Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Not All Golf Course Closures Are Failures
Some owners plan exit strategies around high demand for real estate
Not All Golf Course Closures Are Failures
The closing of a popular or once-popular golf course isn’t typically celebrated, but the reality is that not every golf course is destined to live forever. In some cases, a golf course served its purpose and its remnants will reward its users equally well, or even better. For some course owners, selling is a long-planned exit strategy.
Topics: Closures, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Not All Golf Course Closures Are Failures
Rounds Played Continue at Elevated Levels
Rounds Played Continue at Elevated Levels
The most frequently asked question since the beginning of the year was whether the elevated level of golf activity would maintain in 2021. Well, we’ve had our first real test – comparing peak season months in 2020 and 2021.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Rounds Played Continue at Elevated Levels
Early summer play matches initial surge seen in 2020
June 2021 National Rounds Played Report
In the first real test of the sustainability of the 2020 summer surge, June 2021 rounds were essentially equal to June of last year.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
June 2021 National Rounds Played Report
Interview: Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz
Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz discusses the impact of the coronavirus on the golf industry, investment and opportunity in golf, and the continued growth at Troon.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Interview, Interviews
Interview: Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May rounds were up year-over-year, as expected, given the operational restrictions that were still in place for the month in 2020. Now, with summer upon us, is when it really starts getting interesting – in terms of comps – for the golf industry.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Municipal Golf
May Rounds Climb as Summer Months Loom as Measuring Stick
May 2021 National Rounds Played Report
National rounds played for May 2021 were up over a year ago, when golf operations were still limited due to the coronavirus in some parts of the country.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
May 2021 National Rounds Played Report
Golf course architects through the eras
Topics: Architects, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
Golf course architects through the eras
Interview: Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley
Pinehurst President Tom Pashley on golf travel's rebound, the opportunity that exists for golf, and positive change – both throughout the game and at Pinehurst.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Interview: Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley
Affordable Golf And An Opportunity to 'Give Back'
Harold Varner III knows first-hand the importance of affordable access to golf. Now, Varner is giving back through an expanded partnership with Youth on Course.
Topics: Facility Operations, Facilties, Grow The Game, Junior Golf, NGF Members
Affordable Golf And An Opportunity to 'Give Back'
February Rounds Down, Indicators Still Good
The latest monthly numbers show something the golf industry hasn't seen in a while -- a decline in play. How much of an impact did Mother Nature have in February?
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
February Rounds Down, Indicators Still Good
February 2021 National Rounds Played
February rounds were down 4.7% nationwide compared to a year ago, when play for the month had been up 19% before the pandemic hit the U.S.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Municipal Golf
February 2021 National Rounds Played
Saved From the Chopping Block
In an era when golf course closures far outweigh new openings – a market correction that’s the result of oversupply in the industry coupled with a strong demand for real estate -- here's a look at facilities that have escaped the chopping block. From the posh Wynn Golf Club on the Las Vegas Strip to a 9-hole layout in Nebraska that costs just $9 to walk on weekdays.
Topics: Closures, Course Owners, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations
Saved From the Chopping Block

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