3-Minute Business Insights
Golf has had a record number of beginners each of the past two years, with the vast majority of newcomers being adults. And yet, when one thinks of beginner golf programs, the tendency is to focus on junior initiatives. So where are all the adult-specific introductory efforts?
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Instruction
One of the overarching questions prompted by increased golf engagement over the past 18 months is whether the industry will be able to hold on those new golfers who have taken up the sport. But our research shows a notable difference between retention and conversion.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golfers
How 2021 Rounds Compare to 2020 Entering Q4
It's likely year-over-year play will continue to be down in the final months of the year, but it's important to keep these declines in proper perspective.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers
September 2021 rounds dipped after a 25% gain a year ago, as expected, but how much were they off the 2020 pace?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
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
Can golf's current higher levels of demand be sustained? History suggests the answer is "Yes."
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Equipment, Facilities, Facility Supply
Among the developments in golf over the past year-and-a-half or so, the evolving narrative surrounding the game has been particularly interesting to follow. Especially when it comes to outlets that don't follow golf regularly. Perceptions of the game have also been improving.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Image Of The Game, Marketing, Media
NGF's recent survey of Core golfers indicated 73% recalled Tee It Forward, but a much smaller percentage had actually moved up in recent years. Here's what they found, and what's keeping others from moving forward a tee.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers
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
Rounds played continued to see strong momentum during July even though year-over-year play was actually down compared to last year’s pandemic-fueled summer surge.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Participation, Rounds Played
A Deeper Look Inside the Supply of Par 3 Layouts in the U.S.
Del Ratcliffe fully appreciates the benefits of a Par 3 golf course. He grew up playing one his father built in 1960 on a farm about 10 to 15 miles outside of downtown Charlotte. Today, Ratcliffe owns or operates five facilities in the Charlotte area – four of which feature a Par 3 layout of some fashion. Nationwide, all but one state in the U.S. has a par 3 golf course.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
The most frequently asked question since the beginning of the year was whether the elevated level of golf activity would maintain in 2021. Well, we’ve had our first real test – comparing peak season months in 2020 and 2021.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
