3-Minute Business Insights
Facility Services
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.
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
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.
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.
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 golf simulator niche is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the golf industry, and the number of commercial golf simulator venues has proliferated in recent years. NGF continues to try to size and scope the explosive growth in the market.
What is Behind the Rise of Private Golf Development?
Three states are leading the way, with over 50% of new private projects
The recent rise in private golf development is a notable departure from the current U.S. supply landscape, as more than half of new courses under construction or in-planning are private clubs. The current trajectory is attributable to a multitude of factors, both economic and societal, but is representative of a more measured and targeted approach than the industry experienced in the 1990s and into the early 2000s.
Golf’s $100 Million Phone Problem
NGF research shows many golf facilities are hemorrhaging resources on avoidable (and often trivial) phone calls, diverting staff from higher-value touch points and revenue-generating activities. Consider that two-thirds of golf course calls are about reservations and pricing, and only 40% of golfers are booking tee times exclusively or mostly online – compared to 80-90% for flights, hotels, and rental cars.
Greg Joins Barstool Boys to Talk Golf’s ‘Boom’ on the Fore Play Podcast
Greg Nathan, CEO of the National Golf Foundation, joins the Barstool Sports guys to break down the unprecedented growth of golf -- from skyrocketing participation and new player demographics to the evolution of how the game is played and experienced.
