Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
January play got off to a sluggish start compared a year ago, as colder temperatures contributed to rounds declines in six of eight regions.
Thanks to one final late-season surge in December – which incidentally was the warmest ever in the U.S. – play levels at U.S. golf courses finished in uncharted territory in 2023.
NGF's annual golf industry report is now available for member download.
The pandemic era uptick in golf popularity and play has meant some property owners and visionaries are actively building golf courses – much more so than a decade ago or so. This development looks quite different than it did during the boom era of golf course construction, however.
New golf course construction has been on an upswing since the pandemic. NGF's database team is currently tracking more than 100 new course projects under construction or in planning.
While November, on a national level, is a low-volume month with rounds largely dependent on golf-friendly weather and seasonality in many parts of the country, it saw the second-biggest YOY jump of any month in 2023.
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the appetite for green-grass golf.
Rounds of golf in October were relatively flat on a national level compared to a year ago, with the biggest fluctuations in northern parts of the country most significantly affected by seasonality and fall weather impacts.
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
As golf demand continues to remain strong, how does play through the end of summer stack up versus recent pre-pandemic years? And compared to 2021, which saw record levels of play throughout the U.S.?
