Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Green-Grass Facility
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 Private Side
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.
Buoyed in part by play at private clubs, rounds jumped in July and put 2025 almost on the same pace as last year's record-setting trajectory. It bears noting that July is traditionally the highest-volume month of the year when it comes to rounds-played.
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 Syngenta's Changing the Business of Golf podcast to discuss the critical changes golf clubs and courses can make to boost customer retention and reposition the game as a more accessible, growth-oriented sport.
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.
When it comes to indicators of golf’s sustained play levels -- at least nationally -- consider this: all 26 peak-season months dating back to 2020 have seen rounds trend at least 10% higher than recent pre-Covid comparisons. And based on mid-year play data, it’s quite possible 2025 could hit record levels yet again.
