Rounds down 2 percent in July

Rounds had been up three percent year-to-date through June. However, because July accounts for a large volume of rounds nationwide, the year-to-date figure fell to +1.8% through July.

Rounds played fell two percent on a same-store basis in July 2006 vs. July 2005. Rounds had been up three percent year-to-date through June. However, because July accounts for a large volume of rounds nationwide, the year-to-date figure fell to +1.8% through July.

The worst performing regions in July were the Southwest, Lower Midwest and Mid Atlantic. But not all the news was bad:  four regions posted gains, including the Southeast and Central/South Florida.
 
Rounds Played, 2006 vs. 2005
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations
                                July      Year-to-date
Total U.S. facilities -2.0%   1.8%
Private Clubs         -1.8%      1.9%

Total Public Courses   
Public Courses:          -2.1%    1.8%
  Premium                   -2.2%     0.8%
  Standard                   -2.3%     1.8%
  Value                        -2.0%      2.0%
    
1 Northeast                 -2.0%     -0.8%
2 Mid-Atlantic            -4.3%      3.1%
3 Southeast                 6.3%       5.8%
4 Central/South Florida 3.8%     3.1%
5 Gulf Coast                2.4%       4.4%
6 South Central            -1.1%     2.0%
7 Lower Midwest        -4.6%      1.2%
8 Upper Midwest        -1.4%      4.2%
9 Mountain                  -2.5%     1.9%
10 Southwest              -6.4%     -1.5%
11 Northwest             0.6%       -0.6%

Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart:

Premium (High) - Above $70
Standard (Middle) - $40-$70
Value (Low) - Below $40

*Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.

Fla