The Future of Public Golf in America

This 8-page white paper looks at the financial health of the nation's 11,500 public courses. It shows how many are in good vs. poor financial shape, and what successful operators are doing to attract rounds and maximize revenues. The report shows the past, present and potential future for public golf supply and demand. The study is based on a survey of 1,100 public course operators across the U.S. as well as surveys of golfers.

Additional Information

Report Excerpt

As many as 1,500 to 2,000 public courses are having serious financial problems. Those more at risk include the very stand-alone 9-holers that helped to spur the public golf boom, as well as courses at the lower price points, alternative facilities (par-3 and executive) and those in less populated areas. In addition, certain very high-end/highly debt-leveraged facilities are in trouble.

Courses at all price points have been affected, but, the lower the price point, the more steep the decline in rounds from the high-water mark to present. “Value” courses (peak season green fee with cart under $40) are down 26% from the high; medium price point courses ($40-$70) are down 21%; and premium courses ($70+) are down 19%.