3-Minute Business Insights
Short Game
The number of on-course golfers has now increased for six straight years, but also notable is that the demographic makeup of the base is changing — albeit gradually in a sport with over 26 million Americans who play recreationally.
Thanks to one final late-season surge in December – which incidentally was the warmest ever in the U.S. – play levels at U.S. golf courses finished in uncharted territory in 2023.
Assessing the state of the golf industry in 2023 reveals increases in participation and play, a healthier balance between the number of golfers and courses, and an evolution of a traditional game that’s positively affecting golf demand. Read more...
New golf course construction has been on an upswing since the pandemic. NGF's database team is currently tracking more than 100 new course projects under construction or in planning.
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the appetite for green-grass golf.
Despite the volatility surrounding the state of the American consumer these days, a strong holiday buying season is anticipated. And a notable percentage of Core golfers are planning to spend as much or more on holiday gifts this year -- a total almost 50% higher than the typical American shopper.
While traditional golf participation has continued to climb in recent years, engagement has been even more pronounced away from the course – and that includes screen and simulated growth. Gains in this growing sector, among both participants and availability, are even more significant since the start of the pandemic.
Golf is experiencing a fashion movement. And yet an interesting disconnect remains between the dress code perspective of the golfer – and perhaps as notably, the non-golfer – and those who operate golf courses.
Golf's charitable impact is unrivaled compared to other sports, with an annual total that's up 18% in the latest measure.
As golf demand continues to remain strong, how does play through the end of summer stack up versus recent pre-pandemic years? And compared to 2021, which saw record levels of play throughout the U.S.?
About 90% of Core golfers tell us they’ve played “team golf” at some point. But with the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup being played back-to-back and highlighting the game's unique camaraderie, should golf have more team play opportunities?
When it comes to traditional, new golf courses, what’s being built today is different than during the development boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Here's how.
