3-Minute Business Insights

Golf: There's An App for That
App use is becoming prevalent in all walks of life, including the golf world. There are now hundreds of golf-centric apps available and usage continues to climb.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Research
Golf: There's An App for That
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May rounds were up year-over-year, as expected, given the operational restrictions that were still in place for the month in 2020. Now, with summer upon us, is when it really starts getting interesting – in terms of comps – for the golf industry.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Municipal Golf
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May 2021 National Rounds Played Report
National rounds played for May 2021 were up over a year ago, when golf operations were still limited due to the coronavirus in some parts of the country.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
May 2021 National Rounds Played Report
Women in golf – progress and opportunity
Just seven years ago, the proportion of all golf participants (on/off-course combined) who were women was 27%. Since then, the volume of female participants has grown by 43%, and there's even greater potential.
Topics: Engagement, Females, General Interest, Golf Participation, Golfers
Women in golf – progress and opportunity
Interview: Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley
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
Interview: Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley
Off-Course Golf: How Big Can It Get?
The number of off-course golf participants and off-course venues continues to grow, from golf entertainment facilities like Topgolf, Drive Shack and BigShots to commercial simulator locations popping up around the country. So, how big can the off-course golf market get?
Topics: Beginners, Consumer Spending, Engagement, Golf Entertainment, Grow The Game
Off-Course Golf: How Big Can It Get?
Golf is Getting Off Course
Golf’s overall participation base in the U.S. – combining on- and off-course players – rose 8% in 2020 to 36.9 million. This leaves us with three closely-sized and mutually-exclusive groups of Americans. And it probably won’t be long before traditional, “green grass” participants are out-numbered. Perhaps as soon as this year.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Off-course Participation, Participation
Golf is Getting Off Course
February 2021 National Rounds Played
February rounds were down 4.7% nationwide compared to a year ago, when play for the month had been up 19% before the pandemic hit the U.S.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Municipal Golf
February 2021 National Rounds Played
NGF's State-of-Industry Graffis Report Is Available
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
NGF's State-of-Industry Graffis Report Is Available
Who Wants In?
The flood of new faces on U.S. golf courses in 2020 was noteworthy, even if some gains were offset. Who were these new people? And who wanted “in” last year?
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers
Who Wants In?
Golf's KPIs for 2020
After the coronavirus struck in 2020, spring shutdowns gave way to an unprecedented summer and fall in terms of play, golfer introductions and reintroductions, and robust, late-season spending.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses
Golf's KPIs for 2020
November 2020 Rounds Played Report
November rounds of golf were up almost 57% nationally over a year ago, continuing an upward trend since coronavirus restrictions on golf operations were lifted.
Topics: Engagement, Golf Courses, Golfers, Rounds Played
November 2020 Rounds Played Report

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Golf as Life
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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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