Golf Courses & Country Clubs NAICS 713910

Apr 17, 2026 - Demand Mix Drives Fees

• Rising green fees in the US golf course industry largely reflect broader economic trends rather than excessive price inflation, according to an NGF report. From 2019 to 2025, peak public-course fees increased about 29%, closely tracking 27% inflation, indicating pricing has remained aligned with cost-of-living pressures. Growth in rounds played has supported pricing power, enabling reinvestment in facilities. However, increases are uneven: resort fees rose 36%, with over half exceeding $100, driven by strong golf travel demand. In contrast, core local play remains mostly accessible, with average municipal and daily-fee rounds at $41, up 27%. For operators, this suggests a bifurcated market with premium destinations capturing experiential spending, while value-oriented courses sustain participation and volume growth.
• According to the BLS's Consumer Price Index, the cost of club membership for shopping clubs, fraternal, or other organizations, or participant sports fees fell 1.2% in March 2026, compared to a year ago, and dropped 0.7% compared to the previous month. Labor costs were up in January 2026, with average wages for nonsupervisory employees at golf courses and country clubs up 6% compared to a year ago, reaching $23.30 per hour, according to the BLS. Employment by golf courses and country clubs was up 2.3% in January 2026 compared to a year ago. In the past decade, employment by golf courses and country clubs has risen 26.9%, faster than the 11.9% rate for overall private employment. Producer inflation for golf courses and country clubs increased 3.2% in February 2026 compared to a year ago, per the BLS.

• A renewed wave of golf course development is reshaping opportunities for US golf courses and country clubs, according to a report in Golf Inc. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF) data cited in the report, more than 140 new projects are underway globally, with activity in 35 US states, marking the strongest development cycle since 2010. Growth is concentrated in Florida, South Carolina, and Texas, which account for roughly 35% of U.S. projects, driven by population gains, favorable climates, and easier permitting. For operators, rising demand is reflected in increased investment, with over $3.5 billion annually spent on course improvements. Development is also shifting toward high-end private clubs and resorts, which make up about 60% of projects, and shorter formats, with 42% of openings from 2021–2025 being short courses. These trends suggest expanding capacity, evolving formats, and increased competition for golf facilities.
• US golf courses reached another historic high in 2025, with Americans playing more than 500 million rounds for the sixth consecutive year, according to the National Golf Foundation. Total rounds rose just over 1% from 2024, marking the fourth record in five years. In addition, this was achieved despite roughly 2,000 fewer courses than during the early-2000s peak. From 2020–2025, on-course participation increased about 20% and rounds climbed 16% versus the prior six-year average, even as facility count declined 3%. By contrast, during 2000–2005 participation rose 15%, rounds increased 12%, and facilities expanded 6%. For US golf course operators, the data signals sustained, supply-constrained demand. Stable public-course play combined with modest private-facility gains continues to drive record totals. Flexible work patterns, improved booking technology, favorable weather, and stronger perceptions of golf’s wellness and social benefits are reinforcing utilization. The result is a deeper, more diverse player base and structurally higher play levels, underscoring operational and revenue opportunities across the US golf course industry.