Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Green-Grass Facility
Examining the Historic Surge in Beginning Golfers
More than 3 million people have taken up golf every year for six years running — a record high. This member piece breaks down what's driving the surge, from the pandemic to off-course golf, and why keeping beginners in the game may matter more than attracting them.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Facility Management, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Off-course Facility
Another Rounds Record?
Midway through 2026, and in the heart of golf's peak season, play at U.S. courses is on pace to set another record for rounds -- provided any unforeseen disruptions during the second half of the year.
New U.S. golf course development is at its highest level in more than a decade, with active projects in 32 states — including three which together account for 40% of new course activity.
Play remains ahead of 2025's record pace at midway point of year
June is one of the highest-volume months of the year for U.S. play and rounds were slightly ahead of the 2025 pace on a national level.
The Disproportionate Impact of Senior Golfers
More play, spend and engagement for 65+ golfers, except for one notable category
Senior golfers, those 65 and older, represent nearly 22% of the game’s traditional participant base but have a disproportionate impact on rounds played and spending. This member research update provides a high-level overview.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Retail
‘Okay Boomer’
While there’s been a lot of understandable excitement around NGF’s reporting on golf’s youth movement, the other end of the age spectrum is seeing considerable participation momentum as well – a trend that is a byproduct of broader U.S. demographics.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Events & Tourism, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Real Estate & Investment, Retail
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
