JUPITER, Fla. – Rounds played in the U.S. were up 2.5% for the first six months of the year as compared to the same period last year, according to NGF’s latest Quarterly Rounds Played Report. Rounds increased 0.9% in the second quarter and 6.9% in the first quarter (revised upward from the 5.3% shown in the April 15, 2004, report due to 400 additional facilities reporting).
April was a strong month nationwide as rounds increased 4.9%. May (-0.1%) and June (-0.8%) were down marginally. The near one percent gain for the quarter compares to an almost three percent loss in second quarter 2003 vs. 2002.
The region posting the strongest gain for the quarter was the Mid Atlantic (10.5%), which was hard hit by inclement weather during the same period last year. Regions with the largest declines in the quarter were the Upper Midwest (-5.5%) and the Gulf Coast (-4.5%), both of which suffered from above average precipitation during the quarter.
This marks the third consecutive quarter that rounds played have increased over the previous year. NGF estimates that about one-third of rounds in the U.S. occur in each of the second and third quarters. So, the next quarter will have a significant impact on whether the six-month gains can be held for the year.
The quarterly rounds played report is supported and endorsed by a coalition of the industry’s leading associations: Club Managers Association of America, GOLF 20/20, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, LPGA, National Golf Course Owners Association, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and USGA.
For the full second quarter rounds played report, visit www.ngf.org. For more information, call NGF membership director Andy Allen (561) 354-1647 or e-mail aallen@ngf.org.
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.
