February 2021 National Rounds Played
February rounds were down 4.7% nationwide compared to a year ago, when play for the month had been up 19% before the pandemic hit the U.S.
Cracking the Code
There’s a multi-million dollar question floating around the industry these days: How do we retain more golfers, particularly in light of the extraordinary inflow of returners and first-timers in 2020 (+27% vs. ‘19)?
NGF’s State-of-Industry Graffis Report Now Available
NGF’s Graffis Report, a overview of an unprecedented year for the golf business in 2020, is now available for NGF members.
January 2021 National Rounds Played
Golf’s on-course momentum from 2020 carried into 2021, with January rounds up 21% nationwide.
In Spring of 2020, more than half of U.S. golf courses were temporarily closed due the coronavirus, seasonality or a combination of the two. By June, more than 98% of facilities had reopened and surges in play followed as golf was embraced as a safe, healthy outdoor sport that could be played by participants of all ages despite the pandemic. Through the end of the year, more than 75 million additional rounds were played nationwide than the same seven-month stretch in 2019.
• 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.
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Golfers
What’s Ahead for ‘Zealous’ Golfers?
About 20% of the Core golfer population really upped their engagement in 2020. Can that continue? And who might take this group’s place in 2021?
Who’s More “Into” Golf?
With many existing golfers playing more frequently in 2020, what do they say about their interest in the game compared to previous years?
The Churn: Retaining and Sustaining Are Crucial
After summer spikes in play and spend, how will the industry retain new golfers and sustain increased levels of play when Covid is finally in the rear view?
Golf Courses
Golf Under the Lights
NGF research shows that 50% of golfers express some interest in playing golf at night. Could a lighted course be an option for some operators?
Forrest Richardson is New ASGCA President
Forrest Richardson is the new president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), promoting continued creativity and innovation in creating alternative course formats.
Bringing Winter Sports to the Golf Course
Winter means the end of golf season in a large swath of the country. But courses in the regions that see snow and frigid temperatures don’t all go unoccupied during cold months. See why.
General Interest
Golf KPIs for 2020
A shot in the arm: Something that has a sudden and positive effect on something,…
Part of Golf’s Rebound: Better Weather
After two years of record-setting precipitation that hampered rounds played numbers, the weather has cooperated (for the most part) in 2020.
Golf Industry Momentum
Beyond courses and clubs, other consumer-focused sectors in golf are also thriving during the pandemic. Here’s what executives in various sectors of the industry have experienced.
NGF News & Reports
NGF’s State-of-Industry Graffis Report Now Available
NGF’s Graffis Report, a overview of an unprecedented year for the golf business in 2020, is now available for NGF members.
NGF New Members – December 2020
The NGF extends a warm welcome to the newest members of its growing community, both facilities and businesses.
NGF New Members – November 2020
The NGF extends a warm welcome to the newest members of its growing community, both facilities and businesses.