Exclusive NGF Articles and Reports
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The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
How the unique characteristics of age cohorts groups pertain to consumer engagement
The meaningful differences between age cohorts can be of particular relevance and importance for those in the golf business, helping to understand the wants, needs and motivations of customers.
Topics: 18-34, 35-49, 65+, Beginners, Engagement
An Inside Look at the Golf Management Space
The evolution and growth of MCOs in the U.S. golf market
Topics: Course Owners, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
June, July Rebound Suggest Rounds Retention
Play continues to trend ahead of recent pre-pandemic years
After strong play totals in June and July, YTD play entering August was trailing the record pace of 2021 by only 4%. And there are clear signs of retaining recent gains.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities, Golfers
Peak season play saw a slight increase for second straight month
July rounds continued June's momentum, with a slight increase even over the record-setting pace of 2021
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Research, Rounds Played
8 best practices to help your business
The past several years have been generally very positive for golf operators, thanks to the "Covid boom." But how should we be improving the customer experience to ensure we're prepared and positioned for the future?
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
What is golf's pandemic dividend?
With the June 2022 national rounds report out, we now have a full 24 months of supporting data since golfers have been unencumbered by pandemic restrictions. Here's a closer look:
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golfers, Participation, Research
The midway point for rounds follows one of the highest-volume months of the year
June rounds saw a slight YOY uptick after three months of declines in national play
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Golf Courses, Golfers, Participation
Equipment Market Remains Strong Midway Through '22
Member look: Golf club & ball shipments up significantly compared to pre-pandemic
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, Golf Clubs, Research
Golf Course Closures Still Trending Downward
Member report: Closures on pace for lowest total in 17 years
The ongoing correction in the world's richest golf market began in 2006 after an unprecedented, and unsustainable, 20-year golf course building boom. The recent slowdown in closures may indicate the market is moving closer to equilibrium.
Topics: Closures, Economy, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses
How Does 2022 Rounds Momentum Compare to Pre-Covid?
A member-only look at rounds comparisons to previous years
In assessing play levels, it can be helpful to look beyond year-over-year comparisons. Here's how May 2022 stacks up against recent years just before the pandemic-driven play surges.
Topics: Facilities, Golf Courses, Participation, Rounds Played
A year ago, May rounds were +18% across the U.S.
Rounds of golf were down slightly, again, on a nationwide level in May. How did they compare to 2021?
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses, Participation
Like other aspects of golf, mini golf is evolving – with new forms and concepts
As new golf entertainment versions of mini golf crop up, with investment from prominent names like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, it leads to inevitable questions about the impact these kinds of 'golf' experiences might have on interest in playing on a real golf course.
Topics: Engagement, Golfers, Mini Golf, Miniature Golf, Off-course Participation
