3-Minute Business Insights
Golfer growth among People of Color outpaces trend in U.S. population
Over the past decade and a half, the U.S. population has gotten increasingly diverse -- with the total number of People of Color increasing by just over 30%. What’s notable, however, is that the Asian, Black and Hispanic on-course golfer base over that same period has risen even more appreciably.
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.
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.
Grateful for Golf
"Being in your dream job ... now that's gangster!"
Greg Nathan reflects with the United States Golf Association’s Golf Journal on his path from Madison Avenue to becoming CEO of the National Golf Foundation, golf's leading data insights and strategic consulting organization.
Topic: Media & Marketing
Summary of People of Color Participation – 2026
Summary of Female Participation – 2026
Summary of Young Adult Participation – 2026
Summary of Junior Golfers in the U.S. – 2026
2026 Graffis Report
Topics: Associations, Business Management, Course Operations, Design & Construction, Equipment & Gear, Events & Tourism, Facility Management, Facility Services, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Real Estate & Investment, Retail, Specialized Services, Technology & Innovation
Summary of Beginner Golfers in the U.S. – 2026
