3-Minute Business Insights
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the appetite for green-grass golf.
Examining Rounds Sustainability
Interest, intent, pandemic play trends, and price increases
Here’s what the latest Core golfer surveys reveal about “itch” and intent to play, trends in post-pandemic rounds growth, and potential obstacles to future play – including full tee sheets and rising green fees.
Follow the Money
Despite the volatility surrounding the state of the American consumer these days, a strong holiday buying season is anticipated. And a notable percentage of Core golfers are planning to spend as much or more on holiday gifts this year -- a total almost 50% higher than the typical American shopper.
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Approximately half of Core golfers buy golf-related gifts during the holiday season. Has there been any change this year in those planned behaviors and which categories are the most popular for gift-giving?
Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
Member-only research on demographics, frequency of use, and locations
Whether commercial or residential, home simulator usage and supply is on the upswing. And while participation in off-course golf activities is found to generally increase golfers’ engagement with the traditional game, simulator golf might be the best evidence of this relationship.
Simulator Golf Sees Real Surge
While traditional golf participation has continued to climb in recent years, engagement has been even more pronounced away from the course – and that includes screen and simulated growth. Gains in this growing sector, among both participants and availability, are even more significant since the start of the pandemic.
The Business Case for Golf’s Dressing-Down
Golf is experiencing a fashion movement. And yet an interesting disconnect remains between the dress code perspective of the golfer – and perhaps as notably, the non-golfer – and those who operate golf courses.
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
"We want our customers to feel welcome here, and knowing they aren’t being judged for their attire can help achieve that, especially the new golfers.”
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
Golf's charitable impact is unrivaled compared to other sports, with an annual total that's up 18% in the latest measure.
As golf demand continues to remain strong, how does play through the end of summer stack up versus recent pre-pandemic years? And compared to 2021, which saw record levels of play throughout the U.S.?
About 90% of Core golfers tell us they’ve played “team golf” at some point. But with the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup being played back-to-back and highlighting the game's unique camaraderie, should golf have more team play opportunities?
