IN THIS ISSUE
State of the Industry – Annual Update on Trends in the Golf Business
Converting Satisfied Customers to Loyal Customers
May 2013 Rounds Played Report
Closed Golf Courses – What Happens After the Final Shot Is Played?
List of NGF's New Members in Q2
NGF TOP 5
Sponsored by: NGF’s App Membership

Top 5 countries with the most golf facilities (not including the U.S.).
Grow the Game by Lowering Frustration
by Michael Hebron

Some have said golf is broken and in need of fixing; play is down and there is a lack of interest in taking up the game. On the other hand some do not agree the game needs fixing, but how the game is seen needs some rethinking.
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Maximizing Hard Goods Sales are Hooked at the Hip with Player Development Programs
by Ken Morton

Today, buying golf equipment is complex and complicated. It is complex because modern fitting techniques and new technology have proven that by just changing a lie angle, a shaft flex or shaft type, the length of a club, the size of a grip or up to any one of 14 fitting factors can and will dramatically improve a person's game.
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PAST ISSUES
State of the Industry – Annual Update on Trends in the Golf Business
 

The latest NGF State of the Industry presentation debuted at NGF’s Golf Business Symposium in April. 

The presentation is NGF’s annual update that reports on the latest trends in golf demand, supply, range & retail supply, rounds played, industry spending, consumer confidence, and other key industry metrics. 

NGF members can access the SOI by clicking here. 
Featured Report
Closed Golf Courses – What Happens After the Final Shot Is Played?

The NGF Domestic Golf Facilities Database reveals that more than 1,400 golf facilities (some with multiple courses) have closed their doors permanently since 2001, part of a natural supply correction. When we put the number of facility closures in perspective, the magnitude is far from alarming. In fact, the net change in supply is actually up by more than 120 18-hole equivalent golf courses since 2001.
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