3-Minute Business Insights
Business Management
Women and girls have outpaced their male counterparts and accounted for a greater share of growth when it comes to post-pandemic participation gains in recreational golf. The recent momentum has more than reversed the declines seen in the female participation ranks following the Great Recession.
Hollywood Beach GC Welcomes Public Back After Two-Year Restoration Project
For the National Golf Foundation’s consulting team, the recent reopening of Hollywood Beach Golf Club in South Florida represents the successful culmination of a years-long collaboration on the restoration of a century-old Golden Age public course – an extensive effort driven by city officials and supported by residents.
Examining Golf Engagement Further ‘Off-Course’
While not included in off-course participation measures, mini golf, VR golf and video games see notable growth
Outside the current definition of "off-course participation," a number of golf-related activities that engage participants away from the golf course continue to grow. And they expand the game's reach, reinforce awareness, and help serve as a gateway to participation with other forms of off-course golf and even traditional, green-grass play.
The PopStroke concept is rooted in golf, with a growing portfolio of tech-enabled putting venues that blend golf with F&B and social experiences, but this modern golf entertainment version of mini golf isn't counted among NGF's off-course forms of participation. While PopStroke's owner acknowledges the platform exists adjacent to golf, he also sees its influence within the game's broader ecosystem.
Greg joins Matt Adams and Fairways of Life from the PGA Show floor to detail golf participation numbers in the United States. Spoiler: golf popularity is still on the rise after 2025.
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.
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.
At a time when more people are playing more golf in more ways than at any time in history, NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan shares a few observations about the game's momentum and growth, and expresses immense gratitude for the tens of thousands of friends and members throughout the industry.
At a time when more people are playing more golf in more ways than at any time in history, NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan shares a few observations about the game's momentum and growth, and expresses immense gratitude for the tens of thousands of friends and members throughout the industry.
The indoor golf simulator niche is one of the fastest-growing in the world of golf, both from a supply and facility standpoint, as well as a participation and engagement front. These member and free documents detail the latest research and insights into this rapidly-growing space.
NGF's Greg Nathan has again been recognized by Golf Inc. as one of the “Most Powerful People in Golf.” The list highlights leaders who continue to shape the game’s future through vision, influence and innovation.
Topic: Business Management
