U.S. recreational play continued to increase in the first quarter of 2024, signaling a robust golf economy on an upward track coming out of the pandemic.
According to data forwarded from the National Golf Foundation to Golf Datatech for its most recent National Rounds Played Report, play rose 21.2 percent in March compared with the same month in 2023. The results, aided by mild weather across much of the country’s northern tier, boosted the year-to-date increase to 6.8 percent compared with the first quarter of 2023.
The 2024 numbers add to the 4.2-percent year-over-year increase in rounds played recorded in 2023 as golf surges after the coronavirus. READ MORE and MORE
Since 2020, green fees at U.S. public facilities have risen by more than 16 percent cumulatively, essentially tracking the rate of inflation and adding to the health of a golf economy stoked by increasing participation, according to a recent report by the National Golf Foundation. READ MORE
Jason E. Miczek, USGA
TAP-INS
U.S. Open local qualifying began last week and continues through May 20. The 18-hole qualifiers will be held in 44 states and Canada. Final qualifying begins May 20 in Japan and England and continues June 3 in Canada and 10 U.S. states. The U.S. Open will be played June 13-16 at Pinehurst (North Carolina) Resort’s No. 2 course. READ MORE
The 396-player field for the six regional sites in the NCAA Division I women’s tournament was finalized last week. Twelve five-player teams and six individuals from non-qualifying teams will compose each regional. The top five teams and one individual from a non-qualifying team will advance to the NCAA championship on May 17-22 at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. The men’s regional fields will be announced today on Golf Channel beginning at 2 p.m. EDT. READ MORE and MORE
Men’s and women’s teams were selected for the Arnold Palmer Cup international college matches to be played June 5-7 at Lahinch (Ireland) Golf Club. Arizona State led all schools with three players selected, and the Sun Devils’ Matt Thurmond will coach the American squad. READ MORE
Sarah Stirk and Julia Regis have joined the board of directors at England Golf, the nation’s governing body for the amateur game. READ MORE
Compiled by Steve Harmon