Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
Full Shots
How loosening up the traditional rules of dress could have a major impact on engagement
"We want our customers to feel welcome here, and knowing they aren’t being judged for their attire can help achieve that, especially the new golfers.”
Topics: Apparel, Consumer Spending, Dress Code, Economy, Engagement
Rounds played saw slight national gain in September, with increases driven primarily by certain pockets of the country.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Rounds momentum remains strong nationally
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
From participation to watching as fans, what are Core golfers saying about the team component?
The majority of golfers say they’ve played in at least one team event within the past 12 months -- not surprisingly most likely a scramble. And an even higher proportion say they're interested in playing in a team event within the next year.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Research, Team Golf
The Growth of Destination Golf
A closer look at one of golf's biggest development categories

Whether its golf destinations, destination golf resorts or destination golf in general, this niche continues to grow in popularity – on both the public and private side.
Topics: Destination Golf, Development, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Supply

How Close is 2023 Play to Record-Setting 2021?

On a national level, rounds saw a major move after the highest-volume month of the year (July)
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Participation

Link in story to free three-page report
Nationwide play was up for a fourth straight in-season month -- see just how much.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Facilities, Research
What Is Social Media's Impact on Golf Perception?
NGF member insider: click to access report on Perceptions of Golf

It’s estimated that approximately 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media, at varying levels. About 80% of them are non-golfers who have very different perceptions of golf than those who don't engage with the game at all.
Topics: Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Research

Golf's Off-Course to On-Course Pathway
Assessing off-course impact on green grass engagement: Member Exclusive

The growth and evolution of off-course forms of golf have led to questions (and opinions) about its impact on the traditional game. Here's a closer look at that divide and the latest research into how green-grass participation, trials and interest are being affected.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Grow The Game

At Midyear, How Close Are 2023 Rounds to Record Pace?

Beyond year-over-year comparisons, it's perhaps even more meaningful how close we are to the record-setting pace of 2021, a year in which there were more rounds of golf played at U.S. courses than at any time in history.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played

Link in story to free three-page report
June rounds rise YOY for fourth straight year. See how much play was up on a national level.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Clubs, Participation
Midyear Momentum: Course Openings & Closures
Continued signs of equilibrium in world's best-supplied golf market

Over the past four years, the number of annual golf course closures has dropped 62%. So what does the market look like at the midway point of 2023? And how do course openings compare to recent years?
Topics: Closures, Construction, Development, Economy, Facilities
