Following a decade of limited pricing power, peak green fees at public golf facilities in the U.S. have increased during the 'post-pandemic era." How closely do these increases mirror that of changes in inflation over that same period from 2019 to 2025?
Golf is big business -- with a direct U.S. economic impact of almost $102 billion annually. NGF produced the most recent, and often-quoted U.S. Golf Economic Impact Study, and also conduct standard reports on golf's impact at the state level. These numbers are a part of many of our latest one-page state summaries that detail key supply and demand data at a more localized level -- now available to members.
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
The U.S. golf market is experiencing an era of supply stability -- with the industry finding equilibrium following a prolonged correction. Beyond elevated play and participation, as well as improved perceptions and broader appreciation for the game, there are a number of contributing factors to this healthier balance of supply and demand.
A deeper member look at golf's public pricing, including at the state level, the difference between municipal, daily fee and resort green fees, and the game's cost changes over the past six years.
National play sees second straight YOY monthly gain to start 2026
Where is the competition for public access golf the fiercest and why? This member sidebar details not only the number of golfers per public course, but which states have the highest proportion of private golf, which have the most golf-related real estate, and much more.
Golf has a direct economic impact of almost $102 billion annually. NGF’s team of researchers and consultants produced the most recent Economic Impact Study and have also conducted a growing number of in-depth, state-level reports -- research that is critical for communicating golf's profound and wide-ranging impact.
South Carolina has seen a number of private clubs open in recent years -- Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm among them -- and more are on the way. But midway between Columbus and Charlotte, a new resort retreat in South Carolina's Sandhills is the lone Palmetto State public facility with new courses in the development pipeline.
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, providing the latest data on golf participation — from changes in traditional green-grass participation to detailed information on key segments such as females, people of color and juniors. Also highlighted is the annual golfer "churn," the regular inflow and outflow within the game that impacts participation levels.
January 2026 saw the biggest year-over-year jump in rounds of golf played since 2021.
NGF's Nathan Joins The Big Swing with Jimmy Roberts
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Why Join the NGF?
The NGF has the leading research and business services team in golf, providing you and the industry with the most accurate and latest golf business data and trends.
With proven success in market analysis, sales analytics, direct marketing, and consulting services available, the NGF offers a variety of services than can help you.
The NGF is supported by individuals and companies from every corner of the golf industry, making possible our research, and grow the game and educational initiatives, like Welcome2Golf.
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