3-Minute Business Insights
NGF's annual state-of-industry report is out and available for members, providing a holistic look at the U.S. golf industry for 2024. Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive this past year, and future indicators point to sustainability when it comes to participation and play.
Approximately half of Core Golfers say golf gifting is a part of their holiday routine. And whether through a specialty golf retailer or a channel like Amazon, a growing percentage are buying golf-related items online.
Renovations, Restorations & Revitalizations Lead Investment at Existing Facilities
Over $3 billion invested at U.S. courses in discretionary improvements
For a growing number of U.S. golf facilities, investment into improving their existing product is being driven by three primary factors: they're better positioned financially to reinvest, upgrades were overdue, and they recognize the importance of keeping up with the competition.
Assessing Golf's Real Estate Market in the U.S.
Golf real estate trends, economic impact and the best-supplied U.S. markets
The direct economic impact of golf real estate is almost $15 billion in the U.S., which has nearly 3,200 golf communities in total. And the opportunity to live in active, outdoor communities (especially those with golf courses) has only gained favor in post-pandemic years, amplified by remote work options.
Member report details recent gains in golf retail sector
NGF's annual update on off-course golf retail store supply in the U.S. through 2023 tracks the changes in the number of doors and square footage of regional/independent and national retailers.
The midway point of the year -- on the heels of a dramatic U.S. Open and Father's Day holiday, and during the peak of the golf season -- is a good time to detail how golf equipment sales, retail and the broader appetite for golf goods is trending across the industry.
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?
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.
Annual Changes in U.S. Public Green Fees
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.
Average Costs for U.S. Public Golf
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.
