NGF GOLF 100 FAQs
What is the NGF Top 100 Businesses in Golf and why was it created?
The NGF's Top 100 Businesses in Golf is a first-of-its-kind list created by the NGF to recognize the size and diversity of the recreational/commercial side of the golf industry. A strategic fit with the foundation’s unique position as the only association focused on the entire business of golf, the platform is an effort to better celebrate the most successful, influential, innovative, and impactful businesses in the game.
How often will it be published?
The Top 100 Businesses in Golf is intended to be a biennial effort. The previous edition was released in 2023.
Who is eligible for the Top 100 Businesses in Golf?
Included in the list are companies and businesses having direct involvement with the recreational and commercial side of the golf industry that conduct all, a majority or a significant portion of their golf business within the U.S.
Associations, agencies and major partners (business and broadcast) for the professional golf tours aren't included, even as many have a significant impact and influence within the U.S. golf market. The intent of this change is to put greater focus on the wide variety of businesses with products or services geared more toward the recreational game.
What are the criteria?
A variety of criteria are considered in order to provide multiple pathways for the NGF Top 100 Businesses in Golf, ensuring the list doesn’t simply include the “biggest” companies in the game. Among the factors weighed during the evaluation process:
- Revenue
- Influence or Clout
- Contributions to the Growth and Vitality of the Recreational Game
- Innovation
- Growth Rate & Success
- Leadership (within a particular sector)
- Prominence (within the golf industry overall)
Who makes the selections?
The NGF’s editorial board is ultimately responsible for the make-up of the Top 100 Businesses in Golf initiative, with the assistance and input of experts from each sector of the golf industry. While the criteria are transparent, the selection process is not intended to be purely scientific and is at the discretion of the NGF editorial board, which is the ultimate arbiter.
Why wasn’t my company or organization selected?
At its essence, the NGF's Top 100 Businesses in Golf demonstrates the depth of successful businesses in the game. Not all of them can make the list, with some of those coming up just short in very competitive sectors and receiving Honorable Mention recognition. Others may be positioned to be on the list in coming years. The reality is that lists always generate 19th hole discussion and, ultimately, the intent is that this is a positive for golf. Input is always encouraged.
What is the nomination process?
Businesses and organizations are identified by the NGF’s editorial board and grouped into a range of different sectors: Apparel & Accessories, Equipment, Management & Development Companies, Media & Technology, Retail, and Turf & Course Suppliers. A number of portfolio companies are also recognized -- having several brands from different sectors under one parent company -- while there is also a "miscellaneous" category for businesses that don't necessarily fit in one of the other segments.
How are those in the Top 100 Businesses in Golf recognized?
Companies that have active Executive Member status with NGF are permitted to use the official Top 100 branding in advertising, on social media and on their website. NGF retains rights to branding for the initiative. Non-members are invited to contact Greg Nathan at gnathan@ngf.org to learn more about the many benefits of executive membership.
Why is the Top 100 Businesses in Golf in list form and not a ranking?
The intent of the NGF’s Top 100 Businesses in Golf is to celebrate businesses making an impact on the industry and demonstrating success, growth and innovation within their sector, not to debate the merits of who should be No. 1. Invariably, one company or organization might rate highly in one set of criteria, while another has significant prominence in another measure. The NGF works with leading brands throughout the industry on a daily basis, so there is an understanding that comparing Syngenta with Srixon or Toro with Titleist is a futile exercise. As the only trade association that covers all verticals in golf, the NGF has opted to simply list Top 100 companies alphabetically by category.
Why are some companies grouped together rather than included separately?
Our editorial staff has chosen to group together businesses that fall under the ownership of a single parent company -- Topgolf Callaway being a prime example, with other notable brands such as TravisMathew, Odyssey and Ogio also falling under that umbrella. When different brands are involved from a variety of categories, we've termed these "Portfolio Companies."
Similarly, there are other individual companies that would be probable, or certain, top 100 candidates as standalone brands -- such as GolfNow under Golf Channel, or FootJoy and Titleist under Acushnet. FMC was previously a Top 100 golf business on its own prior to being acquired by ENVU.
In other instances, it may be collective relevance of several brands under a parent company that pushed them onto the list.
Why is company A selected over company B?
The intent of almost any good list is to generate dialogue or debate. This is particularly true when looking at such a diverse industry such as golf and trying to evaluate and weigh the accomplishments, innovations and successes of businesses in very different sectors. The criteria for the NGF Top 100 Businesses in Golf intentionally extends well beyond revenues, so innovative companies that have created a niche in the market or greatly contributed to the growth and vitality of the commercial side of the game may get recognized for that significance. Golf in many ways is fortunate and unique in having so many meaningful businesses, far more than most major sports.
Are all the businesses in the Top 100 Businesses in Golf members of the NGF?
No. However, around 80% of the businesses and associations represented in the Top 100 Businesses in Golf have membership affiliation with the NGF to some extent. The NGF is unique in that it is the only trade association involved in all sectors of the golf industry, and it is supported by myriad golf-related businesses in every category. These companies – and NGF member courses, clubs, associations, management groups, golf architects and media, not to mention non-endemic businesses with ties to the golf industry – rely on NGF research and resources to support and influence their strategic planning and decision-making. It’s another reason the Top 100 Businesses in Golf is apropos to the NGF’s mission.
