Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
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Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
The ongoing correction in the world's richest golf market began in 2006 after an unprecedented, and unsustainable, 20-year golf course building boom. The recent slowdown in closures may indicate the market is moving closer to equilibrium.
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
A member-only look at rounds comparisons to previous years
In assessing play levels, it can be helpful to look beyond year-over-year comparisons. Here's how May 2022 stacks up against recent years just before the pandemic-driven play surges.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
A year ago, May rounds were +18% across the U.S.
Rounds of golf were down slightly, again, on a nationwide level in May. How did they compare to 2021?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
Like other aspects of golf, mini golf is evolving – with new forms and concepts
As new golf entertainment versions of mini golf crop up, with investment from prominent names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, it leads to inevitable questions about the impact these kinds of 'golf' experiences might have on interest in playing on a real golf course.
Topics: Engagement, Golfers, Mini Golf, Miniature Golf, Off-course Participation
Less favorable weather in several notable regions hampers early-season play
April rounds were down on a national level, but in several well-supplied regions it’s a change that operators attribute largely to unfavorable golf weather.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers, Rounds Played
Cooler, wetter weather takes toll in several key regions
April play follows March's trajectory, with the third year-over-year decline through the first four months of 2022.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Spend is almost split between public and private, but share is not
Beyond the exciting (but limited) number of new golf courses we read about, the real industry investment is in upgrades, improvements, renovations and restorations at existing facilities. And it's significant.
Topics: Construction, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Heightened demand, eagerness to hit the road again, and Canadian golfers return
After some understandable limitations on golf travel the past two years, particularly in 2020 after the initial coronavirus outbreak, indications are that golf travel in the U.S. is poised for a strong season.
Topics: Destinations, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
NGF member benefit: one-page report on traveling golfers and golf resorts
Want to know how many traveling golfers there are in the U.S. or which state has the most golf resorts? Look no further.
Topics: Destinations, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Resorts, Resort Golf
March play can't match surges of early spring 2021
On a national level, March play was down fairly significantly compared to a year ago. Here's a quick look at where and why.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
A Longer Look at Short Course Supply
While new Par 3 courses grab attention, has overall supply been increasing?
Short courses have accounted for over 1/4 of new course development over the past decade – a number of highly-visible examples at resort properties – despite accounting for 10% of overall supply.
Topics: Engagement, Executive, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
"I find when all I do is return a phone call, they're shocked"
A record 6.2 million beginners have taken up golf in the U.S. over the past two years of the coronavirus pandemic. Overall participation has grown over that time, but not nearly to that extent.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Participation
