Technology & Innovation

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.

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.

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.

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.

With golf facility operators facing a complex decision-making process when evaluating simulator investments, this industry white paper serves as an essential resource for those evaluating simulator investments, providing a guide for implementation and ROI.