Same-store rounds played in the U.S. fell 10.8% in March 2005 vs. March 2004, according to data provided to NGF by golf course operators around the country. The resulting year-to-date figure is 5.2% lower than the same period last year.

In the Sunbelt, where the majority of golf is played in the first quarter of the year, only the Gulf Coast region was in positive territory (0.4%) year-to-date. In other Sunbelt areas, the Southwest was hardest hit (down 11.5% through the first quarter), followed by South Central (down 5.8%), the Southeast (down 2.7%) and Central/South Florida (down 2.1%).

Rounds Played, 2005 vs. 2004
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations

  March    Year-To-Date
Total
U.S. facilities
-10.8% -5.2%
Private
Clubs
-13.3% -6.8%
Total Public
Courses
-10.2% -4.8%
Public
Courses:
   
  Premium -9.8% -5.3%
  Standard -11.7% -4.3%
  Value -9.8% -4.8%
Region    
Northeast -24.7% -10.9%
Mid-Atlantic -33.7% -16.8%
Southeast -18.2% -2.7%
Central/South Florida -4.9% -2.1%
Gulf Coast -2.3% 0.4%
South
Central
-12.1% -5.8%
Lower
Midwest
3.4% -2.0%
Upper
Midwest
-46.9% -46.9%
Mountain -23.2% 8.0%
Southwest -7.3% -11.5%
Northwest 0.6% 17.9%

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