GBR Friday | U.S. Golf Participation H1 2025: What’s Behind the 0.6% Dip?
Every Tuesday and Friday, we connect the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR,
We’ve been trying to track how successful the first half of 2025 has been in worldwide golf. After looking at Europe and the UK, we turn our attention to the U.S..
America had a record first half to 2024, do the figures we have access to indicate that the same period for this year has been equally successful, or has momentum slowed down? We’ll provide all the facts and figures we have access to in our big read story.
Elsewhere, in industry stories, we cover Golf Life Navigators’ new research into Americans’ shifting buying habits around golf club and home searches.
We’ll also take in Titleist’s new retail shop at Pinehurst and Wentworth Golf Club’s academy facility.
Enjoy today’s GBR and your weekend. We’ll catch up again next Tuesday.
INDUSTRY
GOLF LIFE NAVIGATORS REVEALS SHIFTING PRIORITIES OF GOLF CLUB BUYERS IN 2025
Golf Life Navigators (GLN) has released new 2025 insights highlighting a fundamental shift in member priorities. The platform that’s designed to connect golf lifestyle buyers with private clubs and certified real estate agents has outlined three key trends in the first half of 2025, which are:
Real Estate Integration: 8 in 10 prospective members now combine their club search with a home search. Average budgets rose from $544,000 in 2021 to $864,000 in 2024, settling at $814,000 this year.
Decline of Gated Living: By mid-2025, 49% of buyers preferred living outside gated golf communities, signaling stronger demand for non-resident memberships and flexible living options.
Emotional Motivators Lead: Friendly culture (82–85%), golf amenities (71–75%), and landscaping quality (70–73%) now rank ahead of geography, climate, or financial factors in influencing membership decisions.
Jason Becker, CEO of GLN, said clubs must adapt quickly: “ Strategic planning must go beyond tee sheets and financial models, it should integrate real estate insights, flexible membership options, and authentic storytelling around culture.” To receive a copy of Golf Life Navigator’s Insights report, email info@golflifenavigators.com
GOLF VX EXPANDS INTO CANADA WITH 30 SIMULATORS AND AMBITIOUS FRANCHISE PUSH
Simulator franchise company, Golf VX, has officially entered the Canadian market with 30 advanced simulators now operational across five leading venues: Born To Golf, Perfect Golf Range, Golf It Up, Tee Time Golf, and BUDDY PLUS.
Golf VX aims to address Canada’s seasonal golf limitations by offering year-round, tech-driven experiences, mixing gameplay, realistic course replication, and seamless integration of training and entertainment during the long winter months.
The company also announced an aggressive U.S. expansion plan, following successful launches in Arlington Heights and North Dartmouth, with more franchise locations on the horizon. Golf VX’s franchise model is designed to promote multiple revenue streams, including bay rentals, leagues, memberships, F&B, and retail. More details on Golf VX’s franchising opportunities can be found here.
TITLEIST OPENS FIRST U.S. RETAIL SHOP AT PINEHURST
Titleist has officially launched its first dedicated U.S. retail space at Pinehurst Resort, steps from the 18th green of the famed No. 2 course.
Housed in the former Don Padgett Learning Center, the new Titleist Shop at Pinehurst offers a full fitting and retail experience, with technology including the Golf Ball Fitting App, Vokey Wedge Fitting App, and a Trackman-powered indoor bay for year-round sessions. Surrounded by Pinehurst landmarks such as The Cradle short course, visitors will find:
Customizable Pro V1, Pro V1x, and Pro V1x Left Dash balls with Pinehurst-inspired logos, including a new AIM (Alignment Integrated Marking) featuring the iconic Putter Boy.
Pinehurst-exclusive gear, such as a Scotty Cameron headcover and co-branded accessories.
On-site services, including re-gripping and loft/lie adjustments.
Jeremy Stone, Titleist SVP of Golf Ball Marketing & U.S. Sales, said: “Pinehurst represents everything that golfers love about this game. We’re grateful to enhance the journey of dedicated golfers at such a meaningful setting.”
Full details of Titleist’s new store at Pinehurst can be viewed here.
WENTWORTH CLUB UNVEILS WORLD-CLASS GOLF ACADEMY WITH TOUR-LEVEL TECH AND FACILITIES
Ahead of this week’s BMW PGA Championship, the Wentworth Club, Surrey, England, has provided details of its new state-of-the-art golf academy for its members, featuring cutting-edge technology and elite coaching facilities adjacent to its par-3 course.
The year-long build culminated in April with the unveiling of four indoor swing studios that open onto a 300-yard range equipped with five target greens. The studios boast advanced systems including Trackman 4, TPS, Gears 3D, and Swing Catalyst Dual Motion Plate—tools designed for high-performance coaching, precision club fitting, and player development.
The putting studio is equally advanced, featuring a Quintic Analysis suite, Zen Greenstage platform, and overhead tracking, enabling members to replicate complex green conditions. Partnered with TaylorMade, Callaway, Srixon, and Titleist, the facility also provides tour-spec equipment fitting, with regular visits from tour staff players.
The outdoor range includes both natural and synthetic hitting areas with Trackman Range integration, allowing users to view instant shot data linked to their smartphones. The new facility is staffed by a full team of PGA Professionals on hand for instruction through every aspect of the game. Wentworth Golf Club.
ENGLISH GOLF CONFIRMS HIGHEST EVER HANDICAP SCORES RECORDED IN AUGUST
England Golf has confirmed a record-breaking month for handicap submissions, with more than 1.6 million scores logged in August 2025—the highest figure since the World Handicapping System (WHS) was introduced in 2020.
The previous peak came earlier this year in May with 1.597 million scores, while August 2024 ranked third with 1.569 million. In total, 8.961 million scores have been submitted in the first eight months of 2025, putting the year on track to surpass last year’s tally of 10.214 million. Key points include:
53% of scores came through competitions, with 47% via general play.
England Golf’s iGolf subscription base passed 70,000 in August.
Over 11,000 golfers have now joined the iPlay programme.
More than 20,000 iGolf subscribers have transitioned into club membership since the initiative began in 2021.
Claire Hodgson, Head of iGolf, said: “Clearly it’s been a great summer in terms of the sun shining, and it’s obviously encouraged more and more to get out on the course.” More details on England Golf’s record August can be found here.
TOPGOLF GLASGOW KICKS OFF WITH NEW FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE
Topgolf Glasgow, Scotland, is set to bring American football flair to Scotland this autumn with the launch of its Field Goal Challenge, a new game that tasks Players with driving golf balls through virtual goalposts.
The game features two play modes: Free Play, where participants choose from five yardages, and The Challenge, where each Player has 10 attempts to land five successful kicks at varying distances. “At Topgolf, we love creating moments that bring Players together,” said Josh Belkin, Topgolf’s SVP of Revenue Management & Player Engagement.
The timing coincides with the start of the American football season in both the UK and the US. Off the bays, Topgolf Glasgow also doubles as one of the city’s prime spots to catch live sport, with dozens of HD screens showing both football (soccer) and American football in the Sports Bar and across the venue. More details of the new game can be found at Topgolf Glasgow.
CIRCUITS/PROFESSIONAL GAME
GREG NORMAN CONFIRMS EXIT FROM LIV GOLF AFTER FOUR YEARS
Greg Norman, the founding CEO of LIV Golf, has confirmed he has formally ended his tenure with the Saudi-backed circuit. Posting on Instagram, the 70-year-old Australian wrote: “After four unforgettable years, I have officially closed out my time with LIV Golf, and reflecting with nothing but gratitude, pride and achievement.”
Norman highlighted the tour’s global impact, stating it “created opportunities for both players and fans, broadened the ecosystem of golf, and positioned the sport as an asset class.”
Norman had been central to LIV Golf’s launch in 2021, helping lure prominent names from the PGA Tour and European circuit such as Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson. Though replaced as CEO by Scott O’Neil in January, Norman remained with the organisation in an unnamed role until his contract expired in August.
Norman has since joined the organizing board for the 2032 Summer Olympics in Brisbane. Reuters News Agency.
FOUR NAMES INCLUDING EUROPEAN RYDER CUP DEBUTANT FACE PGA TOUR CARD BATTLE IN FEDEX CUP FALL
The FedEx Cup Fall Series is underway, and with seven events from this week’s Procore Championship through to the RSM Classic in November, several well-known players face a fight to keep their PGA Tour status.
Only the top 100 in the standings will secure full cards for 2025/26, while places 101–125 will receive conditional status. Among those under pressure are:
Rasmus Hojgaard (85th): Ryder Cup debutant yet to post a top-ten finish in his first PGA Tour season. Missed the cut at the BMW PGA Championship.
Joel Dahmen (93rd): Missed a two-year exemption after bogeying his final three holes at Corales Puntacana. Encouraging opening 69 at the Procore.
Harry Higgs (112th): Korn Ferry comeback star, still chasing consistency after a playoff loss earlier this year. Opening 76 at the Procore leaves a lot of work to make the cut today.
Matt Kuchar (127th): Nine-time winner facing his toughest card battle since joining the Tour in 2002. Currently, T-10 after an opening 68 at the Procore Championship.
Bunkered’s John Turnbull has more details in his article, which can be viewed here.
DP WORLD TOUR UNVEILS RECORD-BREAKING 2026 GLOBAL SCHEDULE
The DP World Tour has confirmed a 42-event Race to Dubai schedule across 25 countries for 2026, with players competing for a record $157.5 million prize fund outside of the Majors. The season will once again feature three phases: five Global Swings, the Back 9, and the DP World Tour Play-Offs in November. Highlights include:
The Estrella Damm Catalunya Championship at Real Club de Golf El Prat, Barcelona (May 7-10), marking the venue’s first Tour event since 2015.
The Genesis Scottish Open (July 9-12) at the Renaissance Club is one of five Rolex Series events alongside the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, BMW PGA Championship, and both Play-Off tournaments in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Access for members to the PGA TOUR’s Corales Puntacana Championship (July 16-19), which joins the Race to Dubai for the first time.
The Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links Ireland, Doonbeg (Sept 10-13), is a new venue for the event.
Three Dubai events, including the return of the Dubai Invitational (Jan 15-18).
Chief Executive Guy Kinnings said: “The five Global Swings, the Back 9 and the DP World Tour Play-Offs provide a compelling season-long narrative on the Race to Dubai.”
The Tour also announced structural changes to membership from 2026, aimed at improving schedule certainty and balancing playing opportunities for all cardholders. The full 2026 DP World Tour schedule is available to view here.
EQUIPMENT
SRIXON LAUNCHES KEEGAN BRADLEY SIGNATURE SERIES Z-STAR DIAMOND BALLS
Srixon has unveiled the Keegan Bradley Signature Series Z-Star Diamond golf balls, a limited-edition release featuring the U.S. Ryder Cup captain’s image and patriotic design.
Based on the Z-Star Diamond model Bradley plays on Tour, the commemorative balls carry a captain-inspired logo in red, white, and blue, reflecting his pride in American team golf. A spokesperson for Srixon commented: “The Keegan Bradley Signature Series Golf Balls are inspired by Keegan’s bold personality and pride in American team golf.”
The packaging nods to Bradley’s Boston roots, with a detailed skyline illustration celebrating the city’s history and character. Available now through Srixon’s website, the balls are priced at $49.99 per dozen.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
MARTIN NILSSON HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GALVIN GREEN, THE PREMIUM HIGH-TECH GOLF APPAREL BRAND.
Based at the company’s global headquarters in Växjö, Sweden, Nilsson steps into the role following a successful tenure within the brand’s finance team. He succeeds Nicholai Stein, who has led the company since January 2020, as Galvin Green continues to expand internationally. Galvin Green Press Release.BOBBY JONES LINKS HAS APPOINTED BRANDON FOWLER AS CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER. Fowler brings over 20 years of experience in the club industry, including 17 years with one of the sector’s largest management firms. In his new role, he will lead BJL’s growth initiatives and strategic development efforts. Bobby Jones Links Press Release.
GBR Big Read: U.S. Golf in H1-2025: A Market Caught Between Records and Reality
At first glance, the American golf industry looked unshakable heading into 2025. The previous year had delivered the highest participation on record—545 million rounds played in 2024—and golf seemed to have cemented its post-pandemic boom. Yet by the halfway point of this year, the numbers told a more complicated story.
Data from Golf Datatech and the National Golf Foundation show that rounds played in the first six months of 2025 slipped 0.6% compared with the same period in 2024. On paper, it is a modest dip, barely visible against the scale of a multi-hundred-million-round market. But behind that decimal lies a set of contradictions: states where golf surged, others where it slumped, and a broader question about whether the sport has plateaued or is simply catching its breath.
The decline was most visible in June, when national rounds again fell 0.6% year-on-year. Industry insiders were quick to point to the weather, and the data support that defense. The Mid-Atlantic and South Central regions endured higher-than-average precipitation during critical weeks, wiping out rounds in some of the game’s most course-dense geographies.
Texas, a state that in normal conditions carries enormous weight in the national tally, saw its play curtailed by repeated storms. The Carolinas, grouped into the South Atlantic, endured their own soggy spring. Early in the year, January rounds already lagged behind 2024, and heavy rains meant facilities never caught up. For destination markets reliant on steady tourist traffic, this weakness translated directly into thinner ledgers.
Not every state shared the pain. Further west, Colorado experienced a surge in rounds, particularly among younger players. In the Dakotas, where the weather had been milder, rounds jumped sharply, in some reports by more than 50% year-on-year.
The contrast is stark: while clubhouses in North Carolina lamented waterlogged fairways, operators in Bismarck and Sioux Falls were struggling to find tee times for the rush of new players. The picture that emerges is less of a national downturn than a patchwork quilt, stitched together by weather systems.
There is also the matter of expectations. Golf had been riding an unprecedented wave since 2020, pulling in millions of new and lapsed players. By 2024, the sport’s growth was so strong that comparisons became brutal. As one analyst put it, “flat is the new up.” Holding within a percentage point of last year’s record rounds may be the best outcome the industry could realistically have hoped for.
Yet the figures still raise questions about sustainability. If bad weather alone explains the national dip, then 2025 is a blip, not a trend. But weather has always been golf’s convenient scapegoat. Beneath the rain clouds lies a consumer environment that is more cautious than it was two years ago. Inflation has trimmed discretionary spending, and households are recalibrating how much they can afford to allocate to leisure. Golf, once seen as vulnerable to belt-tightening, has so far remained sticky in household budgets. But operators, particularly in regions hit by downturns, are reporting shorter booking windows, greater price sensitivity, and fewer premium upgrades.
If you are enjoying the read so far, consider becoming a paid subscriber to Golf Bizz Review. Benefits of being a subscriber will give you access to:
How the golf tourism industry creates a $1.6 billion economy boost for Myrtle Beach
How alternative formats like Topgolf, Five Iron, and PopStroke are shaping participation
What the economic backdrop reveals about discretionary spend, and why the Carolinas’ slump has broader implications for tourism and investment.
