3-Minute Business Insights
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
Member Supply Update: Sizing & Scoping the U.S. Golf Market
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report, offering details and visuals on historical supply trends, public and private golf course and facility totals, trends and counts in the golf resort and residential space, and the best-supplied states in various categories.
Golf Facilities in the U.S. – 2026
Summary of Golf Facilities in the U.S. – 2026
Is Private Golf Driving Record Rounds?
The golf industry is on the verge of another record for rounds-played for the fourth time in five years, and it could be the play at private clubs that pushes the industry over the top.
The Evolving Golf Course Landscape
Topics: Course Operations, Design & Construction, Facility Services, Green-Grass Facility, Off-course Facility
Greg Goes Inside the Numbers in Golf Inc. Q&A
Greg Nathan sits down with Golf Inc. for an in-depth industry Q&A, discussing health metrics, growth opportunities, the sustainability of golf's resurgence, emerging technologies and more.
Topics: Business Management, Course Operations, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Technology & Innovation
Midyear Update: Golf Supply and Development
The U.S. golf market continued its march toward equilibrium at the midway point of 2025, with supply and development patterns reinforcing trends that emerged in 2024 and previous years.
Topic: Facility Management
The Short Course Dilemma: Not Enough, Yet Not Good Enough?
Golfers’ perceptions of Short Courses are crucial to understanding their place – and untapped opportunity – within the golf landscape, particularly when considering 'transitional' golf facilities that can convert beginners to lifelong golf consumers. Our recent survey on the perceptions of Core golfers revealed some stark contradictions.
Topic: Green-Grass Facility
Assessing the Trajectory of U.S. Municipal Golf
Numbers to know - from openings and closings to conversions and resurrections
Municipal golf is in a unique place. On one hand, there are high-profile examples of popular muni facilities on the proverbial chopping block due to land values. On the other, there are well-backed efforts to preserve and restore some of the game's most historic properties. Municipal facilities are typically where golf is most affordable and accessible to people of all demographics, and there's greater attention on their impact today given the sport's renaissance.
Short Course Supply Update
Member update on Par 3 supply and development in the U.S.
Over the past 5 1/2 years, “short courses” – Par 3 courses, in particular -- have accounted for over one-third of new openings. While overall U.S. golf development remains relatively limited despite a recent uptick, this trend is more than just a blip on the radar.
