3-Minute Business Insights
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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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