Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Green Fee Changes and the Cost of Golf
NGF operator surveys and database dive into whether the pandemic has driven price increases
A recent survey of public golf course operators revealed fairly widespread pricing adjustments in 2021 that impacted average playing fees. Those increases varied from bumps in peak season and non-peak rates to limited discounting and a shifting of what courses consider their “peak season.”
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Golf Course Operators Regain Some Pricing Power
Amid nationwide surges in play, over a third of public golf courses have bumped up their peak season fees after years of lagging behind the inflation rate. Yet golf continues to shine as an affordable option compared to other activities that take a similar amount of time.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Marketing
New Normal or Old Normal?
Can golf's current higher levels of demand be sustained? History suggests the answer is "Yes."
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Equipment, Facilities, Facility Supply
Tiger's Long Tale
It's the 25-year anniversary of Tiger's "Hello, World" introductory press conference. His impact on the game and business of golf was almost instantaneously felt and it continues to reverberate today.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Image Of The Game
There have been far more golf course closures than openings in the U.S. over the past 15 years. But did you realize that almost 740 U.S. golf courses have had openings during that period? That total, during what’s looked at as a “down period” for the industry, is more than the entire golf course supply in nations such as Scotland, Ireland, Spain and South Africa.
Topics: Construction, Development, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply
The 2021 first-half momentum for golf equipment sales carries over from second half of 2020. Is it better than 2019?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest, Research
More than three-quarters of Core golfers have at least one golf-specific app on their phone, a figure that's risen steadily over the past decade. It speaks to the evolution of golf as well as the effort to enhance the golf experience for an ever-connected segment of consumers.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Research, Technology
Pinehurst President Tom Pashley on golf travel's rebound, the opportunity that exists for golf, and positive change – both throughout the game and at Pinehurst.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
NGF's Graffis Report, a overview of an unprecedented year for the golf business in 2020, is now available for NGF members.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses
In an era when golf course closures far outweigh new openings – a market correction that’s the result of oversupply in the industry coupled with a strong demand for real estate -- here's a look at facilities that have escaped the chopping block. From the posh Wynn Golf Club on the Las Vegas Strip to a 9-hole layout in Nebraska that costs just $9 to walk on weekdays.
Topics: Closures, Course Owners, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations
In Their Words
PGA Tour Superstore President and CEO Dick Sullivan on an unprecedented 2020 for the golf industry and expectations for 2021.
Topics: Economy, Golf Apparel, Golf Clubs, Golf Retail, Interviews
