Topic
Course Operations
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.
October rounds see slight national year-over-year decline as cooler, wetter weather slows strong play momentum in certain regions.
The golf industry is on the verge of another record for rounds-played for the fourth time in five years, and it could be the play at private clubs that pushes the industry over the top.
September rounds of golf were up again on a national level over the same period a year ago, keeping the U.S. golf market on pace for a record-setting year for rounds in 2025.
As the traditional game continues to modernize and evolve, mobile apps are an increasingly important part of the golf experience, on and off the course. More than three quarters of Core golfers say they use golf-specific apps, with the most notable recent increases in usage coming in several main areas.
Private club golfers account for less than 8% of golf's green-grass participation base, but this group plays and spends more on the game and is a popular target market audience for businesses inside and outside the golf industry.
August rounds of golf saw the biggest year-over-year jump of any month this year, pushing the industry slightly ahead of the record-setting play pace set in 2024.
A New Yardstick of Success
Whether temporarily or otherwise, golf has captured the global zeitgeist. So, what are the notable differences when it comes to golfers in the current era? For one, the number of golfers who place themselves on the highest level of NGF’s ‘passion scale’ has grown nearly 20% since the pandemic.
Topics: Course Operations, Green-Grass Facility
Golfers aren’t just playing more, they’re also spending more time at golf facilities in general. As golf courses continue to position themselves as destinations beyond on-course golf – from practice and retail offerings to additional amenities and broader food & beverage offerings – the average length of stay has increased significantly compared to the pre-Covid era.
Greg Nathan sits down with Golf Inc. for an in-depth industry Q&A, discussing health metrics, growth opportunities, the sustainability of golf's resurgence, emerging technologies and more.
Member Presentation: Understanding Golf’s Hidden Phone Costs
NGF research shows the majority of golf course operators are aware of the opportunity cost of 6 million phone hours, but only a small percentage have actually implemented technology solutions to minimize waste, with a fraction more exploring their options. This gap points to a competitive advantage opportunity for operators willing to act.
