Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Green-Grass Facility
Moderate year-over-year gain pushes 2025 closer to record-setting territory
Limited play in Northeast states due to weather is offset by warmer weather increases further west as November rounds get a slight boost on a national level.
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.
Examining Golf Engagement Further ‘Off-Course’
While not included in off-course participation measures, mini golf, VR golf and video games see notable growth
Outside the current definition of "off-course participation," a number of golf-related activities that engage participants away from the golf course continue to grow. And they expand the game's reach, reinforce awareness, and help serve as a gateway to participation with other forms of off-course golf and even traditional, green-grass play.
October rounds see slight national year-over-year decline as cooler, wetter weather slows strong play momentum in certain regions.
NGF’s top award recognizes contributions to growing the game and business of golf
Topics: Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility
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.
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.
