The National Golf Federation reported that same-store rounds played in the U.S. were up 1.0% in September 2005 versus last year. The estimate is based on data from operators at 1,903 golf facilities. The resulting year-to-date total through September is still down, off 0.6% from last year, but a 20 basis point gain from the August YTD decline.
The Lower Midwest region had the largest decline for September, down 5.7%, but the Central/South Florida region again had the largest improvement for the month, up 35.7% as a result of hurricanes in 2004 limiting play. Private clubs saw monthly rounds up 3.2%, while Public courses were up 0.5%.
