Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Female Participation & Engagement Report Now Available
See the highlights from NGF's new member report
The recent positive momentum in the world of female golf participation hasn't just been pandemic-fueled. The overall participant pool -- when factoring both on- and off-course forms of the game -- has risen 85% over the past decade, with nearly 15 million women and girls now playing golf in one of its increasingly various forms.
Trend in Proportion of Female Golfers
Regional mix as YOY play remains relatively flat in April
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.
Golf Travel: A Growing Appetite and Impact
Golf travel is tied to approximately 40% of the game’s overall economic impact and is currently bigger business than ever. So, which states have the most golf resorts? Which metro areas have the most public golf per capita, and which states have the most rounds played by non-residents?
New Heights for Golf Tourism?
The number of golfers traveling to play has been at or near record levels the past several years. And golfer surveys for 2024 show no sign of let-up when it comes to golf wanderlust.
The Revealing Complement Between Off and On-Course Golf
Almost 10% of golfers got started away from the golf course, and ties run deeper
In each of the past two years, the number of Americans participating in off-course forms of golf has surpassed the total number of traditional, on-course players. But the off-course game is complementing the on-course game rather than passing it by. Here's how.
Are ‘Dualies’ Golf’s Best Customer?
It's long been assumed that the traditional, green-grass golfer is golf's best customer. But research shows it's actually the committed participants who engage with the game both on course and off who really move the needle for play and spend.
Annual Changes in U.S. Public Green Fees
Strong spring start in northern climes lead to spikes in play
March rounds see biggest national jump since the 2021 rebound that followed 2020's pandemic lockdowns
As the unofficial kickoff for the golf season, Masters Tournament week is an ideal time to take (and report on) the pulse of the golf consumer. More than 123 million Americans consumed golf in some fashion in 2023, a reach that's up significantly in recent years.
Municipal golf is not facing an existential threat. In fact, it surprises some to learn that the number of municipal courses nationwide has actually increased over the last decade. This gain stands in contrast to broader U.S. supply reductions and the challenges 'muni golf' encounters in some areas.
