Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

The Growth of Destination Golf
A closer look at one of golf's biggest development categories
The Growth of Destination Golf
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
The Growth of Destination Golf
How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?
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
How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?
Link in story to free three-page report
July 2023 National Rounds Played
Nationwide play was up for a fourth straight in-season month -- see just how much.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Facilities, Research
July 2023 National Rounds Played
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
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
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
Perceptions of Golf
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
Perceptions of Golf
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
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
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
The Largest-Growing Sport in America
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
The Largest-Growing Sport in America
At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?
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
At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?
Midyear Update: New Normal?
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
Midyear Update: New Normal?
Link in story to free three-page report
June 2023 National Rounds Played
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
June 2023 National Rounds Played
U.S. Golf Travel Momentum
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Golf Courses, Travel
U.S. Golf Travel Momentum
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
Mid-year pulse of golf's $40 billion-a-year travel & tourism impact
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand
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
Golf Destinations Seeing Sustained Demand

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