Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
8 best practices to help your business
The past several years have been generally very positive for golf operators, thanks to the "Covid boom." But how should we be improving the customer experience to ensure we're prepared and positioned for the future?
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Each time a recession looms, the question arises, “Is Golf Recession Proof?” Perhaps a more important question, however, is what can golf do to prepare for the next inevitable recession?
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Despite some lingering supply chain constraints, shipments from golf equipment manufacturers in 2022 have remained strong, matching last year’s impressive growth.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, Golf Balls, Golf Clubs
Equipment Market Remains Strong Midway Through '22
Member look: Golf club & ball shipments up significantly compared to pre-pandemic
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, Golf Clubs, Research
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
The ongoing correction in the world's richest golf market began in 2006 after an unprecedented, and unsustainable, 20-year golf course building boom. The recent slowdown in closures may indicate the market is moving closer to equilibrium.
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Spend is almost split between public and private, but share is not
Beyond the exciting (but limited) number of new golf courses we read about, the real industry investment is in upgrades, improvements, renovations and restorations at existing facilities. And it's significant.
Topics: Construction, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Golf's Big Investment
For anyone who suggests the relatively limited number of new course openings in recent years speaks to golf's overall health and points to limited investment in the game, the research tells a far different story.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Investment
Golf Travel 'Ready to Take Off?'
Indications are that the overall travel industry has hit an inflection point and is primed for a big summer. So what about golf travel, a $20 billion business in the U.S.?
Topics: Destinations, Economy, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Resorts
Is Golf Coming Up Short?
Are we really in the midst of a short course movement in golf? Yes. And no...
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
Participation and Engagement Rise Again
Heading into year three of Covid-19, the virus seemingly continues to benefit golf even while hampering parts of the economy and frustrating millions ready to be ‘done’ with it. Here's what golf participation looked like for 2021 from a high level.
Topics: Beginners, Economy, Engagement, Golf Courses, Golfers
Santa Is On the First Tee
Consumer surveys indicate that gift-giving for all things golf – including equipment, apparel and accessories -- is projected to remain strong this holiday season, even as manufacturers and retailers wrestle with production, inventory and shipping challenges.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Research
What it is, Why it's important for golf, and How it works
Welcome2Golf is NGF’s effort to introduce adult non-golfers to the game of golf and improve the beginner experience to convert more newcomers into committed golfers. After all, almost 75% of the record 3 million+ beginners each of the past two years are 18 or older.
Topics: Beginners, Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game
