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Written by Chris Gregor
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Closures Outpace Openings in 2007: Building a Course Means Pushin' Dirt  And Watering Seed
Five-year Trend: Looking at the past five years combined, there have been 678.5 openings vs. 491.5 closures for a net positive of 187 courses, or a modest 37.4 per year. That equates to less than three-tenths of a percent of total supply being added per year. In other words, the overall number of active golf courses is virtually unchanged from five years ago. While it's still too early to realistically forecast 2008 course openings, the number of new courses built in 2008 is expected to be similar to the 2007 numbers. Rounds Down Slightly in 2007: The number of rounds played in the U.S. through November 2007 had been consistent with the same period in 2006. However, weak performance nationally in December (-14.2%) tipped the scales, causing the 2007 year-end numbers to dip to -0.5% from those of a year ago. For the year, the Southeast region lead the way with a rounds played increase of 2.0%. The remainder of the country was down on rounds with the South Central region (primarily Texas and Oklahoma) posting a -6.8% reduction. In our own Northwest region, you all played less rounds than last year to the tune of -1.7%  U.S. Rounds Played Were Down in 2007 A Left-Handed Compliment: Lefties take comfort - there are more of you on the links than ever before. According to the NGF's latest consumer survey, 7.4% of adult golfers play left-handed. That's a statistically significant increase from the 5.6% recorded the last time the survey was taken - 21 years ago in 1986. Perhaps better availability of left-handed clubs, and the emergence of southpaw stars, Phil Mickelson, Mike Weir, Bubba Watson, et.al. have prompted the increase.  Mike Weir  Long Hitting Bubba Watson Hooked on Golf: In a strong sign of the health of the game, the vast majority of adult golfers (84%) say they're "hooked" on golf or at least want to be. In an NGF 2007 consumer survey the question was asked: "Even if you don't play golf very often, would you say you are 'hooked' on golf?" Nearly three-quarters (72%) indicated they are indeed hooked, whatever that term may mean to them personally. Another 12% said they are likely to be hooked in the future. Myth Busters: Getting hooked on golf doesn't necessarily take very long. Over half of golfers (55%) who have played five years or less are already hooked, and 64% who have played 10 years or less are hooked. Avidity is not just about high play frequency - it can exist in the mind and spirit. Half of Occasional golfers, those playing 1-7 rounds a year, say they're hooked. Apparently people don’t have to be great golfers in order to consider themselves “hooked”. - A full 51% of golfers surveyed with handicaps of 27 or higher claim the addiction. For more information you can CLICK HERE to visit the National Golf Foundation website. |
