Golf Courses & Country Clubs NAICS 713910

Sep 24, 2025 - Golf Facilities See Longer Guest Visits: NGF

• 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.
• Rounds of golf nationwide were up 2.6% in July 2025 year over year, according to data from Golf Datatech and the National Golf Foundation. Year to date, rounds were 0.1% 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.

• Consumer mood indicators in the US declined, signaling growing economic unease. The Consumer Confidence Index fell 1.3 points in August 2025, driven primarily by younger consumers under 35, while confidence among those over 55 improved. Despite the dip, overall confidence remained consistent with recent months. Separately, the University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to 55.4 in preliminary September data, down from 58.2 in August and 21% below September 2024 levels. Inflation expectations held steady, though concerns about pricing pressures, particularly from tariffs, persist. These indices reflect consumers’ outlook on personal finances and the broader economy, serving as key predictors of future spending behavior.
• Golf courses in the northern US are reporting a decline in Canadian golfers in summer 2025, due to ongoing political tensions, unfavorable currency exchange rates, and higher travel costs, according to Travel and Tour World. Some golf courses, such as Malone Golf Club in New York, rely on a steady influx of Canadian visitors booking tee times. Malone reported a revenue loss of approximately $400,000 as of July 2025 attributed to the downturn in Canadian visitors. Per the report, “Instead of crossing into the United States, many Canadian golfers are choosing to remain in their home country, turning to local golf courses that offer convenience, lower perceived travel risks, and cost savings.” Figures reported by the US Customs and Border Protection show that the number of Canadians crossing into the US through northern border checkpoints fell by 21% in May 2025 year over year.