Berkeley Heights, N.J. -- Although the origins of golf come from Scotland, it is evident the game has long been a favorite American pastime. More than 26 million people play golf in the U.S. (according to the National Golf Foundation), and according to the Yellow Pages Integrated Media Association, the "Public Golf Courses" heading generates more than 52 million look-ups per year--ranking 47th out of more than 4,000 Yellow Page headings.
Public golf courses account for 73 percent of the approximate 16,000 golf courses in the United States, and Americans spend more than $24 billion annually on golf supplies and playing fees, according to the NGF.
"The number of core golfers--those who play a minimum of eight rounds a year--slowly continues to grow. Core golfers are one of the most important segments to the industry, as they play an average of 37 rounds a year and each spend close to $1,500 annually on equipment and fees," said Jen Amos, NGF marketing communications manager. "On the other hand, cultivating and retaining the untapped demand among occasional golfers, especially females, through programs such as Link Up 2 Golf and Play Golf America--which offer accessibility to beginning and occasional golfers--is key to future growth of the game."
In addition to listings and ads, many Yellow Pages publishers offer special golf guides within their directories, which include local golf course listings, hours, maps, and details about particular golf courses. This makes it easy for enthusiasts to find their favorite links.
"Golf enthusiasts appreciate having local course information at their fingertips, whether they plan to tee off in their own city or while traveling," said Larry Small, director of research for YPIMA. "Golf course owners and managers have a real opportunity to attract these ready-to-golf consumers through the Yellow Pages."