NGF: There was a time not so long ago when the question was, “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict. Golf’s participant base has grown by 41% over the past six years (2019 to 2025) and is approaching 50 million participants. Green grass golfer gains have been well-chronicled since the pandemic, with a net increase of almost 5 million since 2019 helping the industry approach the high-water mark (30.6M in 2003 vs 29.1M in 2025). The overall participation rise is even more significant across the broader on- and off-course golf consumer base, jumping by almost 14 million over that same period. And, as the modern U.S. game continues its growth to 50 million participants, the latest results can be found here.

On March 5, twenty-five leaders from the private golf and country club industry gathered at Westmoreland Country Club for a Golf Business Network (GBN) Leadership Retreat focused on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing today’s club professionals. Throughout the session, attendees explored topics such as navigating ambiguity in leadership, evolving expectations around work-life balance, and how clubs can continue delivering exceptional member experiences while supporting the well-being and development of their teams. 

Future Champions Golf (FCG) is proud to announce the launch of the 2026 FCG Mexico Series, a new national pathway for junior golfers across Mexico to compete, develop, and earn opportunities to qualify for the prestigious 2026 FCG Callaway World Junior Golf Championship. The series will feature seven regional qualifying events administered by Mexican Golf Federation (FMG) zone directors.

The Golf Shop Radio Show is partnering with Peakvision Sunglasses to offer listeners 15 percent off discount code and it couldn’t come at a better time. The Golf Season is officially underway and listeners can get their hands on Peakvision’s patented Dual Zone Lens technology. They will help you see the course like never before and the competition can’t replicate it. Now you can use the code “GS 15” to receive 15 percent off their next purchase. Peakvision Sunglasses started from a idea back in 1997, end optical distortion in sports.

PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a respected, multiple award-winning golf coach and writer, today announced a partnership with the Golf Heritage Society as an official ambassador and regular columnist. The collaboration will feature three columns per week exploring golf’s history, legendary players, classic course architecture, and the traditions that connect generations of golfers. As part of the partnership, Elliott will contribute in-depth articles examining the people, places, and moments that have shaped golf into the culturally significant game it is today.

The FairWays Foundation provides annual grants of up to $25,000 for conservation-based projects and educational outreach that focuses on improving and protecting native ecosystems and habitats, with a particular emphasis on water quality and water use reduction. We will only accept applications for this year's cycle through April 30, 2026 - so log in now to get your project started!

The St Rule Trophy – which has been won in the past by names such as Annika Sorenstam, Catriona Matthew and rising Scottish star Hannah Darling – has expanded its field from 60 to 72 golfers for 2026 to reflect the rising number of top-level female players in the amateur ranks and the sport’s expanding significance among women. Hosted by St Andrews Links Trust and the St Rule Club, the tournament will take place from 30-31 May 2026, comprising 54-hole strokeplay.

Golf season is about to be in full swing at French Lick Resort with two championship courses reopening for the season.  The Donald Ross Course at French Lick will kick off its 2026 season starting Friday, March 13. The Pete Dye Course at French Lick gets rolling two weeks later, opening Friday, March 27. Both courses are coming off a record-setting 2025 as French Lick Resort continues to solidify itself as one of the premier golf destinations in the country.