Same-store rounds played in the U.S. dipped 0.7% in April 2005 vs. April 2004, according to the National Golf Foundation. NGF receives its information from 1,285 golf course operators around the country. Same-store rounds played for the year-to-date period are 3.2% lower than the same period last year.
The hardest hit regions in April were the Northwest (down 19.1%) and the Southeast (excludes Florida) which was down 5.9% over last year. By contrast, South/Central Florida and the Gulf Coast were up 3.1% and 6.1%, respectively. Among the states NGF is tracking, four showed an April increase in rounds vs. 2004 Arizona, Florida, South Carolina and Texas. California and Georgia showed decreases in rounds. In fact, California is down 11% through the first four months of 2005.
Rounds Played, 2005 vs. 2004
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
| April | Year-To-Date | |
| Total U.S. facilities |
-0.7% | -3.2% |
| Private Clubs |
-3.6% | -5.5% |
| Total Public Courses |
0.0% | -2.6% |
| Public Courses: |
||
| Premium | 1.6% | -3.0% |
| Standard | 0.3% | -2.3% |
| Value | -0.3% | -2.6% |
| Region | ||
| Northeast | 4.5% | 2.2% |
| Mid-Atlantic | -0.2% | -8.1% |
| Southeast | -5.9% | -4.0% |
| Central/South Florida | 3.1% | -0.9% |
| Gulf Coast | 6.1% | 2.2% |
| South Central |
4.5% | -2.0% |
| Lower Midwest |
-0.9% | -1.2% |
| Upper Midwest |
-1.4% | -4.8% |
| Mountain | 3.9% | 6.0% |
| Southwest | -2.6% | -9.1% |
| Northwest | -19.1% | 0.5% |
Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart:
Premium (High) – Above $70
Standard (Middle) – $40-$70
Value (Low) – Below $40
