Golf Tourism Takes Off: Resorts Expand and Upgrade

News Summary

Golf tourism is surging in the U.S., with resorts like Pinehurst responding by adding new courses and amenities. This trend offers curated experiences to cater to the growing leisure segment. The industry is seeing record participation and spending, indicating a bright future for golf tourism as travelers increasingly seek golf vacations.

Golf Tourism Takes Off: Resorts Respond with Expansions and Upgrades

Have you ever considered a vacation that mixes sport, leisure, and stunning landscapes? If so, you’re in luck because golf tourism is currently on the rise! As more and more travelers look for that perfect getaway on the greens, golf resorts across the U.S. are stepping up their game in a big way. The post-pandemic world has revived interest in this classic sport, which is great news for resorts that have been eagerly waiting to welcome back guests.

Pinehurst Resort Steals the Spotlight

One resort making waves is Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina, widely recognized as a golfing haven and host to the prestigious U.S. Open championship. In response to a surge in demand for tee times—particularly since 2020—the resort has opened its 10th regulation-length golf course. This even means more options for visitors looking to enjoy their golfing dreams!

The charm of Pinehurst doesn’t stop there. To cater to the growing number of leisure guests—which now account for a whopping 65% to 70% of annual room nights—the resort has added nine new golf cottages and a brand new restaurant. Year-over-year growth in the leisure segment has been remarkable. Many guests are now opting for golf packages that allow them to squeeze in 2 to 3 rounds over a delightful three-day stay.

Interestingly, the shift in demand is evident in how much longer visitors are sticking around. Pinehurst has reported that since the pandemic, the share of resort room nights attributed to leisure guests has jumped from 40-45% to the impressive figures we see today. With an extended seasonality for golf that’s now stretching into the summer months, Pinehurst is well on its way to becoming a year-round destination!

A Look at the Bigger Picture

Golf tourism in the U.S. is no small industry, generating over $40 billion annually and making up approximately 40% of the game’s entire economic impact. In the past two years alone, more than 12 million Americans ventured out to hit the links, showing a staggering 20% increase from historical averages. As the industry continues to rebound, forecasts for this year paint an optimistic picture, with projections indicating record highs in golf tourism.

The Trend is Clear: Curated Experiences Are In

With demand rising, resorts are stepping up by offering curated experiences around golf. Destinations like PGA Frisco and Bandon Dunes are consistently busy, with bookings extending into 2025 and 2026. It’s no longer unusual for guests to reserve their trips 10 to 12 months in advance! The invite to engage with the sport is only getting stronger, and this leads to an increase in the length of stays thanks to new interactive golf packages offered by places like Kohler Golf and Streamsong Resort.

The buzz doesn’t end here. Short courses are gaining popularity, too—the second par 3 course at Bandon Dunes is set to open this year, ensuring that more golfers can enjoy quick yet engaging rounds of play. Meanwhile, Boyne Golf in Northern Michigan are witnessing interest from travelers across 48 states, pulling in visitors from markets where golf has previously been less mainstream.

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