3-Minute Business Insights
Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive in 2025. Indicators continue to point to sustainability in both participation and play amid a recalibrated, higher baseline for the game – perspective that’s highlighted in NGF’s annual Golf Industry Report.
At a time when more people are playing more golf in more ways than at any time in history, NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan shares a few observations about the game's momentum and growth, and expresses immense gratitude for the tens of thousands of friends and members throughout the industry.
The golf simulator niche is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the golf industry, and the number of commercial golf simulator venues has proliferated in recent years. NGF continues to try to size and scope the explosive growth in the market.
Private club golfers account for less than 8% of golf's green-grass participation base, but this group plays and spends more on the game and is a popular target market audience for businesses inside and outside the golf industry.
A New Yardstick of Success
Whether temporarily or otherwise, golf has captured the global zeitgeist. So, what are the notable differences when it comes to golfers in the current era? For one, the number of golfers who place themselves on the highest level of NGF’s ‘passion scale’ has grown nearly 20% since the pandemic.
Topics: Course Operations, Green-Grass Facility
Women and girls have quietly become the driving force behind golf's post-pandemic resurgence. What makes the growth particularly significant is its youthful energy. More than half of net participation gains among women have come from those under 30, and equally encouraging is the cultural shift that's taking hold.
In this compelling Golf Talk Live podcast (March 2025), Greg explores the evolving landscape of golf and the diverse ways enthusiasts engage with the sport today, providing a deeper understanding of the current state and future direction of the game.
NGF’s State-Level Golf Summaries – Now Available
Members looking for more granular supply and demand data at the state level -- from courses, golfers and rounds to price points, demographic breakouts and economic impact -- can find individual one-page summary overviews of the golf landscape from Alaska to Florida.
On-Course Participation Trend by Gender
On-Course Participation by Frequency of Play
