Although golf's popularity in the U.S. has not returned to its zenith prior to the Great Financial Crisis, new findings from CBRE suggest that the sport's growing appeal is proving to be a boon for hoteliers and golf resorts. The firm analyzed the performance of 20 resorts with an average of 625 rooms between 2019 and 2023, finding that revenues have expanded significantly since the onset of the pandemic.

Occupancy rates, average daily rates, and gross profits at golf resorts did not decline as sharply as they did for other hotels during the pandemic. CBRE attributes this difference to the isolated, low-density nature of the resorts and the outdoor aspect of the sport, which likely attracted individuals seeking healthy alternatives.

"Since 2020, golf has experienced a resurgence," the report stated. In 2023, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported 26.6 million rounds of golf played on U.S. courses, a 9.5% increase from 2019. Of even greater significance is the 115% rise in off-course participation, which includes driving ranges, simulators, and par-3 courses during the same period.