Golf Courses & Country Clubs NAICS 713910

Oct 16, 2025 - Private Courses Outpace Public in Year-Over-Year Growth

• Private golf clubs, though serving just 8% of US golfers, are driving significant economic impact in the sector, with private club play up 3% in 2025 year over year, according to a recent report by the National Golf Foundation. The private club members tend to play more frequently, spend more on instruction and travel, and have higher household incomes. In 2025, private club play outpaced public course growth, which was up 1%. Membership rosters and waitlists have expanded notably, fueled by a 16% rise in overall golf participation since 2019 and a nearly 50% increase in private club membership during the Covid era. Many private facilities now report operating near capacity, prompting a rise in new course development, of which over half is tied to private clubs. For operators, the private club growth signals strong demand and strategic opportunity in the premium segment of the golf market.
• Consumers are signaling sustained economic unease, an outlook that may challenge discretionary sectors like golf courses, as both confidence and sentiment indexes remain at multi-year lows, with inflation and job concerns top of mind. In September 2025, the Consumer Confidence Index from the Conference Board fell to 94.2, with job optimism down (only 26.9% said jobs were “plentiful”) and inflation expectations high. Buying intentions dropped for cars and travel, while interest in homes and smartphones rose. Confidence declined across most age and income groups, especially among households earning $25,000–$35,000 and over $200,000. The consumer sentiment index held at 55 in October 2025 from the previous month, and was down 22% year-over-year, according to the University of Michigan Surveys of Consumers. Overall, the data signals cautious consumer sentiment, which could dampen spending heading into the holiday season.

• Rounds of golf nationwide were up 7.7% in August 2025 year over year, according to data from Golf Datatech and the National Golf Foundation. Year to date, rounds were 1.% higher than 2024’s record-setting pace. Labor costs were up in July 2025, with average wages for nonsupervisory employees at golf courses and country clubs up 5% compared to a year ago, reaching $20.88 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment by golf courses and country clubs fell 3.5% in July 2025 compared to a year ago. In the past decade, employment by golf courses and country clubs has risen 15.1%, faster than the 13% rate for overall private employment. Producer inflation for golf courses and country clubs increased 4% in August 2025 compared to a year ago, per the BLS.
• According to National Golf Foundation data, golf facilities across the US are experiencing longer visitor stays, with average visit times up 28% compared to pre-COVID levels. The trend reflects a broader shift in facility operations, as courses expand beyond traditional play to include amenities like fitness centers, dining, retail, and recreation. There has also been an increase in the percentage of golfers who go directly to a golf course from home from 2019 to 2024 (51% to 58%), as well as those who return directly home from the course (48% to 51%). Data from Placer.ai and Players 1st confirms increased engagement across both public and private venues, driven by reinvestment and rising participation among younger and beginner golfers. For course operators and investors, the extended visit duration signals growing demand for diversified, experience-driven offerings. This evolution supports long-term growth and resilience in a competitive leisure landscape.