Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports

A year ago, May rounds were +18% across the U.S.
May 2022 National Rounds Played
Rounds of golf were down slightly, again, on a nationwide level in May. How did they compare to 2021?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
May 2022 National Rounds Played
Is Golf’s Pandemic Dividend Slipping Away?
The latest monthly rounds played report it out and shows a 10% decline in play year-to-date. Is it a sign that golf’s pandemic dividend is eroding?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Is Golf’s Pandemic Dividend Slipping Away?
Less favorable weather in several notable regions hampers early-season play
A Slower Start to the Season
April rounds were down on a national level, but in several well-supplied regions it’s a change that operators attribute largely to unfavorable golf weather.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers, Rounds Played
A Slower Start to the Season
Annual Distribution of Rounds Played
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
Annual Distribution of Rounds Played
Cooler, wetter weather takes toll in several key regions
April 2022 National Rounds Played
April play follows March's trajectory, with the third year-over-year decline through the first four months of 2022.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
April 2022 National Rounds Played
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Spend is almost split between public and private, but share is not
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Beyond the exciting (but limited) number of new golf courses we read about, the real industry investment is in upgrades, improvements, renovations and restorations at existing facilities. And it's significant.
Topics: Construction, Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
U.S. Golf Facility Investments Total Nearly $1.8B Annually
Golf Course Improvement & Investment
Golf Course Improvement & Investment
Topics: Development, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Investment, Research
Golf Course Improvement & Investment
Golf's Big Investment
Golf's Big Investment
For anyone who suggests the relatively limited number of new course openings in recent years speaks to golf's overall health and points to limited investment in the game, the research tells a far different story.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Investment
Golf's Big Investment
Heightened demand, eagerness to hit the road again, and Canadian golfers return
Golf Destinations Anticipate Strong Travel Season
After some understandable limitations on golf travel the past two years, particularly in 2020 after the initial coronavirus outbreak, indications are that golf travel in the U.S. is poised for a strong season. 
Topics: Destinations, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Golf Destinations Anticipate Strong Travel Season
Golfers Within 500 Miles of Top Destinations
Topics: Destinations, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Resorts, Golfers
Golfers Within 500 Miles of Top Destinations
NGF member benefit: one-page report on traveling golfers and golf resorts
Overview: Golf's $20B U.S. Travel Market
Want to know how many traveling golfers there are in the U.S. or which state has the most golf resorts? Look no further.
Topics: Destinations, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Resorts, Resort Golf
Overview: Golf's $20B U.S. Travel Market
Golf Travel 'Ready to Take Off?'
Indications are that the overall travel industry has hit an inflection point and is primed for a big summer. So what about golf travel, a $20 billion business in the U.S.?
Topics: Destinations, Economy, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Resorts
Golf Travel 'Ready to Take Off?'

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