peak-season month of year-over-year play increases at U.S. golf courses.  
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
August 2022 National Rounds Played
The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
How the unique characteristics of age cohorts groups pertain to consumer engagement
The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
The meaningful differences between age cohorts can be of particular relevance and importance for those in the golf business, helping to understand the wants, needs and motivations of customers.
Topics: 18-34, 35-49, 65+, Beginners, Engagement
The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
The evolution and growth of MCOs in the U.S. golf market
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
Topics: Course Owners, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Play continues to trend ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
After strong play totals in June and July, YTD play entering August was trailing the record pace of 2021 by only 4%. And there are clear signs of retaining recent gains.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Peak season play saw a slight increase for second straight month
July 2022 National Rounds Played
July rounds continued June's momentum, with a slight increase even over the record-setting pace of 2021
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
July 2022 National Rounds Played

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