Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
The NGF’s Top 100 Businesses in Golf is a platform intended to highlight the vitality, size and diversity of an industry that has more than a $100 billion annual impact within the U.S.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, Equipment, General Interest
Recreational golf has enjoyed a renaissance in the post-pandemic era – with increases in participation, play and engagement – and a key driver has been an increasingly positive narrative surrounding the game. Perceptions of golf and golf’s brand have shifted dramatically over the past decade or so, and social media has helped lead the charge.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Latent Demand
The money golfers pay to play benefits courses and companies throughout the industry. But for the first time in a generation, golf courses are perhaps the business segment enjoying the greatest benefit from the game's current surge.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Cost Of Golf, Economy, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
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's State-of-Industry in 3 Minutes

Assessing the state of the golf industry in 2023 reveals increases in participation and play, a healthier balance between the number of golfers and courses, and an evolution of a traditional game that’s positively affecting golf demand. Read more...
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers, Graffis Report

The Business Case for Golf’s Dressing-Down

Golf is experiencing a fashion movement. And yet an interesting disconnect remains between the dress code perspective of the golfer – and perhaps as notably, the non-golfer – and those who operate golf courses.
Topics: Apparel, Dress Code, Engagement, Facility Operations, General Interest

Golf's Unrivaled Charitable Impact

Golf's charitable impact is unrivaled compared to other sports, with an annual total that's up 18% in the latest measure.
Topics: Charity, Economy, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities

What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf

It’s estimated that approximately 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media, at varying levels. About 80% of them are non-golfers who have very different perceptions of golf than those who don't engage with the game at all.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Research

Perceptions of Golf

Golf has a more favorable narrative going for it recently, for a variety of reasons. And that shift has a positive effect on perceptions of the game.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Image Of The Game, Participation, Perceptions

An Impact Unlike Any Other

When it comes to online search activity and golf, the first week of April is indeed a time unlike any other. Thank The Masters Tournament (and the unofficial start of the golf season).
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers

What does search engine data for golf from 2022 tell us about 2023 and beyond?
Topics: Golf Courses, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Participation, Research