Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Graffis Report on State of the Golf Industry Now Available
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
Graffis Report on State of the Golf Industry Now Available
Follow the Money
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.
Follow the Money
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
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?
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
The Impact & Import of a 'More-Relaxed' Dress Code
"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.”
The Impact & Import of a 'More-Relaxed' Dress Code
Golf's Unrivaled Charitable Impact
Golf's charitable impact is unrivaled compared to other sports, with an annual total that's up 18% in the latest measure.
Golf's Unrivaled Charitable Impact
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Continued signs of equilibrium in world's best-supplied golf market
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
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?
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
Mid-year pulse of golf's $40 billion-a-year travel & tourism impact
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
The current interest in golf getaways mirrors the broader general appetite for travel. Here's a look what some NGF member golf resort operators are experiencing at the midpoint of 2023.
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
Golf's Ultimate Discretionary Expense?
Golf's Ultimate Discretionary Expense?
Golf-related travel and tourism comprises the second largest sector of the U.S. golf economy. It’s also perhaps the ultimate discretionary expense and expression of demand for the game.
Golf's Ultimate Discretionary Expense?
Reviewing Retail: A Mid-Year Look
Is June a turning point for golf retail as Father's Day and the U.S. Open intersect?
Reviewing Retail: A Mid-Year Look
U.S. consumers are being more financially cautious, according to McKinsey, so what does this mean for golf retailers?
Reviewing Retail: A Mid-Year Look
Mid-year Update: Equipment Sales
Mid-year Update: Equipment Sales
As we approach the midpoint of 2023, what has the appetite for golf clubs and golf balls been like so far this year?
Mid-year Update: Equipment Sales
Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy
Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy
You want economic proof that golf is not just a game, but a lifestyle? Here it is.
Contextualizing the U.S. Golf Economy
An Impact Unlike Any Other
An Impact Unlike Any Other
When it comes to online search activity and golf, the first week of April is indeed a time unlike any other. Thank The Masters Tournament (and the unofficial start of the golf season).
An Impact Unlike Any Other

Learn from NGF Members

Golf as Life
Let me introduce myself—I’m Mike Klemme. You may not recognize my name, but if you’ve ever flipped through a golf magazine, visited a course, or…
Learn More
Ship Sticks
Whether you’re the head planner of your upcoming buddies golf trip or simply along for the ride, we’ve gathered a few easy ways to keep…
Learn More
Amanda Fontaine
Raking bunkers on a golf course was literally child’s play for Amanda Fontaine. Today, it’s part of her job as IGM’s Golf Course Superintendent at…
Learn More