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.

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.

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.

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.

First month of peak season sees a notable jump in rounds nationally, with no year-over-year declines across the eight geographic regions.

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.

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.