Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
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)
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Nationwide play was up for a fourth straight in-season month -- see just how much.
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf
It’s estimated that approximately 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media, at varying levels. About 80% of them are non-golfers who have very different perceptions of golf than those who don't engage with the game at all.
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.
At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?
Beyond year-over-year comparisons, it's perhaps even more meaningful how close we are to the record-setting pace of 2021, a year in which there were more rounds of golf played at U.S. courses than at any time in history.
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?
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Continued signs of equilibrium in world's best-supplied golf market
Over the past four years, the number of annual golf course closures has dropped 62%. So what does the market look like at the midway point of 2023? And how do course openings compare to recent years?
Midyear Update: U.S. and Worldwide Course Supply
Golf has remarkable geographic spread, with at least one course in 83% of countries and territories worldwide. In fact, there are more golf courses globally than Starbucks locations.
Golf's Ultimate Discretionary Expense?
Golf-related travel and tourism comprises the second largest sector of the U.S. golf economy. It’s also perhaps the ultimate discretionary expense and expression of demand for the game.
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Play was up notably year-over-year on a national level in May, driven predominantly by increases in several golf-rich regions.
