Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
Member Supply Update: Sizing & Scoping the U.S. Golf Market

This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report, offering details and visuals on historical supply trends, public and private golf course and facility totals, trends and counts in the golf resort and residential space, and the best-supplied states in various categories.

Golf Facilities in the U.S. – 2026


New U.S. Golf Course Openings by State


Annual Difference Between U.S. Course Openings/Closings


Golf Supply Update: More Openings, Fewer Closings

Golf course closures last year came in at their lowest figure in almost two decades, resulting in less than a 1% reduction in overall U.S. supply. Here’s a bit more context, as the closure of golf courses is a topic of frequent interest… and frequent misinterpretation.

Course Openings by State (P5Y)


Golf Course Supply: The Long View

There have been only two sustained periods of golf course supply contraction in the United States. They've ended in two very different ways.

U.S. Course Openings & Closures Trend


A Closer Look at Course Openings
A member-only dive into new facilities

In 2021, the number of new course openings in the U.S. was again limited. And yet these debuts, from Florida to Washington, hit their highest number since 2017.







