Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Golf Travel: A Growing Appetite and Impact
Golf travel is tied to approximately 40% of the game’s overall economic impact and is currently bigger business than ever. So, which states have the most golf resorts? Which metro areas have the most public golf per capita, and which states have the most rounds played by non-residents?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, General Interest, Golf Travel
Are ‘Dualies’ Golf’s Best Customer?
It's long been assumed that the traditional, green-grass golfer is golf's best customer. But research shows it's actually the committed participants who engage with the game both on course and off who really move the needle for play and spend.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers
Annual Changes in U.S. Public Green Fees
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest
The (Rising) Cost of Golf?
The money golfers pay to play benefits courses and companies throughout the industry. But for the first time in a generation, golf courses are perhaps the business segment enjoying the greatest benefit from the game's current surge.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Cost Of Golf, Economy, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Average Costs for U.S. Public Golf
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Daily Fee, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations
Looking Back / Looking Ahead
2023 was a very positive year for the golf business. The professional game has a way of dominating the media narrative on golf – and there was no shortage of passionate opinion in the coverage of competing tours and distance regulation. However, the recreational side of the game might actually be the bigger story, thriving with a continued resurgence not seen in decades.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
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.
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Approximately half of Core golfers buy golf-related gifts during the holiday season. Has there been any change this year in those planned behaviors and which categories are the most popular for gift-giving?
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
"We want our customers to feel welcome here, and knowing they aren’t being judged for their attire can help achieve that, especially the new golfers.”
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Dress Code, Economy, Engagement
Golf's charitable impact is unrivaled compared to other sports, with an annual total that's up 18% in the latest measure.
Topics: Charity, Economy, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Continued signs of equilibrium in world's best-supplied golf market
Over the past four years, the number of annual golf course closures has dropped 62%. So what does the market look like at the midway point of 2023? And how do course openings compare to recent years?
Topics: Closures, Construction, Development, Economy, Facilities
