Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Examining the Historic Surge in Beginning Golfers
More than 3 million people have taken up golf every year for six years running — a record high. This member piece breaks down what's driving the surge, from the pandemic to off-course golf, and why keeping beginners in the game may matter more than attracting them.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Off-course Facility
The Disproportionate Impact of Senior Golfers
More play, spend and engagement for 65+ golfers, except for one notable category
Senior golfers, those 65 and older, represent nearly 22% of the game’s traditional participant base but have a disproportionate impact on rounds played and spending. This member research update provides a high-level overview.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Retail
‘Okay Boomer’
While there’s been a lot of understandable excitement around NGF’s reporting on golf’s youth movement, the other end of the age spectrum is seeing considerable participation momentum as well – a trend that is a byproduct of broader U.S. demographics.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Events & Tourism, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Real Estate & Investment, Retail
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
