Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
How People of Color Are Driving Golf’s Growth Surge
Since 2019, total golf participation among People of Color, including both on course and off, has jumped from 8.5 million to 16.1 million -- an increase of nearly 90%.
The Record Rise of Female Golf
Women and girls have outpaced their male counterparts and accounted for a greater share of growth when it comes to post-pandemic participation gains in recreational golf. The recent momentum has more than reversed the declines seen in the female participation ranks following the Great Recession.
Topics: Business Management, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Retail
Female Participation & Engagement Report Now Available
See the highlights from the new member report
Women and girls have been major contributors to the recent participation surges within the recreational game, as the number of U.S. golfers continues to climb toward record territory.
Topics: Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Specialized Services
The Upside and Uptick of Golf Leagues
Amid increases in U.S. golfers and rounds-played over the past six years, the number of people participating in leagues – whether run internally by golf facilities or externally by national organizations – has jumped dramatically. This engagement is outpacing broader on-course participation changes in the post-pandemic era.
The Changing Face of Golf League Participation
Compared to pre-2020 (prior to the pandemic), golf league participants are notably younger and more diverse -- increasingly reflective of the broader population the industry has long sought to engage. This member sidebar delves into the demographic shifts of recreational golf league participation.
Summary of Off-Course Golf in the U.S. – 2026
Summary of People of Color Participation – 2026
Summary of Age 65+ Golf Participation – 2026
Summary of Junior Golfers in the U.S. – 2026
Golf’s Growth Era – The Road to 50 Million Golfers
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
Total U.S. Golf Participation
On-Course Golfer ‘Post-Covid’ Participation Trend
Rate and Volume
