3-Minute Business Insights
The past four years have been historically strong for the U.S. golf industry, with a net gain of more than 2.3 million on-course golfers since 2020. But what if we told you almost 10 times as many people turned or returned to golf over that time?
Topics: Beginners, Churn, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers
How to Plug Golf's "Leaky Bucket"
Key learnings on the golfer journey from Introduction to Commitment
When tracking the beginner to Committed golfer pathway, many of the things that predict successful “conversion” are relatively low incidence. Why is this?
Topics: Beginners, Conversion, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers
Women & Girls Fueling Golf's Growth
June is Women's Golf Month and an appropriate time to note that some of the most significant golfer gains in recent years have been among female participants. A near record number of women and girls played golf on a course in 2023, the highest participation levels in the U.S. since 2006.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Female, Female Participation, General Interest
Which Way is Municipal Golf Going?
Municipal golf is not facing an existential threat. In fact, it surprises some to learn that the number of municipal courses nationwide has actually increased over the last decade. This gain stands in contrast to broader U.S. supply reductions and the challenges 'muni golf' encounters in some areas.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Is Golf Really Experiencing a 'Munissance'?
Numbers to know - from openings and closings to conversions and resurrections
Municipal golf is in a unique place. On one hand, there are high-profile examples of popular muni facilities on the proverbial chopping block due to land values. On the other, there are well-backed efforts to preserve and restore some of the game's most historic properties. Municipal facilities are typically where golf is most affordable and accessible to people of all demographics, and there's greater attention on their impact today given the sport's renaissance.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Golf Participation Update -- Bigger, Younger and Cooler
The number of on-course golfers has now increased for six straight years, but also notable is that the demographic makeup of the base is changing — albeit gradually in a sport with over 26 million Americans who play recreationally.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game
"Sea Level" Golf Participation and Beginners
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Participation
'Pandemic Era' Golfer Growth Segments (On-Course)
Topics: 65+, Diversity, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive
The growth and evolution of off-course forms of golf have led to questions (and opinions) about its impact on the traditional game. Here's a closer look at that divide and the latest research into how green-grass participation, trials and interest are being affected.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game
NGF members can click here to access the full report
Amid the Covid-driven changes throughout the golf industry, one of the participation segments seeing the most significant growth is one that makes up just over half the U.S. population.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Females, Girls, Golfers
As participation levels have increased in recent years, this particular segment has seen a 36% increase in on-course golfers since the start of the pandemic.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game, Junior Golf
A number of years back, we introduced the NGF Top 100 Businesses in Golf to recognize the most influential, successful, prominent and innovative companies on the commercial side of golf. Now we’ve released the latest version of this unique list.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, General Interest, Golf 100, Grow The Game
