3-Minute Business Insights
NGF research shows many golf facilities are hemorrhaging resources on avoidable (and often trivial) phone calls, diverting staff from higher-value touch points and revenue-generating activities. Consider that two-thirds of golf course calls are about reservations and pricing, and only 40% of golfers are booking tee times exclusively or mostly online – compared to 80-90% for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Topics: Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facility Management, Facility Operations
Greg joins Syngenta's Changing the Business of Golf podcast to discuss the critical changes golf clubs and courses can make to boost customer retention and reposition the game as a more accessible, growth-oriented sport.
Topics: Conversion, Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facility Operations
Greg Nathan, CEO of the National Golf Foundation, joins the Barstool Sports guys to break down the unprecedented growth of golf -- from skyrocketing participation and new player demographics to the evolution of how the game is played and experienced.
Topics: 18-34, 35-49, Beginners, Consumers, Courses
For decades, many short course operators have marketed themselves with a "championship-lite" promise to deliver all the hallmarks of the "real thing," but with the added benefits of speed and accessibility. While a sensible strategy for some, the pursuit of legitimacy through scaled-down emulation appears to have created a perception trap for many short courses.
Topics: Course Management, Course Owners, Courses, Development, Engagement
Rounds of golf for June -- one of the most high-volume months for play -- were virtually unchanged from a year ago, as the U.S. market remained within striking distance of the record-setting rounds pace of 2024.
Topics: Courses, Demand, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest
Cooler, weather May weather in parts of the East coast contribute to a slight national dip in year-over-year play.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Rounds
Moderate rise in April pulls 2025 YTD even with last year's record play
After a solid April, U.S. play through the first four months is even with the record-setting rounds levels in 2024.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Rounds
The Price to Play
Examining the changes in public playing fees and the average 18-hole rate by state
When detailing the average price of public golf, it’s not uncommon to hear the refrain, “But that’s not it costs to play golf where I live.” And there’s a reality behind those assertions. Not only can peak weekend fees be substantially higher, but playing fees vary widely by geography as well as the type of public facility.
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facilities Database
Strong spring start again in northern climes
After seasonality limited play in some parts of the country in January and February, March rounds rebounded thanks to favorable golf weather in much of the northeast, helping spur another spring surge.
Topics: Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Research, Rounds
If golf is supposed to be a relationship business, why are golfers greeted in pro shops and retail stores with generic transactional questions typically answerable with a single word?
Topics: Economy, Facility Operations, Golf Economy, Golf Facilities, Golf Retail
The Masters Tournament has cultivated one of the most passionate followings in any industry. It's a phenomenon worthy of attention, especially as the golf industry more broadly examines strategies that can build enduring loyalty -- without points or perks.
Topics: Engagement, Facility Management, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
A year after the third warmest February on record allowed many golf courses in northern states to get an early jump on the 2024 golf season, the more typical wintry weather conditions in those same states prevented a repeat.
Topics: Courses, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds
