NGF research finds that almost one in every 10 Americans plans to purchase a golf-related gift for a friend or family member during the holiday season. While golf balls account for more than half of all golf gifts, here’s a look at some other unique ideas.

The number of off-course golf participants and off-course venues continues to grow, from golf entertainment facilities like Topgolf, Drive Shack and BigShots to commercial simulator locations popping up around the country. So, how big can the off-course golf market get?

As Troon’s manager of environmental science, Brianne Kenny has brought non-golfers with a negative perception of golf to the course, and turned around their notions about the game. Her efforts, and similar ones around the country, seek to address some existing misconceptions about the game’s environmental and ecological impact.

While the age 60-and-over set has traditionally served as starters or marshals at the golf course, this demographic is filling a vital maintenance need for part-time and seasonal work at facilities in the Midwest and beyond.

While golf is an afterthought during a humanitarian crisis, the game plays a vital role in the Bahamas, where more than 60 percent of the gross domestic product is dependent on tourism, the most of any Caribbean nation. And several prominent companies within the golf business are helping deliver financial support through their Abaco 501(c)3 charities to provide relief for the people of the northern Bahamas. Pro golfers are also stepping up to lend support and here’s how you can help as well.