According to the National Golf Foundation, rounds played in the U.S. fell 0.7% on a same-store basis in June 2006 vs. June 2005, but the YTD figure remained positive at up 3% over the same period last year. The eastern seaboard was particularly hard hit with precipitation-one Boston-area club was reported to have fish swimming on the 18th fairway (from an overflowed river). Only three regions are slightly into red numbers year-to-date-the Northeast, Southwest and Northwest. The best performing region so far this year is the Upper Midwest, up 6.9%.

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

 

  May    Year-To-Date
Total U.S. facilities -0.7% 3.0%
     
Private Clubs -1.9% 3.0%
Total Public Courses -0.4% 3.0%
Public Courses:    
  Premium -2.2% 1.5%
  Standard -0.3% 3.1%
  Value -0.2% 3.2%
     
Region    
Northeast -14.0% -0.2%
Mid-Atlantic -7.4% 5.5%
Southeast 4.2% 5.7%
Central/South Florida 8.7% 3.0%
Gulf Coast -1.9% 4.8%
South Central 3.7% 2.7%
Lower Midwest 0.2% 3.5%
Upper Midwest 7.4% 6.9%
Mountain 5.0% 3.3%
Southwest -3.9% -0.6%
Northwest 7.9% -1.1%

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