Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
Annual Members-Only Report Summarizes U.S. Play
This summary report provides an overview of the record-setting 2021 play in the world's top golf market.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
A Closer Look at Course Openings
A member-only dive into new facilities

In 2021, the number of new course openings in the U.S. was again limited. And yet these debuts, from Florida to Washington, hit their highest number since 2017.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, New Courses, Openings

Need to Know Numbers About Golf Course Closures
Member-Only Look at Ongoing Supply Correction

During the past two years of the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. golf course market has experienced noteworthy changes. In 2021, course closure numbers reached a level not seen in over a decade.
Topics: Daily Fee, Facilities, Facility Operations, Facility Supply, Golf Courses

Golf Facilities Report Now Available
Annual Members-Only Report Provides Supply Overview

This comprehensive annual summary provides an overview of golf facility supply in the U.S., the world’s best-supplied golf market.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Reports, Research

Buttoning Up Play in 2021
Play in 2021 finished ahead of 2020 after yet another positive year-over-year gain for December. See how many more rounds that translated to.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers
2021 Play Looks to Finish on December Upswing
NGF member-only rounds analysis

What do early returns on December's nationwide play show after the final month of 2020 had a 37% jump?
Topics: Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played

Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
October rounds-played almost matched the late-season surges seen in 2020, as total play remains up year-over-year.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
What it is, Why it's important for golf, and How it works
Welcome2Golf is NGF’s effort to introduce adult non-golfers to the game of golf and improve the beginner experience to convert more newcomers into committed golfers. After all, almost 75% of the record 3 million+ beginners each of the past two years are 18 or older.
Topics: Beginners, Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game
Military Golf in the U.S.
Golf is an important recreation and rehabilitation outlet for those who serve and protect our country.

Collectively, the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces operate more than 150 U.S. golf courses. If the individual branches were grouped together to form a single management company, it would rank among the top multi-course operators in the country.
Topics: Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Management, Management Company

How 2021 Rounds Compare to 2020 Entering Q4

It's likely year-over-year play will continue to be down in the final months of the year, but it's important to keep these declines in proper perspective.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golfers

September 2021 rounds dipped after a 25% gain a year ago, as expected, but how much were they off the 2020 pace?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation