Jupiter, Fla. – Same-store rounds played in the U.S. increased 3.6% in February 2006 vs. February 2005, based on data from operators at 1,899 golf facilities. That brings the year-to-date total to an increase of 15.4% over the same period last year. Rounds were also in positive territory in January. Large percentage increases along the northern tier are not uncommon in the winter because they are based on a small volume of rounds. Only the Northwest region is below last year’s level of play year-to-date. The large increase in the Southwest is partly because that region experienced a drop in rounds in 2005 vs. 2004.
Rounds Played, February 2006 vs. February 2005
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
February
Year-to-date
Total U.S. facilities
3.6%
15.4%
Private Clubs
1.0%
9.4%
Total Public Courses
4.3%
17.2%
Public Courses:
Premium
2.2%
7.5%
Standard
4.0%
13.2%
Value
4.9%
21.2%
1 Northeast
109.4%
119.3%
2 Mid-Atlantic
-7.2%
39.2%
3 Southeast
-7.8%
3.6%
4 Central/South Florida
-2.3%
1.4%
5 Gulf Coast
4.4%
9.6%
6 South Central
-1.9%
16.3%
7 Lower Midwest
28.5%
132.3%
8 Upper Midwest
27.6%
141.3%
9 Mountain
-8.1%
1.0%
10 Southwest
17.2%
15.8%
11 Northwest
-33.0%
-28.0%
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
Year-to-date 2006 vs. 2005
About the NGF
The National Golf Foundation, founded in 1936, is the industry leader in providing accurate information and insights on the business of golf. Based in Jupiter, Fla., the NGF serves many constituencies in the golf industry including equipment manufacturers; builders and developers; facilities and ranges; course architects; retailers; turf maintenance suppliers; golf associations and the media. For more information, visit www.ngf.org.
Contact:
Jim Kass
jkass@ngf.org
561-744-6006
