3-Minute Business Insights
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the appetite for green-grass golf.
Examining Rounds Sustainability
Interest, intent, pandemic play trends, and price increases
Here’s what the latest Core golfer surveys reveal about “itch” and intent to play, trends in post-pandemic rounds growth, and potential obstacles to future play – including full tee sheets and rising green fees.
Rounds of golf in October were relatively flat on a national level compared to a year ago, with the biggest fluctuations in northern parts of the country most significantly affected by seasonality and fall weather impacts.
Examining the Simulator/Screen Golf Market
Member-only research on demographics, frequency of use, and locations
Whether commercial or residential, home simulator usage and supply is on the upswing. And while participation in off-course golf activities is found to generally increase golfers’ engagement with the traditional game, simulator golf might be the best evidence of this relationship.
Simulator Golf Sees Real Surge
While traditional golf participation has continued to climb in recent years, engagement has been even more pronounced away from the course – and that includes screen and simulated growth. Gains in this growing sector, among both participants and availability, are even more significant since the start of the pandemic.
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
"We want our customers to feel welcome here, and knowing they aren’t being judged for their attire can help achieve that, especially the new golfers.”
As golf demand continues to remain strong, how does play through the end of summer stack up versus recent pre-pandemic years? And compared to 2021, which saw record levels of play throughout the U.S.?
How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?
On a national level, rounds saw a major move after the highest-volume month of the year (July)
Perceptions of Golf
Golf has a more favorable narrative going for it recently, for a variety of reasons. And that shift has a positive effect on perceptions of the game.
Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive
The growth and evolution of off-course forms of golf have led to questions (and opinions) about its impact on the traditional game. Here's a closer look at that divide and the latest research into how green-grass participation, trials and interest are being affected.
The Largest-Growing Sport in America
How has the increase in off-course golf offerings and access impacted the traditional game? It’s conceivable that neither the pre-pandemic stability nor post-pandemic growth we’ve enjoyed in green grass participation happen without the catalytic effects of the “grassless” game.
Midyear Update: New Normal?
After three straight months of meaningful YOY gains in rounds, is it fair to assume we're in the midst of a "new normal" when it comes to golf engagement?
