3-Minute Business Insights
Assessing the state of the golf industry in 2023 reveals increases in participation and play, a healthier balance between the number of golfers and courses, and an evolution of a traditional game that’s positively affecting golf demand. Read more...
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers, Graffis Report
The pandemic era uptick in golf popularity and play has meant some property owners and visionaries are actively building golf courses – much more so than a decade ago or so. This development looks quite different than it did during the boom era of golf course construction, however.
Topics: Construction, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
New golf course construction has been on an upswing since the pandemic. NGF's database team is currently tracking more than 100 new course projects under construction or in planning.
Topics: Construction, Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest
While November, on a national level, is a low-volume month with rounds largely dependent on golf-friendly weather and seasonality in many parts of the country, it saw the second-biggest YOY jump of any month in 2023.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
As 2023 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to look back, look ahead, and examine the appetite for green-grass golf.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers
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.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers
Follow the Money
Despite the volatility surrounding the state of the American consumer these days, a strong holiday buying season is anticipated. And a notable percentage of Core golfers are planning to spend as much or more on holiday gifts this year -- a total almost 50% higher than the typical American shopper.
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest
Golf Gifting: What’s in Store?
The latest member research from NGF's consumer pulse study
Approximately half of Core golfers buy golf-related gifts during the holiday season. Has there been any change this year in those planned behaviors and which categories are the most popular for gift-giving?
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest
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.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Off-course Participation, Participation, Research
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.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golf Facilities, Golf Simulator, Off-course Participation
The Business Case for Golf’s Dressing-Down
Golf is experiencing a fashion movement. And yet an interesting disconnect remains between the dress code perspective of the golfer – and perhaps as notably, the non-golfer – and those who operate golf courses.
Topics: Apparel, Dress Code, Engagement, Facility Operations, General Interest
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
