Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Year is capped by biggest jump for any month in 2023
Play climbed to record levels in 2023 as December rounds finished with a late surge.
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...
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.
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.
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
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)
Link in story to free three-page report
Nationwide play was up for a fourth straight in-season month -- see just how much.
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.
