Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Course Operations
Inside Golf’s Foundational Municipal Renaissance
Approximately 70% of Core golfers had some of their earliest golf experiences at municipally owned or operated facilities, underscoring these courses' critical role as a primary pipeline for developing engaged participants. And as the number of municipal facilities has climbed to record levels, the customer base at many munis looks very much like a diverse cross-section of local residents of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
More than half of new U.S. courses in active development are member-only
With the announcement of new course projects in Michigan and Virginia, there are now projects in varying stages of development in 35 states. These projects, and over 150 others, are tracked in NGF's industry-leading Construction Report.
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%.
The Record Rise of Female Golf
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.
Topics: Business Management, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Retail
Female Participation & Engagement Report Now Available
See the highlights from the new member report
Women and girls have been major contributors to the recent participation surges within the recreational game, as the number of U.S. golfers continues to climb toward record territory.
Topics: Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Off-course Facility, Specialized Services
April play was up year-over-year, helping keep 2026 ahead of last year's record-setting pace for rounds heading into the peak months of the golf season.
Jodi Reilly has been promoted to Senior Manager of NGF's Consulting Services, recognizing her longstanding impact on the organization’s advisory work and her growing role in leading client-facing engagements across the golf industry.
Topics: Course Operations, Facility Management
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.
Amid increases in U.S. golfers and rounds-played over the past six years, the number of people participating in leagues – whether run internally by golf facilities or externally by national organizations – has jumped dramatically. This engagement is outpacing broader on-course participation changes in the post-pandemic era.
Rounds of golf for March remained relatively stable at a national level, with declines on the East Coast offset by West Coast gains driven by warm, dry weather.
This Age Cohort With the Most Golf Travelers Might Surprise
2026 is shaping up to be another record-setting year for golf travel. Among adult golfers, one age group is leading the way (by a slight margin), accounting for almost one-third of destination-motivated golf trips.
