The State of Golf: New Course Openings Signal a Stabilizing Market
The world of golf course development is a dynamic, and often scrutinized, part of the sport's overall health. While the boom-and-bust cycle of past decades has leveled off, the past year has seen a continuation of targeted new construction, primarily in specific markets and facility types, alongside a significant focus on renovation and modernization.
While precise global figures for the exact 365-day period can be challenging to pin down, data from industry experts like the National Golf Foundation (NGF) provides a clear picture of the trend. The key takeaway is not a return to the widespread building frenzy of the 1990s, but rather a more selective, quality-driven expansion.
A Look at the Numbers (United States)
In the United States, which holds a substantial portion of the world's golf supply, the market continues to maintain a steady equilibrium.
- New Openings: In the most recent full reporting period, the number of truly brand-new 18-hole-equivalent golf courses to open for play is relatively modest, often hovering around 15 to 25 courses per year. For instance, reports indicate approximately 25 new courses opened in the U.S. in 2024, with about 13 opening in the first half of the year.
- Net Supply: Importantly, the number of new openings is largely balanced by a continued, albeit slowing, rate of closures. The industry is in a period of "supply equilibrium," where the total number of facilities remains relatively constant at around 14,000 in the U.S., containing just under 16,000 courses.
- The Development Pipeline: Looking ahead, the U.S. has a robust development pipeline, with over 120 courses in active planning or under construction, suggesting a steady, predictable supply of new facilities in the coming years.
The Rise of the "Other" Course
The new construction landscape is characterized by a few notable trends:
- Short Courses and Alternative Golf: A significant portion of new development is not the traditional 18-hole championship layout. The past year has continued to see a surge in the construction of short courses (Par-3 courses, 9-hole loops, and executive layouts). These cater to new players, families, and time-conscious golfers, and are often part of a larger resort or existing facility, like the notable new short courses at Bandon Dunes and Pinehurst.
- Municipal Revitalization: Many new course openings in the past year were the result of complete overhauls and re-openings of existing municipal courses, such as The Park West Palm in Florida. This trend breathes new life into public golf and is counted by some as major "re-openings" or "major renovations" rather than purely new builds.
- High-End Private Development: New construction is disproportionately occurring at the upper end of the market, with exclusive, high-profile private clubs and resort destinations driving significant investment.
Global Development Hotspots
Outside of the U.S., golf course development is flourishing in various regions, indicating the sport’s increasing global footprint.
- Asia-Pacific and the Middle East remain key areas of growth, often driven by resort and luxury real estate developments.
- Vietnam stands out as a global hotspot, currently leading the way outside the U.S. with over 50 courses in planning or under construction.
- The United Kingdom and countries like Mexico, South Korea, and Spain also maintain a notable presence in the worldwide development pipeline.
In conclusion, while the total number of brand-new, regulation-size golf courses opened in the past year remains modest—estimated to be around 25 in the U.S. and perhaps a few dozen more globally—the construction market is far from dormant. The focus has shifted from simple volume to quality, diversification (particularly short courses), and the significant investment in renovating and modernizing existing facilities to meet the sustained demand generated by the post-pandemic golf boom. The development pipeline suggests a healthy, yet measured, path forward for the golf course industry.