3-Minute Business Insights
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.
Regional mix as YOY play remains relatively flat in April
After a significant increase in March rounds, April play was relatively flat on a national level compared to 2023 as several golf-rich regions of the country saw slight dips that are likely attributable to weather.
Strong spring start in northern climes lead to spikes in play
March rounds see biggest national jump since the 2021 rebound that followed 2020's pandemic lockdowns
Rounds rebound after slow start to the year in January
On a national level, February was the third-warmest on record. More than a dozen states had one of their three-warmest Februarys ever, particularly in parts of the Midwest that typically see golf courses still closed over the first few months of the year.
January play got off to a sluggish start compared a year ago, as colder temperatures contributed to rounds declines in six of eight regions.
Thanks to one final late-season surge in December – which incidentally was the warmest ever in the U.S. – play levels at U.S. golf courses finished in uncharted territory in 2023.
