INSIGHTS

NGF Short Game: The Truth About Golf’s Rising Green Fees

Despite growing chatter about the rising cost of golf, new data shows price increases have largely tracked with broader economic trends rather than outpacing them. From 2019 to 2025, peak 18-hole public green fees rose about 29%—nearly in line with the 27% rise in inflation—while other entertainment costs, such as movie tickets and NFL games, jumped far more sharply. Much of the perception gap is driven by high-profile destination resorts, where average peak rates are up 36% and more than half now exceed $100, though dynamic pricing and seasonal discounts mean most golfers pay less. Meanwhile, the core of the game remains accessible, with average municipal and daily-fee rates around $41, up 27% since 2019. Ultimately, rising cost narratives may reflect where golfers choose to play rather than a fundamental shift in golf’s overall affordability. READ MORE

Mar Weather Impact – Flat nationally, your mileage may vary

A broader description of the March weather can be found at our website in the Featured Items section or you can get the full picture by subscribing to either the Pellucid Publications Membership or the Geographic Weather Impact report. Both provide the 45 regional breakdowns, the 61 Golf Datatech markets figures, the day-of-week weather impact and the Year-End National GPH forecast figure as well as our full commentary on the results every month.

Another avenue for seeing your weather-adjusted performance is our now 4-yr old facility comparative performance and local market benchmarking tool, the Golf Market Research Center (GMRC).

 
 

WINNERS’ BAG

J.J. Spaun Secures Victory at Valero With Puma Golf Footwear and Apparel

PUMA GOLF athlete J.J. Spaun battled rain and difficult scoring conditions on Sunday at TPC San Antonio to capture his second career Valero Texas Open victory. The win is Spaun’s third on the PGA Tour, including his breakthrough win at the 2025 U.S. Open.  Throughout the tournament, Spaun wore IGNITE ELEVATE 2 Tour footwear, with Tour-proven style, comfort and stability. PUMA Golf’s IGNITE ELEVATE shoes offer all-day comfort with proprietary midsole foam for energy return, responsive comfort and superior step-in comfort. Available in three models – the Tour, 2, and X – there is a look and fit for every golfer.

L.A.B. Golf Celebrates J.J. Spaun’s Valero Texas Open Victory

L.A.B. Golf congratulates J.J. Spaun for his victory at the 2026 Valero Texas Open. Spaun’s clutch 9-foot eagle putt on seventeen was the key to his final round 67, which provided the difference in his one-shot victory on a cold and windy day in San Antonio, Texas. Spaun used a 34-inch charcoal DF3 with a 70-degree lie angle, 2 degrees of shaft lean, and a L.A.B. x TPT Golf graphite shaft. Spaun has now recorded 29 top-10 finishes on Tour and continues to build a reputation as a consistent presence in the game’s biggest events. He is currently ranked fifth in the Official World Golf Ranking.

A Legendary Win, an Iconic Trophy: Malcolm DeMille Celebrates the Valero Texas Open

After a measured start to his 2026 season, J.J. Spaun claimed a thrilling victory at the Valero Texas Open, edging out Matt Wallace, Michael Kim, and Robert MacIntyre by a single stroke. With the win, Spaun earned his second exquisitely handcrafted Valero Texas Open trophy, designed and created by Malcolm DeMille. This iconic trophy features a crystal centerpiece shaped as the state of Texas and the Valero flag, encircled by intricately hand-sculpted bronze depictions of San Antonio’s most recognizable landmarks.

KBS Wins The 2026 LPGA Aramco Championship

KBS wins again as Lauren Coughlin made Shadow Creek her personal playground this week, navigating one of the most demanding layouts on the LPGA Tour with precision and poise to claim a dominant five-shot victory at the 2026 Aramco Championship. In her fairway woods and driver slots, Coughlin leans on KBS TD shafts, which complement her Ping G440 Max woods perfectly. The TD profile is purpose-built for players who need maximum energy transfer through the transition and a stable tip.

KBS Wins The 2026 LECOM Suncoast Classic

KBS wins again at the LECOM Classic, Easter Sunday delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in LECOM Suncoast Classic history, and it was 29-year-old Frenchman Jeremy Gandon who came out on top. Gandon birdied each of his final three holes to close with a 6-under 65 and finish at 22-under par, sinking a clutch 12-foot birdie putt on the 18th green to claim his second Korn Ferry Tour title.

BUSINESS

GolfStatus Introduces Real-Time Check-In Feature to Streamline Golf Tournament Registration

GolfStatus, the industry’s leading event management platform for charity golf tournaments and fundraisers, has released a new team check-in feature, designed to simplify and modernize the day-of registration process for golf events. GolfStatus’ new check-in feature addresses this challenge by embedding the entire process directly into its tournament management software

American Golf Joins Greenlight Advisors Certified Partner Program

Greenlight Advisors announced today that American Golf, one of the largest and most influential golf course management companies in the United States, has joined the Greenlight Advisors Certified Partner Program and will serve as an Advisory Partner to the expanding U.S. Golf Study, the industry’s leading performance benchmarking initiative.

After 21 Years, Golftini Enters Its Next Chapter as Founder Susan Hess Is Joined by All Three Sons

Golftini celebrates over two decades since its founding and enters its next chapter as an official family business. Founded in 2005 by Susan Hess, Golftini has evolved from a homegrown side-hustle into a globally recognized brand. Today, that legacy enters its next chapter as Susan is joined full-time by her three sons, Ryan, Keegan, and Parker Hess. Together, they represent a new generation stepping into the company she built from the ground up.

PeakVision Signs As Sponsor For ING Spring Forum June 1-4 At The Landings In Savannah

PeakVision, featuring dual-zone lens technology in its eyewear products, has signed as a Presenting Sponsor for the International Network of Golf (ING) Spring Forum. The ING Spring Forum will be hosted by The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in beautiful and historic Savannah, GA. The event, scheduled for June 1-4, will be headquartered at the Thompson Hotel.

COURSES

Unlimited Golf Awaits in Miami

Golfers looking for maximum value and nonstop play will find it at JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, where the Unlimited Golf Stay Offer delivers one of South Florida’s most complete golf getaways. Available for stays through September 30, this premier package includes 25% savings on unlimited rounds across two championship courses, complimentary daily replay, and unlimited access to practice facilities, including driving, chipping, and putting areas. Guests also enjoy a $25 nightly resort credit, 1 PM late checkout, and 10% savings in the pro shop, creating a seamless blend of value and luxury.

Riverton Pointe Golf and Country Club Set to Host Big East Men’s Golf Championships, May 2-4

Riverton Pointe Golf and Country Club in Hardeeville, South Carolina, will host the 2026 BIG EAST Men’s Golf Championships, May 2 – 4. Eleven BIG EAST schools will participate in the Men’s Golf Championships, including Marquette University, Xavier University, Creighton University, Seton Hall University, St. John’s University, University of Connecticut, Villanova University, Georgetown University, DePaul University, Butler University, and Providence College. Three golfers have connections to South Carolina’s Lowcountry, with Jack Bosworth of Seton Hall and Austin Scott of DePaul University both hailing from Daniels Island, while Campbell Skelly from Providence College is from Charleston.

Developers of Saravela Luxury Condominium Forge Groundbreaking Cross-Benefit Partnership with Heritage Golf Group’s TPC Prestancia Club

GSP Development, a Chicago-based real estate firm developing the Saravela luxury condominium tower in Sarasota, today announced a groundbreaking partnership with Virginia-based Heritage Golf Group that will provide a host of tremendous benefits to Saravela buyers, including a full year of complimentary sports membership to the vibrant TPC Prestancia, a private golf and country club in Sarasota. Likewise, members of Heritage Golf will gain access to preferred pricing and selection for residences at Saravela.

Silverado Resort Announces Grand Reopening of Newly Renovated Spa and Longevity Center

Silverado Resort, Napa Valley’s iconic luxury golf and wellness destination, announces the grand reopening of its newly renovated Spa and Longevity Center on April 8, 2026. Access will be exclusive to resort guests, golf, and lifestyle members. Reimagined as a modern hub for longevity, recovery, and whole-body renewal, the new Spa and Longevity Center blends science-backed therapies, cutting-edge performance technology, and the restorative spirit of Napa Valley.

 

Golf Course Superintendent in SC

The Club at Brookstone, located just south of Greenville, South Carolina, is looking for a hands-on leader and turf professional, capable of leading the maintenance team to produce and sustain one of the Upstate's most popular golf courses. The Club at Brookstone is a semi-private course with a membership of about 100, but garners a lot of public play and is known as having the area's best practice facility. We do approximately 45,000 rounds of golf per year.

Brookstone has a relatively new fleet of Toro equipment, including two Foley grinders, a lift, tractor, work truck, trailer, snake, Air2G2, mini ex, fairway aerator, and more. The pump house is brand new in late 2022. We have 2025 Club Car carts still under warranty and Finn Scooters, which the mechanic maintains.

Our team is seasonal, and fluctuates between 6 and 10 employees. We have a full time mechanic who also serves as an assistant super. APPLY

Senior Equipment Sales Representative

California Landscape Equipment is seeking a high-performance Equipment Sales Representative to help build and lead territory growth across the Central and Northern California golf, sports turf, municipal, and landscape markets. This is a rare opportunity to join a well-capitalized, growth-focused equipment company at an early stage, with immediate access to an established customer base, strong regional relationships, and meaningful long-term upside. You will play a key role in expanding market share, developing strategic customer partnerships, and shaping the future direction of the company’s equipment division. APPLY

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