Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
The Growth of Destination Golf
A closer look at one of golf's biggest development categories

Whether its golf destinations, destination golf resorts or destination golf in general, this niche continues to grow in popularity – on both the public and private side.
Topics: Destination Golf, Development, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Supply

How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?

On a national level, rounds saw a major move after the highest-volume month of the year (July)
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Participation

Link in story to free three-page report
Nationwide play was up for a fourth straight in-season month -- see just how much.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Facilities, Research
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf

It’s estimated that approximately 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media, at varying levels. About 80% of them are non-golfers who have very different perceptions of golf than those who don't engage with the game at all.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Research

Perceptions of Golf

Golf has a more favorable narrative going for it recently, for a variety of reasons. And that shift has a positive effect on perceptions of the game.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Image Of The Game, Participation, Perceptions

Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive

The growth and evolution of off-course forms of golf have led to questions (and opinions) about its impact on the traditional game. Here's a closer look at that divide and the latest research into how green-grass participation, trials and interest are being affected.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game

The Largest-Growing Sport in America

How has the increase in off-course golf offerings and access impacted the traditional game? It’s conceivable that neither the pre-pandemic stability nor post-pandemic growth we’ve enjoyed in green grass participation happen without the catalytic effects of the “grassless” game.
Topics: Engagement, Golfers, Off-Course, Off-course Participation, Participation

At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?

Beyond year-over-year comparisons, it's perhaps even more meaningful how close we are to the record-setting pace of 2021, a year in which there were more rounds of golf played at U.S. courses than at any time in history.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played

Midyear Update: New Normal?

After three straight months of meaningful YOY gains in rounds, is it fair to assume we're in the midst of a "new normal" when it comes to golf engagement?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation

Link in story to free three-page report
June rounds rise YOY for fourth straight year. See how much play was up on a national level.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Clubs, Participation
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
Mid-year pulse of golf's $40 billion-a-year travel & tourism impact

The current interest in golf getaways mirrors the broader general appetite for travel. Here's a look what some NGF member golf resort operators are experiencing at the midpoint of 2023.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations
