The National Golf Federation reported that same-store rounds played in the U.S. decreased slightly (-0.3%) in August 2005 versus August 2004. The estimate is based on data from operators at 1,661 golf facilities. The resulting year-to-date total through August is down 0.8% from last year, but a 10 basis point gain from the June YTD decline.
The South Central region had the largest decline for August, off 5.2% for the month. Conversely, the Central/South Florida region was up 12.8% for the month, with two-thirds of respondents citing an increase in player days over last year. Private clubs in the survey saw rounds played down 0.5% for the month and 1.7% for the YTD period. Total Public courses were down 0.2% for the month and 0.6% for the YTD period.
