3-Minute Business Insights
Each of the past four years have seen record or near record levels of Americans hitting the road to play golf and 2026 is poised to reach a new high in golf travel. Golf trips, whether with friends, family, significant others, colleagues or clients, are a vital part of the industry because they concentrate spend, time and engagement in ways everyday play doesn’t. And this elevated demand is impacting U.S. supply.
"Being in your dream job ... now that's gangster!"
Greg Nathan reflects with the United States Golf Association’s Golf Journal on his path from Madison Avenue to becoming CEO of the National Golf Foundation, golf's leading data insights and strategic consulting organization.
Topic: Media & Marketing
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
Greg joins The Fried Egg's 'Designing Golf' podcast to take stock of the U.S. golf course industry.
Topic: Media & Marketing
What is Behind the Rise of Private Golf Development?
Three states are leading the way, with over 50% of new private projects
The recent rise in private golf development is a notable departure from the current U.S. supply landscape, as more than half of new courses under construction or in-planning are private clubs. The current trajectory is attributable to a multitude of factors, both economic and societal, but is representative of a more measured and targeted approach than the industry experienced in the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
Midyear Update: Golf Supply and Development
The U.S. golf market continued its march toward equilibrium at the midway point of 2025, with supply and development patterns reinforcing trends that emerged in 2024 and previous years.
Topic: Facility Management
The ‘Not Real’ Advantage
For decades, many short course operators have marketed themselves with a "championship-lite" promise to deliver all the hallmarks of the "real thing," but with the added benefits of speed and accessibility. While a sensible strategy for some, the pursuit of legitimacy through scaled-down emulation appears to have created a perception trap for many short courses.
Topic: Course Operations
