Rounds played in the U.S. were down 4.4% on a same-store basis in May 2008 vs. May 2007. However, because May 2007 rounds were above average, the recent drop is actually a return to normal May volume. Year-to-date rounds are 2.3% less than the comparable period last year.

Regions with the largest declines in May also had nearly two fewer play days this year vs. last – Lower Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. With the Iowa flooding, the Lower Midwest will no doubt be hard-hit in June as well.

Percent change in same-store rounds
Year-to-date 2008 vs. 2007
U.S. -4.4%
Northeast 6.1%
Mid-Atlantic -1.8%
Southeast 1.7%
Central/South Florida -0.3%
Gulf Coast 3.3%
South Central 5.1%
Lower Midwest -10.9%
Upper Midwest -8.8%
Mountain -7.2%
Southwest -2.9%
Northwest -6.7%