Jupiter, Florida, United States: The National Golf Foundation’s (NGF) latest nationwide poll of golf facilities indicates that approximately 48% of courses in the United States are currently allowing play amid the coronavirus pandemic, with significant regional differences.

The NGF’s special webpage,  www.thengfq.com/covid-19, is dedicated to continuing research on the effects of the coronavirus on golf and features the latest data and information on course operational status, government orders, consumer sentiment and more.

NGF’s on-going national tracking of golf facilities is more robust than ever, providing an overview of course openings and temporary closures through the most nationally-representative sample in the industry.

“Numbers this high continue to blow some people away,” said Joe Beditz, NGF President and Chief Executive Officer. “Let’s not forget that golf exists in abundance outside of city centres, and that many of those locales do not have government restrictions in place.”

Also new this week is an updated map detailing the significant regional differences in golf operations as well as open/closed breakouts for several States, including golf-rich locales like Arizona, North Carolina and South Carolina. These surveys involve contacting every facility within those states in a single day to assess their operational status.

Other updates include Google search data trends that shows the impact on the golf club and ball markets, as well as NGF’s latest consumer sentiment findings:

   • Might golf-related purchases be treated as more ‘essential’?

   • How sensitive are golf consumers to the financial impacts of the coronavirus situation?
   • How do golfers feel about Government restrictions on golf?

   • NGF’s ‘Golf Itch Meter’ – Is the pent-up demand to play increasing?

For complete findings, including maps and data visualisations, visit: www.thengfq.com/covid-19.

NGF researchers will continue to conduct weekly polls of golf courses and golfers in the weeks ahead.