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NGCOA Canada Unveils 2026 Pulse Report: Key Trends in Golf Operations

Canadian Golf Industry Reaches Record Participation

NGCOA Canada’s 2026 Pulse Report Highlights Strong Performance and Measured Outlook

March 5, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) Canada has released key findings from its 2026 Pulse Report, presented by Priswing. The report analyzes performance across Canadian golf course operations during the 2025 season while providing an outlook for the 2026 golf season.

The findings show the Canadian golf industry continuing its strong trajectory, with participation reaching a new national record and revenues exceeding projections for the third consecutive year.

Rounds played increased 7.9% in 2025, marking the fifth increase in the past six years and pushing national participation 36.4% above 2019 levels, reinforcing that the surge in golf participation that began in 2020 has stabilized at a higher long-term baseline.

“This year’s Pulse Report confirms that golf’s growth is not a short-term trend but a structural shift in participation,” said Jordan Vizena, Managing Director of Research & Membership for NGCOA Canada. “Operators across Canada have successfully converted increased interest in the game into sustained engagement and stronger business performance.”

Key Insights from the 2026 Pulse Report

2025 Results

Gross revenues increased 10.0%, nearly doubling the pre-season projection of 5.4%.

Green fee and cart revenues rose 11.5%, driven largely by higher participation rather than pricing alone.

Membership revenues increased 6.6%, while food and beverage revenues grew 9.0%.

Staffing conditions improved significantly, with 92% of facilities reporting full staffing, easing the labour shortages experienced earlier in the decade.

Participation growth was particularly strong across Western and Atlantic Canada, with several provinces posting double-digit increases in rounds played. 

2026 Outlook

Looking ahead to 2026, operators anticipate continued growth, though at a more moderate pace.

  • Gross revenues are projected to increase 4.9% in 2026.
  • Average rate per round is expected to rise 4.2%.
  • Labour costs are forecast to increase 4.8%, reflecting stabilization in staffing markets.

Macroeconomic conditions entering 2026 appear more stable, with inflation returning to the Bank of Canada’s target range and small business confidence improving. However, consumer confidence remains somewhat cautious, suggesting operators may continue to see strong participation while remaining mindful of discretionary spending patterns. 

Emerging Industry Trends

The report also highlights several emerging operational trends shaping the business of golf in Canada:

  • Sustainability adoption continues to accelerate, with more than 40% of operators indicating sustainability is very important to their operation.
  • Interest in electric turf equipment is growing, with 58.5% of facilities either exploring or planning adoption.
  • Artificial intelligence is gaining traction, with more than half of operators either using or planning to implement AI tools in their operations. 

Unlocking the Full Picture

The Pulse Report combines data from NGCOA Canada’s Rounds Played Reports, Weather Impact Reports, Revenue Tracker, and annual Pulse Survey, alongside economic insights from leading institutions including the Bank of Canada, Statistics Canada, CFIB, and Ipsos. 

While this announcement highlights selected findings, the full 2026 Pulse Report is available exclusively to NGCOA Canada members, providing deeper analysis and benchmarking insights to support operational decision-making.

“In an industry as seasonal and dynamic as golf, access to timely data is essential,” said Nathalie Lavallée, CEO, NGCOA Canada. “The Pulse Report provides operators and industry stakeholders with a clear view of the trends shaping the business of golf in Canada and helps guide strategic planning for the year ahead.”

For More Information

If you have any questions, or would like more insights into the NGCOA Canada 2026 Pulse Report, please contact Jordan Vizena at jvizena@ngcoa.ca.