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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.
In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts -- filmed on the floor of the PGA Show -- Greg breaks down the latest State of the Industry data, including record rounds, almost 38 million Americans playing off-course golf, 20% green-grass participation growth since 2019, and how simulators and social golf are reshaping access to the game.
Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive in 2025. Indicators continue to point to sustainability in both participation and play amid a recalibrated, higher baseline for the game – perspective that’s highlighted in NGF’s annual Golf Industry Report.
At a time when more people are playing more golf in more ways than at any time in history, NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan shares a few observations about the game's momentum and growth, and expresses immense gratitude for the tens of thousands of friends and members throughout the industry.
Private club golfers account for less than 8% of golf's green-grass participation base, but this group plays and spends more on the game and is a popular target market audience for businesses inside and outside the golf industry.
A New Yardstick of Success
Whether temporarily or otherwise, golf has captured the global zeitgeist. So, what are the notable differences when it comes to golfers in the current era? For one, the number of golfers who place themselves on the highest level of NGF’s ‘passion scale’ has grown nearly 20% since the pandemic.
Topics: Course Operations, Green-Grass Facility
Greg joins Syngenta's Changing the Business of Golf podcast to discuss the critical changes golf clubs and courses can make to boost customer retention and reposition the game as a more accessible, growth-oriented sport.
Women and girls have quietly become the driving force behind golf's post-pandemic resurgence. What makes the growth particularly significant is its youthful energy. More than half of net participation gains among women have come from those under 30, and equally encouraging is the cultural shift that's taking hold.
Beginners, Juniors, Female, Young Adults, Seniors, and People of Color
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various participation-related topics among the U.S. golfer population.
