A Closer Look at Golf’s Retention Problem

Over the past five years, almost 14 million beginners have played golf on a course for the first time in the U.S. And yet, over that same period, golf's participation base -- the overall "sea level" -- has increased by about 1.3 million, even with the influx of returners in addition to beginners due to the pandemic. The ability to retain (and convert trials to committed golfers) has been golf's Achilles heel for some time now. Off-course forms of golf may contribute positively to the game's retention rate. Golf entertainment in particular leads to more confidence and competence, with NGF research ...