Total U.S. rounds of golf played dropped 4.0% in January 2005 vs. January 2004 according to the NGF. The drop can be attributed to a decrease of 18.6% in the Southwest region, which was hit by record precipitation that triggered flooding and mudslides, and disrupted travel. The South Central region was also down 15.3%. In other areas where golf can be more easily played in January, Central/South Florida was up 0.3% and the Southeast was up 12.3%.
“Through clubsystems group, we hope to continue to increase the number of facilities reporting operating data, as well as increase the frequency and completeness of their reporting,” says Andy Allen, NGFs membership director.
The rounds played data collection effort is supported and endorsed by a coalition of the industrys leading associations, including GOLF 20/20. Operators from around the country provide their data which form the basis of free monthly rounds reports available on NGFs website.
Rounds Played, January 2005 vs. January 2004
| Total U.S. facilities | -4.0% |
| Private Clubs | -5.0% |
| Total Public Courses | -3.7% |
| Public Courses: | |
| Premium | -4.0% |
| Standard | -0.6% |
| Value | -5.1% |
| Region | |
| Northeast | 134.1% |
| Mid-Atlantic | 51.3% |
| Southeast | 12.3% |
| Central/South Florida | 0.3% |
| Gulf Coast | 3.3% |
| South Central | -15.3% |
| Lower Midwest | -52.5% |
| Upper Midwest | -50.6% |
| Mountain | 58.3% |
| Southwest | -18.6% |
| Northwest | 57.1% |
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
