There may be no better time to be a municipal golfer. The NGF’s recently-released 2018 Golf Facilities in the U.S. report counts a record number of 2,497 municipal courses in the U.S.

The National Golf Foundation’s Golf Industry Report consolidates many of the game’s key data points in a single publication and is intended to provide the most holistic view of the business of golf and the health of the game to stakeholders and the media.

The Bay Area of San Francisco is known for its exclusive private golf options and premium public facilities. In Bayland Golf Links, the area is finally getting the high-quality, affordable public option it has needed. NGF Consulting gives an inside look at a special municipal course rebirth.

Nine-hole courses are golf’s sandlots, a breeding ground for future golfers and a farm team of sorts for future private-club membership rolls. They often serve as the foundation for learning the game, as well as its customs and etiquette.

Detroit has a number of outstanding public golf courses with interesting designs and history. Here are the recommendations from NGF consultants about how to save municipal golf in the Motor City.