September 2020 National Rounds Played
September rounds were up 25.5% nationally year-over-year, the biggest monthly increase yet in 2020.
2021 PGA Show To Be All-Virtual
The 2021 PGA Merchandise Show will shift to an all-virtual format in January amid the ongoing pandemic.
U.S. Golf Equipment Sales Set Q3 Retail Record of $1 Billion
U.S. golf equipment retail sales set a Q3 record in 2020 at more than $1 billion.
Perceptions of Golf
Golf has grabbed a lot of people’s attention amid the pandemic. What is golf’s story, and how can those in the industry present a better one?
Entering August, over 98% of U.S. golf courses were open for play. In early April, only 44% were open due to the coronavirus, seasonality or a combination of the two.
• Currently open
• Not yet open or operations suspended temporarily
• Non-sampled golf facilities
The map above represents a sample of approximately 10% of all golf courses in the U.S., and is intended to provide perspective as to the geography of courses that are either open or have temporarily suspended golf operations.
While not representative of a complete view of golf course availability, it is the most nationally representative sample of courses available in the industry -- one that includes daily fee, private, municipal, resort and residential communities.
Trend in Course Openings
Less than 50% of golf courses were open to play for more than a month during the height of the coronavirus pandemic -- a combination of governmental efforts (state and local) to reduce the spread of the virus as well as seasonality (wintry weather in the northernmost parts of the country).
The percentage steadily increased from the last week of April through mid-May as more than a dozen states lifted bans on golf while others -- most notably California and Florida -- eased significant local restrictions. By early June, no states had restrictions on play.
Ask the NGF
What information would most help your business?
Golfers
This Age Cohort Has Been Especially Engaged During Pandemic
As the pandemic stretches on, NGF’s ongoing national participation study shows that 35- to 49-year-old golfers have been especially engaged.
With June Surge, Could 2020 Rounds Top 2019?
June play was up in every state in the continental U.S. and follows a 6% bump in May play. Continued strong momentum in July and August would offset the loss of 20 million spring rounds or perhaps surpass last year’s play.
Pandemic Could Spur Junior Jump of Half-Million Golfers
The second quarter participation surge revealed 20% jump in the number of junior, beginner and returning golfers.
Golf Courses
9-Hole Play Is Up During Pandemic
Whether its core golfers or occasional, nine-hole rounds of golf are up during the pandemic. See just how much.
An Intersection of Two National Pastimes: Baseball and Golf
As MLB moves forward with its abbreviated 60-game season, it got us to thinking — which MLB stadium has the most golf courses within a 5-mile radius (as the crow flies)? After all, the vast majority of stadiums are built close to major metropolitan areas, which usually also have a wealth of golf options.
Golfers and Physical Distancing
Golf is a sport that by its nature is conducive to social distancing. Here’s how the physical distancing trend among golfers has changed over time.
General Interest
August 2020 National Rounds Played
August rounds were up 20.6% nationally year-over-year, setting a new standard for the biggest increase in a peak season month since Golf Datatech began tracking rounds figures two decades ago.
Golf Equipment Sales Hit Record $331M for August
Total golf equipment sales were $331 million in August, extending a record-setting summer for the retail side of the business.
Record-Setting July for Golf Equipment Sales
Total on- and off-course golf equipment sales were $388.6 million in July, a single-month record since Golf Datatech began tracking golf retail sales in 1997.
NGF News & Reports
NGF New Members – September 2020
The NGF extends a warm welcome to the newest members of its growing community, both facilities and businesses.
NGF New Members – August 2020
The NGF extends a warm welcome to the newest members of its growing community, both facilities and businesses.
NGF New Members – July 2020
The NGF extends a warm welcome to the newest members of its growing community, both facilities and businesses.