Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

Peak season play saw a slight increase for second straight month
July 2022 National Rounds Played
July rounds continued June's momentum, with a slight increase even over the record-setting pace of 2021
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
July 2022 National Rounds Played
8 best practices to help your business
Improving the Customer Experience
The past several years have been generally very positive for golf operators, thanks to the "Covid boom." But how should we be improving the customer experience to ensure we're prepared and positioned for the future?
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Improving the Customer Experience
Is Golf Recession Proof?
Each time a recession looms, the question arises, “Is Golf Recession Proof?” Perhaps a more important question, however, is what can golf do to prepare for the next inevitable recession?
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Is Golf Recession Proof?
Mid-Year Update: Rounds Played
After a couple of great years for rounds, some might feel the pandemic ‘bloom’ might be off the rose, so to speak. NGF President & CEO Joe Beditz weighs in.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers
Mid-Year Update: Rounds Played
U.S. Rounds Played - YOY Changes
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
U.S. Rounds Played - YOY Changes
Golf Course Reconstruction Projects - P5Y
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Investment, Reconstruction
Golf Course Reconstruction Projects - P5Y
What's Par for the Course?
Topics: Course Par, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Par
What's Par for the Course?
The midway point for rounds follows one of the highest-volume months of the year
June 2022 National Rounds Played
June rounds saw a slight YOY uptick after three months of declines in national play
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
June 2022 National Rounds Played
Mid-Year Update: Golf Course Closures
The downward trend in U.S. golf course closures that began in 2020 has continued into its third year. Where could it go from here?
Topics: Closures, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Mid-Year Update: Golf Course Closures
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
The ongoing correction in the world's richest golf market began in 2006 after an unprecedented, and unsustainable, 20-year golf course building boom. The recent slowdown in closures may indicate the market is moving closer to equilibrium.
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
U.S. Course Openings & Closures Trend
U.S. Course Openings & Closures Trend
Topics: Closures, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, New Courses
U.S. Course Openings & Closures Trend
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
A member-only look at rounds comparisons to previous years
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
In assessing play levels, it can be helpful to look beyond year-over-year comparisons. Here's how May 2022 stacks up against recent years just before the pandemic-driven play surges.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?

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