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National rounds played jumped more than 19% in February compared to a year ago, with play up significantly in seven of eight regions for the month before the coronavirus outbreak resulted in the temporary suspension of golf operations at a growing number of U.S. golf facilities in March.
Through the first two months of 2020, rounds were up 15.2% year-over-year, spurred in part by warmer weather in many parts of the country.
In the Mid-Atlantic, New England and East North Central regions, the average temperature for February was 7 to 9 degrees higher than the same time last year. As a result, rounds increased by more than 180% in the Philadelphia area, 80% in and around New York City, 75% in the Washington/Baltimore area, 100% in New England.
In the Chicago area, recorded rounds were up more than 500% for February, while play was more than seven times greater in Detroit.
In the Pacific Region, the Seattle area saw almost three times as many rounds played in February 2020 than a year ago, while spots in California like San Francisco and Sacramento were up over 100%.
While the first two months account for a small percentage of total rounds for the year, the significant increase in play for January and February reflects the interest that exists when given more favorable weather conditions.
