Leap Year Helps Grow Rounds

The National Golf Foundation (NGF) recently reported an increase in rounds for February 2008 vs. February 2007. Same-store rounds in the U.S. were up 10.4%, bringing the year-to-date number to +3.4%. Where the largest volume of rounds is played in the month of February, rounds were mostly up: 7.2% in Central/South Florida; 8.8% in Gulf Coast; and -0.8% in Southwest.

The February increase was the result of an additional day (February 29, 2008 - leap year) and a slight increase in play days due to better weather.

Large percentage increases in February in the Northeast and Upper Midwest are not meaningful. The majority of facilities in those regions had no rounds in both February 2007 and February 2008. A few facilities had a small number of rounds, and they saw an increase.

Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart: Premium (High) - Above $70; Standard (Middle) - $40-$70; Value (Low) - Below $40
Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.

Rounds Played, 2008 vs. 2007
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations

February Year-to-date Total U.S. facilities 10.4% 3.4% Private Clubs 12.4% 4.0% Total Public Courses 10.0% 3.2% Premium 3.4% 0.8% Standard 11.2% 1.9% Value 11.4% 4.8% Region Northeast 133.5% -13.8% Mid-Atlantic 62.8% 17.3% Southeast 22.9% 10.5% Central/South Florida 7.2% 1.6% Gulf Coast 8.8% 6.8% South Central 15.7% 24.0% Lower Midwest 7.5% -3.4% Upper Midwest 360.4% -29.2% Mountain 8.7% 7.8% Southwest -0.8% -7.6% Northwest 15.5% 1.9%

About the NGF
The mission of the National Golf Foundation, founded in 1936, is to help golf businesses succeed by providing marketing, research and other consulting services. Based in Jupiter, Fla., the NGF serves many constituencies in the golf industry, including equipment manufacturers; builders and developers; facilities and practice ranges; course architects; retailers; turf maintenance suppliers; golf associations and the media. For more information, visit www.ngf.org.