Golf rounds played in the U.S. were up 5.1 percent on a same-facility basis in October 2007 vs. October 2006, which brought year-to-date performance into positive territory (+0.3 percent). As usual, play days correlated with performance. Nearly two additional days open for business, on average, contributed to improved performance in the Midwest, for example.

Rounds Played, 2007 vs. 2006

Total U.S. facilities 5.1 percent 0.3 percent

Private Clubs 4.1 percent -0.8 percent
Total Public Courses 5.4 percent 0.6 percent
Premium 1.1 percent 0.8 percent
Standard 6.1 percent 1.2 percent
Value 6.5 percent 0.3 percent

Region

Northeast 13.2 percent 4.3 percent
Mid-Atlantic 9.1 percent 1.2 percent
Southeast 4.1 percent 1.7 percent
Central/South Florida -10.9 percent -1.2 percent
Gulf Coast -3.5 percent -4.5 percent
South Central 1.8 percent -6.8 percent
Lower Midwest 18.1 percent 0.2 percent
Upper Midwest 19.1 percent 2.0 percent
Mountain 9.1 percent 0.5 percent
Southwest -4.5 percent 1.0 percent
Northwest -16.0 percent -2.5 percent

Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart: Premium - Above $70; Standard - $40-$70; Value - Below $40. Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.