June 2019
Q&A: PGA TOUR Superstore President & CEO Dick Sullivan
PGA TOUR Superstore President Dick Sullivan is the first executive from the golf retail side of the industry to ever serve as chairman of the NGF’s Board of Directors. In an in-depth Q&A, Sullivan talks about Superstore’s momentum and growth, the evolution of golf retail, the impact of Amazon and EBay on golf, and challenges facing the golf industry.
Golf Participation Shows Positive Trends
The NGF’s annual Participation Report provides the latest data on golfers both on and off the course, including detailed information on segments such as beginners, women, non-Caucasian, juniors and a closer look at the growing pool of non-golfers who say they’re very interested in playing the game now.
Isao Aoki on the State of Japanese Golf
Japan’s global golf ambassador, Isao Aoki attended the NGF’s Golf Business Symposium to share an insider’s look on the state of the game and the business of golf in Japan.
NGF Research Snapshot: Fantasy Golf
While fantasy leagues and pools aren’t as common for golf as they are for football, they continue to gain popularity — both among golfers and non-golfers. Here’s a look at how many Americans made golf picks last year.
Better Understanding Municipal Golf
There’s often surprise expressed by journalists, politicians and the general public that a municipal golf course, or system of courses, might actually “lose” money for a government entity. But making money isn’t the primary motivation that drives a municipality to offer golf as recreation for its residents. Still, the reality is that the majority – about 67 percent — of public-agency golf courses and facilities report making enough revenue to cover all on-site operating expenses.
A Texas Muni Back from the Brink
Rockwood Park appeared headed for the same fate as two other Fort Worth municipal golf courses that closed, with no significant capital improvements over its 80-year history and deteriorating conditions that led to declines in revenue and rounds-played. Today, a $5 million renovation project is paying off — both for the city and golfers in the community.
April 2019 National Rounds Played Report
Rounds-played were up 6.8% in April compared to a year earlier thanks to warmer temperatures in many northern parts of the country. Through the first four months of 2019, total play is up 1% year-over-year.
