Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Heightened demand, eagerness to hit the road again, and Canadian golfers return
Golf Destinations Anticipate Strong Travel Season
After some understandable limitations on golf travel the past two years, particularly in 2020 after the initial coronavirus outbreak, indications are that golf travel in the U.S. is poised for a strong season. 
Golf Destinations Anticipate Strong Travel Season
March play can't match surges of early spring 2021
March 2022 National Rounds Played
On a national level, March play was down fairly significantly compared to a year ago. Here's a quick look at where and why.
March 2022 National Rounds Played
A Longer Look at Short Course Supply
While new Par 3 courses grab attention, has overall supply been increasing?
A Longer Look at Short Course Supply
Short courses have accounted for over 1/4 of new course development over the past decade – a number of highly-visible examples at resort properties – despite accounting for 10% of overall supply.
A Longer Look at Short Course Supply
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Looking Back at 2021... Looking Forward to 2022

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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…
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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…
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