Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

May 2025 National Rounds Played
Cooler, weather May weather in parts of the East coast contribute to a slight national dip in year-over-year play.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Rounds
May 2025 National Rounds Played
Moderate rise in April pulls 2025 YTD even with last year's record play
April 2025 National Rounds Played
After a solid April, U.S. play through the first four months is even with the record-setting rounds levels in 2024.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Rounds
April 2025 National Rounds Played
The Price to Play
Examining the changes in public playing fees and the average 18-hole rate by state
The Price to Play
When detailing the average price of public golf, it’s not uncommon to hear the refrain, “But that’s not it costs to play golf where I live.” And there’s a reality behind those assertions. Not only can peak weekend fees be substantially higher, but playing fees vary widely by geography as well as the type of public facility.
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facilities Database
The Price to Play
Strong spring start again in northern climes
March 2025 National Rounds Played
After seasonality limited play in some parts of the country in January and February, March rounds rebounded thanks to favorable golf weather in much of the northeast, helping spur another spring surge.
Topics: Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Research, Rounds
March 2025 National Rounds Played
Facilities, Facility Health, Municipal Golf, Development, 9-Hole and Par 3
U.S. Golf Supply One-Page Summary Reports Available
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various supply-related topics
Topics: 9-Hole Courses, Construction, Courses, Development, Facilities
U.S. Golf Supply One-Page Summary Reports Available
Masters of Loyalty: Strategies Beyond Points and Perks
The Masters Tournament has cultivated one of the most passionate followings in any industry. It's a phenomenon worthy of attention, especially as the golf industry more broadly examines strategies that can build enduring loyalty -- without points or perks.
Topics: Engagement, Facility Management, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Masters of Loyalty: Strategies Beyond Points and Perks
February 2025 National Rounds Played
A year after the third warmest February on record allowed many golf courses in northern states to get an early jump on the 2024 golf season, the more typical wintry weather conditions in those same states prevented a repeat.
Topics: Courses, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds
February 2025 National Rounds Played
U.S. Map of Golf Courses by State
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
U.S. Map of Golf Courses by State
9-Hole Golf Supply - Proportion and Totals
Topics: 9-Hole, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
9-Hole Golf Supply - Proportion and Totals
Total U.S. Public Course Supply by State
Topics: Daily Fee, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Total U.S. Public Course Supply by State
NGF's 2025 Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report - Now Available
Key year-end data on the world's best-supplied golf market
NGF's 2025 Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report - Now Available
This comprehensive annual member report provides an in-depth overview of golf facility supply in the U.S. -- from historical trends in the number of golf facilities to detailed information on total supply by state and region, Top 10 lists by state supply, a facility health update, a breakdown of supply by facility type, golf courses in-planning and under construction, the latest on openings and closures, and much more.
Topics: Development, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, General Interest
NGF's 2025 Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report - Now Available
Golf’s Course Correction Is Over
Golf’s Course Correction Is Over
U.S. golf course development and investment in existing faciltiies are up, including an increased number of renovations, reconstructions, and resurrections. Meanwhile, the number of annual course closures has decreased for five straight years, with the 2024 total dipping to its lowest levels in two decades. The result is a supply stability that has legs.
Topics: Closures, Construction, Development, Facilities, Facility Supply
Golf’s Course Correction Is Over

Learn from NGF Members

Golf as Life
Let me introduce myself—I’m Mike Klemme. You may not recognize my name, but if you’ve ever flipped through a golf magazine, visited a course, or…
Learn More
Ship Sticks
Whether you’re the head planner of your upcoming buddies golf trip or simply along for the ride, we’ve gathered a few easy ways to keep…
Learn More
Amanda Fontaine
Raking bunkers on a golf course was literally child’s play for Amanda Fontaine. Today, it’s part of her job as IGM’s Golf Course Superintendent at…
Learn More