3-Minute Business Insights

Short Game

Rethinking the Retention Question
One of the overarching questions prompted by increased golf engagement over the past 18 months is whether the industry will be able to hold on those new golfers who have taken up the sport. But our research shows a notable difference between retention and conversion.
Topics: Beginners, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golfers
Rethinking the Retention Question
Golf Course Operators Regain Some Pricing Power
Amid nationwide surges in play, over a third of public golf courses have bumped up their peak season fees after years of lagging behind the inflation rate. Yet golf continues to shine as an affordable option compared to other activities that take a similar amount of time.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Image Of The Game, Marketing
Golf Course Operators Regain Some Pricing Power
New Normal or Old Normal?
Can golf's current higher levels of demand be sustained? History suggests the answer is "Yes."
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Equipment, Facilities, Facility Supply
New Normal or Old Normal?
Tee It Forward - Ten Years Later
NGF's recent survey of Core golfers indicated 73% recalled Tee It Forward, but a much smaller percentage had actually moved up in recent years. Here's what they found, and what's keeping others from moving forward a tee.
Topics: Engagement, Facilities, General Interest, Golf Courses, Golfers
Tee It Forward - Ten Years Later
Golf Around the World
Based on research from the NGF’s definitive international facility database, the R&A's biennial Golf Around the World Report is back and counts golf courses in 206 of the world’s 251 countries -- with more than 38,000 courses globally.
Topics: Development, Facilities, Facility Supply, Golf Courses, Golf Facilities
Golf Around the World
Tiger's Long Tale
It's the 25-year anniversary of Tiger's "Hello, World" introductory press conference. His impact on the game and business of golf was almost instantaneously felt and it continues to reverberate today.
Topics: Economy, Engagement, Golfers, Grow The Game, Image Of The Game
Tiger's Long Tale
Course Supply Leveling Out
NGF's database team has seen a significant drop in a particular supply-based area during the first half of 2021. Could this be the year golf course supply in the U.S. levels out?
Topics: Closures, Facilities, Facility Supply, General Interest, Golf Courses
Course Supply Leveling Out
Rounds Played Continue at Elevated Levels
The most frequently asked question since the beginning of the year was whether the elevated level of golf activity would maintain in 2021. Well, we’ve had our first real test – comparing peak season months in 2020 and 2021.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, Facilities, Facility Operations, Golf Courses
Rounds Played Continue at Elevated Levels
Equipment Sales Continue Run
The 2021 first-half momentum for golf equipment sales carries over from second half of 2020. Is it better than 2019?
Topics: Consumer Spending, Economy, Equipment, General Interest, Research
Equipment Sales Continue Run
Golf: There's An App for That
App use is becoming prevalent in all walks of life, including the golf world. There are now hundreds of golf-centric apps available and usage continues to climb.
Topics: Consumer Spending, Engagement, General Interest, Golfers, Research
Golf: There's An App for That
Check out these numbers
Game of a Lifetime?
You often hear golf referred to as the game of a lifetime. But is it? Unlike virtually every other sport, golf participation actually holds steady across the ages.
Topics: Baby Boomers, General Interest, Golfers, Participation, Research
Game of a Lifetime?
Women in golf – progress and opportunity
Just seven years ago, the proportion of all golf participants (on/off-course combined) who were women was 27%. Since then, the volume of female participants has grown by 43%, and there's even greater potential.
Topics: Engagement, Females, General Interest, Golf Participation, Golfers
Women in golf – progress and opportunity

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