For the forth consecutive month, golf rounds played in the U.S. were up. An increase of 8.0% was achieved in April 2006 vs. April 2005, on a same-store basis, which resulted in a 9.0% gain year-to-date. The Northwest region, which was down 24.5% through March, most likely due to above normal precipitation, bounced back somewhat in April. However, it remains the only region in red numbers so far this year. Meanwhile, substantive increases continue to be seen in the Sunbelt states.

Rounds Played, 2006 vs. 2005
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations

 

  April    Year-To-Date
Total U.S. facilities 8.0% 9.0%
     
Private Clubs 9.1% 8.7%
Total Public Courses 7.8% 9.1%
Public Courses:    
  Premium 2.7% 4.0%
  Standard 7.0% 9.4%
  Value 8.7% 9.9%
     
Region    
Northeast 21.1% 39.5%
Mid-Atlantic 10.5% 22.9%
Southeast 9.4% 9.3%
Central/South Florida -1.2% 3.0%
Gulf Coast 3.2% 7.4%
South Central 3.6% 3.5%
Lower Midwest 12.4% 19.7%
Upper Midwest 9.6% 12.9%
Mountain 17.0% 2.6%
Southwest -7.6% 0.5%
Northwest 10.5% -9.9%