June 2021 National Rounds Played Report
In the first real test of the sustainability of the 2020 summer surge, June 2021 rounds were essentially equal to June of last year.
Interview: Troon President & CEO Tim Schantz
Troon’s Tim Schantz, a member of the NGF’s Board of Directors, discusses the impact of the coronavirus on the golf industry, investment and opportunity in golf, and his company’s continued growth.
Golf Apps Continue to Gain Adoption
More than three-quarters of Core golfers have at least one golf-specific app on their phone, up from 56% in 2018 and 37% in 2011. It speaks to the evolution of golf as well as the effort to enhance the golf experience for an ever-connected segment of consumers.
May 2021 National Rounds Played Report
National rounds played for May 2021 were up over a year ago, when golf operations were still limited due to the coronavirus in some parts of the country.
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
Women in Golf – Progress and Opportunity
Seven years ago, the proportion of all female golfers was 27%. Since then, the volume of female participants has grown by 43%. And more opportunity exists.
Nobody Played More Golf In 2020 Than This Texas Retiree
As golf provided an escape from daily coronavirus anxiety for millions of Americans in 2020, nobody played more than 61-year-old Texas resident Barry Gibbons.
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)?
Golf Courses
Golf is Getting Off Course
As golf’s overall participation base has increased, we’re left with three closely-sized and mutually-exclusive groups.
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.
General Interest
Golf Travel Shows Signs of Roaring Back
Limitations on golf trips in 2020 have created a bottled-up demand to return to golf travel. NGF surveyed golfers and resort operators to quantify the interest.
How Has Working From Home Affected Golf?
Working remotely has provided greater schedule flexibility for many people over the past year. It’s also had a significant impact on golf.
Golf KPIs for 2020
A shot in the arm: Something that has a sudden and positive effect on something,…
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.