Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
What does search engine data for golf from 2022 tell us about 2023 and beyond?
Golf’s evolution has been under way for some years now, long before more recent changes spurred by the pandemic, and two milestones hit this year are significant.
Almost 1-in-9 Americans are active golfers, whether that’s playing on a golf course, hitting balls at a driving range, or swinging and socializing at golf entertainment venues. More people played golf in some form last year than participated in basketball, baseball, tennis, soccer or skiing.
Amid nationwide surges in play, over a third of public golf courses have bumped up their peak season fees after years of lagging behind the inflation rate. Yet golf continues to shine as an affordable option compared to other activities that take a similar amount of time.
Among the developments in golf over the past year-and-a-half or so, the evolving narrative surrounding the game has been particularly interesting to follow. Especially when it comes to outlets that don't follow golf regularly. Perceptions of the game have also been improving.
It's the 25-year anniversary of Tiger's "Hello, World" introductory press conference. His impact on the game and business of golf was almost instantaneously felt and it continues to reverberate today.
NGF's Graffis Report, a overview of an unprecedented year for the golf business in 2020, is now available for NGF members.
