All Posts
Summary of Off-Course Golf in the U.S. – 2026
20+ Million Golfers On-Deck
Interest in golf among non-golfers is close to record levels, even as the number of on-course participants has jumped by 20% over the past six years (with an even bigger increase in engagement among off-course formats). While maintaining high levels of attraction is important, converting that interest into sustainable participation is critical for the game’s future.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Off-course Facility
The PopStroke concept is rooted in golf, with a growing portfolio of tech-enabled putting venues that blend golf with F&B and social experiences, but this modern golf entertainment version of mini golf isn't counted among NGF's off-course forms of participation. While PopStroke's owner acknowledges the platform exists adjacent to golf, he also sees its influence within the game's broader ecosystem.
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
Greg joins Matt Adams and Fairways of Life from the PGA Show floor to detail golf participation numbers in the United States. Spoiler: golf popularity is still on the rise after 2025.
