Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Slight peak season dip in play driven by hotter temperatures in parts of southern U.S.
July 2024 National Rounds Played
Record or near-record high July temperatures in a number of golf-rich states, including Florida and California, helped keep national play levels below 2023 pace -- at least for the month.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
July 2024 National Rounds Played
Midyear Rounds Update: Peak Play Numbers
The U.S. golf industry is now in its 50th month since pandemic-related restrictions on golf were lifted in 2020. And the numbers continue to reinforce that we're enjoying a "new normal" when it comes to play.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
Midyear Rounds Update: Peak Play Numbers
Peak season month sees moderate increase, with biggest gains in the Northeast U.S.
June 2024 National Rounds Played
June play momentum remains strong on nationwide level as rounds continue to run ahead of 2023's pace.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Facilities
June 2024 National Rounds Played
National rounds continue to track ahead of 2023's record pace
May 2024 National Rounds Played
For the second straight month, play was relatively flat in May on a national level. Rounds continue to run slightly ahead of last year's record pace heading into the peak months of the golf season.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Participation
May 2024 National Rounds Played
Regional mix as YOY play remains relatively flat in April
April 2024 National Rounds Played
After a significant increase in March rounds, April play was relatively flat on a national level compared to 2023 as several golf-rich regions of the country saw slight dips that are likely attributable to weather.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
April 2024 National Rounds Played
Strong spring start in northern climes lead to spikes in play
March 2024 National Rounds Played
March rounds see biggest national jump since the 2021 rebound that followed 2020's pandemic lockdowns
Topics: Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
March 2024 National Rounds Played
The (Rising) Cost of Golf?
The money golfers pay to play benefits courses and companies throughout the industry. But for the first time in a generation, golf courses are perhaps the business segment enjoying the greatest benefit from the game's current surge.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Cost Of Golf, Economy, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
The (Rising) Cost of Golf?
Historical Growth of Municipal Growth
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Historical Growth of Municipal Growth
Average Costs for U.S. Public Golf
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Daily Fee, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations
Average Costs for U.S. Public Golf
Rounds rebound after slow start to the year in January
February 2024 National Rounds Played
On a national level, February was the third-warmest on record. More than a dozen states had one of their three-warmest Februarys ever, particularly in parts of the Midwest that typically see golf courses still closed over the first few months of the year.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
February 2024 National Rounds Played
Golf Supply Update: More Openings, Fewer Closings
Golf course closures last year came in at their lowest figure in almost two decades, resulting in less than a 1% reduction in overall U.S. supply. Here’s a bit more context, as the closure of golf courses is a topic of frequent interest… and frequent misinterpretation.
Topics: Closures, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, General Interest
Golf Supply Update: More Openings, Fewer Closings
2003 Rounds Played vs Recent Years
Topics: Engagement, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
2003 Rounds Played vs Recent Years

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