Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Final-month dip can't derail another record-setting year for rounds
Colder December weather in the Northeast and Midwest than a year ago wasn’t enough to derail another record-setting year for play on a national level. It’s the third time in four years that rounds of golf have hit record levels.
NGF’s State-of-Industry Report for 2024
NGF's Golf Industry Report, named in honor of NGF's founders Herb and Joe Graffis, compiles many of the game’s key data points on the business of golf and the health of the game in a single publication: golf participation, engagement, rounds-played, golf course supply and development, golf equipment sales, retail supply, the game’s reach, and more.
Play gains in the Northeast and Southern U.S. provide late-season boost
A small year-over-year bump in national rounds during November virtually assures that 2024 will finish with another record-setting play total.
Warm, dry weather leads to biggest YOY October jump in play since 2020
Warmer, drier weather extended the golf season in the Midwest and Northeast, leading to one of the largest year-over-year jumps in play in 2024
When looking at rounds-played momentum on the heels of the peak season, the only real question has been whether the weather will hold up. Hurricane season was a not-so-gentle reminder of the impact weather has on an outdoor sport like golf.
How much did Hurricane season impact 2024's momentum?
After general stability over the peak season months, September saw more fluctuation when it comes to year-over-year play. How did this impact the pursuit of another potential record-setting year for rounds in 2024?
August rounds follow regional precipitation changes as summer play finishes strong
August rounds were up in six of eight geographic regions, with all of those experiencing less precipitation than a year ago. Two regions on the East coast saw fewer rounds thanks to wetter weather than a year ago, but play at U.S. golf facilities overall remained steady through the end of the peak summer months.
Slight peak season dip in play driven by hotter temperatures in parts of southern U.S.
Record or near-record high July temperatures in a number of golf-rich states, including Florida and California, helped keep national play levels below 2023 pace -- at least for the month.
The U.S. golf industry is now in its 50th month since pandemic-related restrictions on golf were lifted in 2020. And the numbers continue to reinforce that we're enjoying a "new normal" when it comes to play.
Peak season month sees moderate increase, with biggest gains in the Northeast U.S.
June play momentum remains strong on nationwide level as rounds continue to run ahead of 2023's pace.
National rounds continue to track ahead of 2023's record pace
For the second straight month, play was relatively flat in May on a national level. Rounds continue to run slightly ahead of last year's record pace heading into the peak months of the golf season.
