Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
Moderate rise in April pulls 2025 YTD even with last year's record play
After a solid April, U.S. play through the first four months is even with the record-setting rounds levels in 2024.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Rounds
The Price to Play
Examining the changes in public playing fees and the average 18-hole rate by state
When detailing the average price of public golf, it’s not uncommon to hear the refrain, “But that’s not it costs to play golf where I live.” And there’s a reality behind those assertions. Not only can peak weekend fees be substantially higher, but playing fees vary widely by geography as well as the type of public facility.
Topics: Cost Of Golf, Course Management, Courses, Facilities, Facilities Database
Why Golf Trip Recommendations Hinge on Consistency
The Par That Pays
NGF surveys reveal one-third of golfers chose their last golf destination based on recommendations from someone they know. Word of mouth isn't just important for golf travel businesses – it's absolutely critical.
Topics: Golf Travel, NGF, Research, Tourism, Travel
Strong spring start again in northern climes
After seasonality limited play in some parts of the country in January and February, March rounds rebounded thanks to favorable golf weather in much of the northeast, helping spur another spring surge.
Topics: Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Research, Rounds
Beginners, Juniors, Female, Young Adults, Seniors, and People of Color
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various participation-related topics among the U.S. golfer population.
Topics: 18-34, 65+, Asian, Baby Boomers, Beginners
Facilities, Facility Health, Municipal Golf, Development, 9-Hole and Par 3
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various supply-related topics
Topics: 9-Hole Courses, Construction, Courses, Development, Facilities
A year after the third warmest February on record allowed many golf courses in northern states to get an early jump on the 2024 golf season, the more typical wintry weather conditions in those same states prevented a repeat.
Topics: Courses, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds
NGF’s State-Level Golf Summaries – Now Available
Members looking for more granular supply and demand data at the state level -- from courses, golfers and rounds to price points, demographic breakouts and economic impact -- can find individual one-page summary overviews of the golf landscape from Alaska to Florida.
Topics: Demand, Facility Supply, Golf Participation, Green Fees, Pricing
NGF's 2025 Golf Facilities in the U.S. Report - Now Available
Key year-end data on the world's best-supplied golf market
This comprehensive annual member report provides an in-depth overview of golf facility supply in the U.S. -- from historical trends in the number of golf facilities to detailed information on total supply by state and region, Top 10 lists by state supply, a facility health update, a breakdown of supply by facility type, golf courses in-planning and under construction, the latest on openings and closures, and much more.
Topics: Development, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, General Interest
Seasonal sluggish start to 2025
January is one of the lowest-volume months of the year when it comes to national play, with about two-thirds of the country still awaiting a true start to their golf season. Even colder temperatures to start 2025 than the prior year contributed to a sluggish start for rounds.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Participation
NGF’s 2025 Participation in the U.S. Report – Now Available
Year-end 2024 data for on- and off-course participation in the world's biggest golf market.
This annual summary through year-end 2024 provides the latest data on golf participation — both traditional on-course golfers and those who engage with the game away from the course. The report includes detailed information on key segments such as beginners, women, people of color, juniors, and a closer look at the continually-expanding pool of non-golfers who say they’re very interested in playing the game.
Topics: Beginners, Demand, Engagement, Females, General Interest
The annual National Rounds Report provides a summary overview of play across the U.S. in 2024 — from national and state levels. This member report takes a look at rounds trends, with comparisons to pre-pandemic engagement and details about play levels based on age groups, participation segments, and avidity.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, General Interest, Golf Courses
