2026 is shaping up to be another record-setting year for golf travel. Among adult golfers, one age group is leading the way (by a slight margin), accounting for almost one-third of destination-motivated golf trips.

Each of the past four years have seen record or near record levels of Americans hitting the road to play golf and 2026 is poised to reach a new high in golf travel. Golf trips, whether with friends, family, significant others, colleagues or clients, are a vital part of the industry because they concentrate spend, time and engagement in ways everyday play doesn’t. And this elevated demand is impacting U.S. supply.

NGF surveys reveal one-third of golfers chose their last golf destination based on recommendations from someone they know. Word of mouth isn't just important for golf travel businesses – it's absolutely critical.

The past three years have seen record or near-record numbers of U.S. golfers traveling to play the game. What does that mean for the industry at large when it comes to the "travel window" effect?

Golf travel is tied to approximately 40% of the game’s overall economic impact and is currently bigger business than ever. So, which states have the most golf resorts? Which metro areas have the most public golf per capita, and which states have the most rounds played by non-residents?

The number of golfers traveling to play has been at or near record levels the past several years. And golfer surveys for 2024 show no sign of let-up when it comes to golf wanderlust.

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.?

A return to the friendly skies means more golf trips and destinations back in consideration. Core golfers, on average, are now expecting 1.8 golf trips in 2021 -- an increase of more than 60% over 2020.

Limitations on golf trips in 2020 have created a bottled-up demand to return to golf travel. Here's what golfers are saying and operators are seeing.