Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
A summer resurgence showed 2022's slow start was attributable to poor golf weather rather than a softening in demand
“We were down significantly in April and not exactly sure what to expect... and then it came roaring back.”
The peak-season, summer months of June, July and August are disproportionately important for the golf industry -- a make-or-break period for most golf facilities. This summer, the industry climbed out of the hole that Mother Nature dug early in the year.
Strong summer pulls 2022 rounds totals closer to record 2021
August of 2022 yielded the third straight peak-season month of year-over-year play increases at U.S. golf courses.
There are interesting and noteworthy distinctions between age groups when it comes to behaviors, needs and motivations related to golf. So what do we do with this information?
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Play continues to trend ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
After strong play totals in June and July, YTD play entering August was trailing the record pace of 2021 by only 4%. And there are clear signs of retaining recent gains.
What is golf's pandemic dividend?
With the June 2022 national rounds report out, we now have a full 24 months of supporting data since golfers have been unencumbered by pandemic restrictions. Here's a closer look:
After a couple of great years for rounds, some might feel the pandemic ‘bloom’ might be off the rose, so to speak. NGF President & CEO Joe Beditz weighs in.
The midway point for rounds follows one of the highest-volume months of the year
June rounds saw a slight YOY uptick after three months of declines in national play
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
A member-only look at rounds comparisons to previous years
In assessing play levels, it can be helpful to look beyond year-over-year comparisons. Here's how May 2022 stacks up against recent years just before the pandemic-driven play surges.
A year ago, May rounds were +18% across the U.S.
Rounds of golf were down slightly, again, on a nationwide level in May. How did they compare to 2021?
It's more than windmills these days. We weigh in on the mini golf movement, Millennials, latent demand and... Winston Churchill?
