Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Associations
The Disproportionate Impact of Senior Golfers
More play, spend and engagement for 65+ golfers, except for one notable category
Senior golfers, those 65 and older, represent nearly 22% of the game’s traditional participant base but have a disproportionate impact on rounds played and spending. This member research update provides a high-level overview.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Retail
‘Okay Boomer’
While there’s been a lot of understandable excitement around NGF’s reporting on golf’s youth movement, the other end of the age spectrum is seeing considerable participation momentum as well – a trend that is a byproduct of broader U.S. demographics.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Events & Tourism, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Real Estate & Investment, Retail
Golf’s Most Diverse Era Yet
Golfer growth among People of Color outpaces trend in U.S. population
Over the past decade and a half, the U.S. population has gotten increasingly diverse -- with the total number of People of Color increasing by just over 30%. What’s notable, however, is that the Asian, Black and Hispanic on-course golfer base over that same period has risen even more appreciably.
How People of Color Are Driving Golf’s Growth Surge
Since 2019, total golf participation among People of Color, including both on course and off, has jumped from 8.5 million to 16.1 million -- an increase of nearly 90%.
20+ Million Golfers On-Deck
Interest in golf among non-golfers is close to record levels, even as the number of on-course participants has jumped by 20% over the past six years (with an even bigger increase in engagement among off-course formats). While maintaining high levels of attraction is important, converting that interest into sustainable participation is critical for the game’s future.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Off-course Facility
Greg Joins The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
In this episode of The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts -- filmed on the floor of the PGA Show -- Greg breaks down the latest State of the Industry data, including record rounds, almost 38 million Americans playing off-course golf, 20% green-grass participation growth since 2019, and how simulators and social golf are reshaping access to the game.
Golf’s State-of-Industry In 3 Minutes
Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive in 2025. Indicators continue to point to sustainability in both participation and play amid a recalibrated, higher baseline for the game – perspective that’s highlighted in NGF’s annual Golf Industry Report.
Topics: Associations, Business Management, Course Operations, Facility Management, Facility Services, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Retail, Specialized Services, Technology & Innovation
NGF President & CEO Greg Nathan will deliver a must-see presentation entitled, “2026 State of the Golf Business – How Sustainable and Resilient is our Industry?” on the Main Stage at the Orange County Convention Center on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m.
Greg Nathan joins Golf Business Live host Michael Williams for a conversation reflecting on the state of the golf business and economy in 2025, and a look ahead to the game's future.
The past three years have seen record or near-record numbers of U.S. golfers traveling to play the game. What does that mean for the industry at large when it comes to the "travel window" effect?
Topic: Associations
