Jupiter, Fla. – May rounds were down 3.2% nationwide on a same-store basis, breaking a streak of four months during which rounds were in positive territory. Nevertheless, rounds are up 4.5% for the first five months of 2006 vs. 2005. The largest percentage drop in May occurred in the Northeast region (down 8.7%). Well-above normal rainfall occurred in the Midwest and New England, particularly in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, both of which experienced their second wettest May on record.
Rounds Played, 2006 vs. 2005
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
May
Year-to-date
Total U.S. facilities
-3.2%
4.5%
Private Clubs
-1.9%
4.9%
Total Public Courses
-3.5%
4.4%
Public Courses:
Premium
-1.3%
2.5%
Standard
-3.3%
4.5%
Value
-3.8%
4.6%
1 Northeast
-8.7%
10.1%
2 Mid-Atlantic
-6.0%
11.6%
3 Southeast
-2.1%
6.0%
4 Central/South Florida
-0.9%
2.4%
5 Gulf Coast
0.2%
5.9%
6 South Central
-0.6%
2.4%
7 Lower Midwest
-7.6%
5.4%
8 Upper Midwest
2.9%
6.6%
9 Mountain
2.5%
2.5%
10 Southwest
-1.4%
0.0%
11 Northwest
5.3%
-4.6%
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
Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.
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
