Rounds fell 2.7 percent nationwide on a same-facility basis in August 2007 vs. August 2006, according to a survey of over 2,100 golf facility operators. As a result, the year-to-date total is down 0.8 percent through August. The premium public segment is slightly positive.
Severe weather in the Midwest was the primary cause for the drop in U.S. rounds. However, five of 11 NGF climate regions were actually up slightly. But the Lower Midwest, hardest hit among regions, was down 8.6 percent. South Central that has the poorest performance year-to-date, even though the area had a relatively good August.
Rounds Played, 2007 vs. 2006
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
August
Year-to-date
Total U.S. facilities
-2.7 percent
-0.8 percent
Private Clubs
-3.0 percent
-2.0 percent
Total Public Courses
-2.6 percent
-0.6 percent
Public Courses:
Premium
1.9 percent
0.4 percent
Standard
-1.6 percent
-0.1 percent
Value
-4.0 percent
-1.0 percent
Region
Northeast
1.9 percent
2.2 percent
Mid-Atlantic
1.2 percent
-1.6 percent
Southeast
-1.4 percent
1.1 percent
Central/South Florida
2.5 percent
-0.2 percent
Gulf Coast
-3.1 percent
-4.4 percent
South Central
2.4 percent
-8.3 percent
Lower Midwest
-8.6 percent
-2.5 percent
Upper Midwest
-4.6 percent
-0.4 percent
Mountain
0.1 percent
-0.8 percent
Southwest
-1.8 percent
2.7 percent
Northwest
-1.5 percent
-0.4 percent
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.
