Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Proliferation of off-course golf is a factor in on-course growth
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Looking broadly at the game’s evolution and its overall participant base, the total number of on- and off-course golfers in the U.S. has risen to record levels because of the emergence and continued growth of non-traditional forms of the game.
Topics: Golf Courses, Golf Entertainment, Golfers, Off-course Participation, Participation
New On-Ramps Help Boost Golf Participation
Play sees slight YOY dip after three months of summer increases
September 2022 National Rounds Played
Rounds of golf for September 2022 were down almost 2% compared to the same period a year ago, the first year-over-year decline in national play over the past four months. 
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Research
September 2022 National Rounds Played
Hundreds of SW Florida courses were hit by storm surges
As Courses, Communities Recover Post-Hurricane, Florida Rounds Could Dip
With over 1,000 golf courses in Florida and South Carolina impacted by the storm – some far more significantly than others – there’s bound to be a residual effect on play for at least a short window of time.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Hurricane
As Courses, Communities Recover Post-Hurricane, Florida Rounds Could Dip
Geographic Impact on 2022 Rounds
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
Geographic Impact on 2022 Rounds
A summer resurgence showed 2022's slow start was attributable to poor golf weather rather than a softening in demand
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
“We were down significantly in April and not exactly sure what to expect... and then it came roaring back.”
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
These States Drove the Biggest Summer Rounds Rebound
Strong Summer Rounds Bode Well for Demand
The peak-season, summer months of June, July and August are disproportionately important for the golf industry -- a make-or-break period for most golf facilities. This summer, the industry climbed out of the hole that Mother Nature dug early in the year.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
Strong Summer Rounds Bode Well for Demand
Strong summer pulls 2022 rounds totals closer to record 2021
August 2022 National Rounds Played
August of 2022 yielded the third straight peak-season month of year-over-year play increases at U.S. golf courses.  
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
August 2022 National Rounds Played
MCO vs Self-Managed Comparisons
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
MCO vs Self-Managed Comparisons
10-Yr Changes in MCO Categories
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Management
10-Yr Changes in MCO Categories
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
The evolution and growth of MCOs in the U.S. golf market
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
Topics: Course Owners, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
An Update on the Golf Management Space
An Update on the Golf Management Space
More than one in seven U.S. golf facilities are now being managed by an MCO, or multi-course operator. It's a market penetration that's risen 18% in the past decade-plus.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Management
An Update on the Golf Management Space
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Play continues to trend ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
After strong play totals in June and July, YTD play entering August was trailing the record pace of 2021 by only 4%. And there are clear signs of retaining recent gains.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention

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