Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Final-month dip can't derail another record-setting year for rounds
Colder December weather in the Northeast and Midwest than a year ago wasn’t enough to derail another record-setting year for play on a national level. It’s the third time in four years that rounds of golf have hit record levels.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
NGF’s State-of-Industry Report for 2024
NGF's Golf Industry Report, named in honor of NGF's founders Herb and Joe Graffis, compiles many of the game’s key data points on the business of golf and the health of the game in a single publication: golf participation, engagement, rounds-played, golf course supply and development, golf equipment sales, retail supply, the game’s reach, and more.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest
Golf’s State-of-Industry In 3 Minutes
NGF's annual state-of-industry report is out and available for members, providing a holistic look at the U.S. golf industry for 2024. Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive this past year, and future indicators point to sustainability when it comes to participation and play.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Play gains in the Northeast and Southern U.S. provide late-season boost
A small year-over-year bump in national rounds during November virtually assures that 2024 will finish with another record-setting play total.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Research
Warm, dry weather leads to biggest YOY October jump in play since 2020
Warmer, drier weather extended the golf season in the Midwest and Northeast, leading to one of the largest year-over-year jumps in play in 2024
Topics: Engagement, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Renovations, Restorations & Revitalizations Lead Investment at Existing Facilities
Over $3 billion invested at U.S. courses in discretionary improvements
For a growing number of U.S. golf facilities, investment into improving their existing product is being driven by three primary factors: they're better positioned financially to reinvest, upgrades were overdue, and they recognize the importance of keeping up with the competition.
Topics: Economy, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Golf’s Multi-Billion Dollar Investment
Amid the uptick in golf construction (and understandable excitement about a few brand new courses), perhaps the most noteworthy sign of the health and vitality in U.S. golf supply is the considerable investment being made in existing facilities.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Americans Still Playing More Golf
When looking at rounds-played momentum on the heels of the peak season, the only real question has been whether the weather will hold up. Hurricane season was a not-so-gentle reminder of the impact weather has on an outdoor sport like golf.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
How much did Hurricane season impact 2024's momentum?
After general stability over the peak season months, September saw more fluctuation when it comes to year-over-year play. How did this impact the pursuit of another potential record-setting year for rounds in 2024?
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
August rounds follow regional precipitation changes as summer play finishes strong
August rounds were up in six of eight geographic regions, with all of those experiencing less precipitation than a year ago. Two regions on the East coast saw fewer rounds thanks to wetter weather than a year ago, but play at U.S. golf facilities overall remained steady through the end of the peak summer months.
Topics: General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Management Company, Participation
Golf course living, in general, is enjoying a rebound like the game itself in the post-pandemic era. And golf-related real estate is a topic we’re asked about frequently and a subject our consulting team addresses regularly with developers and municipal planning boards or other authorities.
Topics: Construction, Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest
The Surge's Impact on the Private Side of Golf
Amid the recent increases in play and participation nationwide, what's happening on the private side of the game? This NGF member-exclusive examines supply and demand changes when it comes to private clubs, as well as the overindexing of private course development.
Topics: Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
