3-Minute Business Insights
Course Operations
Golf is big business -- with a direct U.S. economic impact of almost $102 billion annually. NGF produced the most recent, and often-quoted U.S. Golf Economic Impact Study, and also conduct standard reports on golf's impact at the state level. These numbers are a part of many of our latest one-page state summaries that detail key supply and demand data at a more localized level -- now available to members.
Does this State Have the Fiercest Public Tee Time Competition?
Member update: State-level research and insights detail supply and demand from Florida to California
Where is the competition for public access golf the fiercest and why? This member sidebar details not only the number of golfers per public course, but which states have the highest proportion of private golf, which have the most golf-related real estate, and much more.
Golf’s Growth Era – The Road to 50 Million Golfers
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
Member Participation Update: Record Momentum Continues
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, providing the latest data on golf participation — from changes in traditional green-grass participation to detailed information on key segments such as females, people of color and juniors. Also highlighted is the annual golfer "churn," the regular inflow and outflow within the game that impacts participation levels.
Annual Golfer “Churn” – Inflow & Outflow
Is the strong start to the year surprising?
January 2026 saw the biggest year-over-year jump in rounds of golf played since 2021.
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.
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.
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
Member Supply Update: Sizing & Scoping the U.S. Golf Market
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report, offering details and visuals on historical supply trends, public and private golf course and facility totals, trends and counts in the golf resort and residential space, and the best-supplied states in various categories.
A Closer Look at Golf’s Run of Record Rounds
New member report and insight into play by age, segment, season and pre-Covid comps
Member graphics and a summary report offer a closer examination of the recent run of record-setting U.S. play, with looks at “post-Covid era” as well as pre-pandemic years, the total volume of rounds played by various geographic regions, includes play by segment, age cohorts and avidity, and takes a broad look at weather-related impacts.
Record Rounds Again in 2025, with 2K Fewer Courses
The post-pandemic surge has proven more durable than some initially expected, with rounds of golf at U.S. courses climbing to yet another all-time high in 2025. It's a run that has similarities to the early 2000s "Tiger Boom," but is far from apples-to-apples comparison.
Topics: Course Operations, Facility Management
