Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

"I find when all I do is return a phone call, they're shocked"
Record Beginners: Opportunities and Obstacles
A record 6.2 million beginners have taken up golf in the U.S. over the past two years of the coronavirus pandemic. Overall participation has grown over that time, but not nearly to that extent.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Participation
Record Beginners: Opportunities and Obstacles
A Boom in Beginners
Over the past two years, as the coronavirus pandemic has gripped the U.S., the number of beginning golfers has been higher than it was back when Tiger Woods was at his most dominant.
Topics: Beginners, Demand, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game
A Boom in Beginners
NJ, NY and PA see increased play after Nor'Easter effect in Feb 2021
February 2022 National Rounds Played
Buoyed by strong play totals in the South and parts of the Northeast, February 2022 rounds rose on a national level compared to the year prior.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
February 2022 National Rounds Played
A new year brings new rounds-played data
January 2022 National Rounds Played Report
On a national level, January '22 rounds didn't match the relatively strong starts seen the past two years, at least for regions in season.
Topics: Engagement, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation, Rounds Played
January 2022 National Rounds Played Report
"We thought we could never keep up with the fall of 2020”
This Category Drove 2021's Gains in Rounds Played
Nationwide, play in 2021 increased by almost 6% over 2020. The biggest gains were seen in the spring given that during 2020 over half of U.S. golf courses were shut down for more than a month. But for the year, it was this category that really spurred rounds increases.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
This Category Drove 2021's Gains in Rounds Played
Annual Members-Only Report Summarizes U.S. Play
Rounds Played Report for 2021 Now Available
This summary report provides an overview of the record-setting 2021 play in the world's top golf market.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
Rounds Played Report for 2021 Now Available
Buttoning Up Play in 2021
December 2021 National Rounds Played Report
Play in 2021 finished ahead of 2020 after yet another positive year-over-year gain for December. See how many more rounds that translated to.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers
December 2021 National Rounds Played Report
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
Participation and Engagement Rise Again
Looking Back at 2021... Looking Forward to 2022
After a 2021 that was special for golf, 2022 brings more opportunity. Among the exciting news from NGF: a newly redesigned website filled with new content.
Topics: Engagement, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers, Grow The Game
Looking Back at 2021... Looking Forward to 2022
We Did It... We Will Beat Last Year's Rounds
Coming into the year, only the most optimistic thought the industry could beat 2020 rounds. Here's how 2021 play shaped up.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Facilities, Participation
We Did It... We Will Beat Last Year's Rounds
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
Santa Is On the First Tee
What it is, Why it's important for golf, and How it works
Welcome2Golf and Industry Opportunity
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
Welcome2Golf and Industry Opportunity

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