The RTJ Golf Trail has helped boost the Alabama economy through golf tourism and travel. It’s also set the standard for dozens of golf trails that have followed across the U.S., marrying marketing efforts and co-opetition to boost visibility and, hopefully, the bottom line.

The NGF GOLF 100 was created to recognize and celebrate the most successful, influential and innovative companies, organizations and associations in golf.

Welcome to the first of the many questions asked and answered by The Q: What is it and why is the NGF introducing it? It’s a simple answer with deep roots.

Two decades ago, golf was invigorated by the “Tiger effect,” with a transcendent player sparking record participation levels. Today, the industry is experiencing the “Topgolf effect.”