How Much is New Golf Course Development Up?

Dream Golf, the developer behind destination golf properties such as Bandon Dunes on the Oregon coast and Sand Valley in central Wisconsin, this year gave the green light to two more public projects: Old Shores on the Florida panhandle and Wild Spring Dunes in Texas. They became the newest facilities in a growing portfolio of golf resorts that also includes Rodeo Dunes in Colorado, where the first two planned courses are under construction, with others to potentially follow.

While participation and play have enjoyed well-chronicled jumps during golf’s post-pandemic renaissance, golf development is also on the rise, albeit to …

Warmer, drier weather extended the golf season in the Midwest and Northeast, leading to one of the largest year-over-year jumps in play in 2024

Renovations, Restorations & Revitalizations Lead Investment at Existing Facilities

In Hollister, California — about 90 miles south of San Francisco headed toward the Monterey Peninsula — San Juan Oaks Golf Club recently reopened for daily-fee play after a 2 1/2-year renovation. The intensive project was more than that, though. General Manager Manny Freitas fittingly describes it as a transformation that marks a "complete rebirth" of the course and facilities.

The scope of the effort was significant: a regrassing of the entire 18-hole course, new teeing grounds for greater flexibility, a new pump station and irrigation system to prevent overwatering, new practice facilities, a completely remodeled and expanded clubhouse, and new infrastructure …

After general stability over the peak season months, September saw more fluctuation when it comes to year-over-year play. How did this impact the pursuit of another potential record-setting year for rounds in 2024?

Examining Golf’s Age Differences, On Course and Off

Part of golf's allure is that it can be enjoyed by players of all ages.

While perceived by some as a game comprised mostly of an older participant base, the numbers tell a different story — at least from a golfer standpoint. That said, it's understandable why the former can be construed, especially when driving by many golf courses on a weekday morning; as it's older participants who generally have the time and opportunity to play more frequently.

The reality is that golfers age 50 and over account for about 43% of the on-course participant base of 26.6 million, as highlighted in this …

August rounds were up in six of eight geographic regions, with all of those experiencing less precipitation than a year ago. Two regions on the East coast saw fewer rounds thanks to wetter weather than a year ago, but play at U.S. golf facilities overall remained steady through the end of the peak summer months.