In golf news this week are items from National Golf Foundation, Buffalo Groupe, SuperStroke, Golf Pride and Kinetixx.
NGF Short Game: Golf’s State-of-Industry In 3 Minutes
More people are playing more golf in more ways than any time in history. The metrics of our game are getting their own “mic drop” moment.
Momentum across the recreational side of the U.S. golf industry remained broadly positive in 2025, and indicators continue to point to sustainability in both participation and play.
This trajectory, which began even before the pandemic, has now settled into a recalibrated, higher baseline for the game – perspective that’s highlighted in NGF’s newest industry overview.
Green-grass golf participation surpassed 29 million in 2025 (all-time record is 30.6 million in 2003), marking an eighth consecutive year of growth and a net increase of roughly one million golfers YOY. Over the past eight years, on-course participation has risen by over five million, reinforcing that this is not a short-term COVID bump but a broader, lifestyle-driven shift toward experiences that deliver social connection, time outdoors, and physical, mental and emotional well-being.
There is a renewed appreciation for the holistic benefits of the green-grass game, and tens of millions of Americans now recognize golf’s public health benefit as one of the ultimate wellness activities — combining exercise, stress relief, challenge, self-improvement and community in a uniquely accessible outdoor setting.
Total golf participation (on-course and off-course, using a real club and ball with a full swing) climbed to an all-time high, fueled by both traditional play and the continued expansion of technology-enabled ranges, simulators and entertainment venues. These off-course formats are proving to be powerful entry points that complement, rather than replace, the green-grass game.
NGF members can explore the full set of participation, play, supply, development, equipment and retail trends in our holistic look at the U.S. golf industry and its key performance indicators. The Graffis Report includes a concise one-page “leaderboard” of the game’s vital signs, along with deeper analysis and context.
Among the notable takeaways:
- On-course participation at its highest level since the Tiger Woods–aided peak era of the late 1990s and early 2000s, and total participation (on-course and off) is up 50% over the past decade to more than 48M.
- National Rounds Played reached another all-time record, the fourth time in five years — achieved with roughly 2,000 fewer facilities than existed during that previous participation peak two decades ago
- More than 8 million women and girls now playing on course, an all-time high, and a 46% increase compared to 2019 (pre-COVID)
- Record levels of diversity across golf’s participation base, with unprecedented on-course representation among Females (28%) and People of Color (26%)
- Roughly two-thirds of ‘green-grass’ beginners enter the game with ‘off-course’ experience
- With approximately 15,900 courses at nearly 14,000 facilities, the U.S. maintains its position as the world’s largest golf market
- Continued strength in demand and facility utilization support healthier economics and golf course spending on infrastructure and supplies, with nearly 70% of operators rating their financial condition as “good” or “excellent”
- Normalization of public pricing power, with average 18-hole fee up roughly 29% since 2019, which is broadly in line with cumulative U.S. inflation
Overall, today’s golf economy is broader, more inclusive and more resilient than at any time in the modern era, supported by a multi-channel ecosystem that introduces millions to the game while reinforcing the central role of the golf course as the industry’s front door.
Buffalo Groupe Study Shows Golf Travel Rebalancing Around Value, Frequency, and Experience in 2026
Annual Golf Travel Study Reveals Sustained Spending, High Economic Confidence, and Evolving Travel Priorities Among U.S. Golfers
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A new national study from Buffalo Groupe finds that U.S. golfers are entering 2026 with strong confidence in golf travel, continued willingness to spend, and a renewed focus on value-driven, experience-rich trips. The 2025 Buffalo Groupe Golf Travel Study examines shifting behaviors, spending patterns, and destination preferences, highlighting a resilient market that is becoming more intentional in how and where golfers travel.
Conducted in December 2025, the annual study analyzes year-over-year trends in golf travel and explores how today’s golfers balance frequency, spend, and experience when planning getaways.
“Golf travel demand remains strong, but today’s golfer is making more thoughtful decisions,” said Buffalo Groupe CEO Kyle Ragsdale. “We’re seeing sustained spending paired with higher expectations around value, ease, and overall experience. For destinations and resorts, delivering seamless, memorable golf getaways has never been more important.”
Key Study Findings:
The 2025 Golf Travel Study provides valuable insights for golf destinations, resorts, and marketers, including the following highlights:
- Sustained Spending with Higher Value Expectations: Nearly 9 in 10 golfers plan to spend the same or more on golf travel in 2026, with half maintaining annual golf travel budgets of $5,000 or more. However, golfers are increasingly sensitive to perceived value, citing hidden fees and misaligned pricing as key deterrents.
- Strong Economic Confidence: 71% of golfers report feeling optimistic or confident about the U.S. economy, supporting continued golf travel intent despite broader economic uncertainty.
- Southeast Remains the Top Domestic Destination: The Southeast continues to dominate U.S. golf travel interest, accounting for two-thirds of the top five most desired domestic destinations, while interest in regions such as the Gulf Coast and Upper Midwest is emerging.
- International “Bucket List” Travel Endures: Scotland and Ireland remain the most desired international golf destinations. Southern Europe—including Spain, Portugal, and Italy—is gaining popularity as golfers seek a “golf-plus” experience that blends culture, cuisine, scenery, and climate.
- Digital Content Drives Trip Planning: Golf travel planning is increasingly digital, with YouTube remaining the leading platform for golf travel content consumption, particularly among golfers under 45.
Buffalo Groupe Managing Director Sara Killeen noted a shift in the spending habits of golf travelers with the largest trip budgets. “While they aren’t penny-pinching, those with budgets over $15,000 pulled back somewhat in 2025,” Killeen stated. “Many have moved into the $7,500–$10,000 bracket, suggesting they may be opting for several shorter golf getaways over the course of the year instead of a single marquee trip.”
Study Methodology
The 2025 Buffalo Groupe Golf Travel Study was conducted in Fall 2025 using a national survey of qualified U.S. golfers and reflects insights from highly engaged golf travelers.
- Screening Criteria:
- Played more than five rounds of golf in the past year
- Have taken a golf-focused trip within the last five years
- Research Focus Areas:
- Past golf travel behaviors
- Future golf travel intentions
- Travel spending and sentiment
- Destination preferences
- Golfer demographics and psychographics
To review the full Buffalo Groupe 2025 Golf Travel Study, including detailed data, destination rankings, and strategic insights, visit www.longitudesgroup.com/buy-reports for purchase options.
SuperStroke Releases the Zenergy ‘TLT’ Grip for Zero-Torque and Lie-Angle-Balanced Putters
Leading putter grip brand provides premium options for the hottest trend in putting
Wixom, MI – SuperStroke, the No. 1 Putter Grip in golf and the leader in innovative Tour-proven golf grip technology, proudly announces the debut of its Zenergy TLT grip, designed exclusively for the rapidly growing number of zero-torque, lie-angle-balanced putters that have become popular with a wide range of golfers. For players using these zero-torque putters designed with forward shaft lean, the TLT is an off-axis putter grip precisely designed to ideally fit some of the most popular putter models on the market today.
he Zenergy TLT is engineered with an off-axis core that angles the shaft inside the grip, promoting a forward-leaning shaft position while maintaining a neutral hand position at address.
Available in three popular SuperStroke grip sizes, Pistol 1.0, Pistol 2.0, and Tour 2.0XL, the new Zenergy TLT grip is also offered in right- and left-handed versions, and in two colors: Red/White and White/Silver.
This off-axis TLT grip design helps golfers using putters designed with forward shaft lean – and built to keep the putter face square to the target line – maintain a neutral hand position and stability throughout the stroke. Zero-torque putter technology helps golfers reduce twisting and promotes a more stable, repeatable pendulum putting motion with improved directional control.
Part of SuperStroke’s groundbreaking Zenergy line, the TLT grip features:
Enhanced SPYNE® Technology – The new SPYNE® Technology has an improved, embossed ridge along the underside of the grip, engineered to make it easier to square the face at impact.
New Multi-Zone Texturing – Strategically placed texture in high-sensory areas designed to optimize feedback and comfort from the incredibly soft polyurethane outer layer.
No Taper Technology – Our patented No Taper minimizes grip pressure with an advanced parallel design that enables golfers to quiet their hands and add consistency to their stroke.
TLT Pistol 1.0 Size Specs:
Width: 1.14″
Length: 10.60″
Weight: 88g
Core: 0.58″
TLT Pistol 2.0 Size Specs:
Width: 1.32″
Length: 10.60″
Weight: 56g
Core: 0.58″
TLT Tour 2.0XL Size Specs:
Width: 1.14″
Length: 13.75″
Weight: 67g
Core: 0.58″
Pricing for SuperStroke Zenergy TLT grips is $34.99 for the TLT Pistol 1.0 and the TLT Pistol 2.0. The TLT Tour 2.0XL is priced at $39.99.
SuperStroke grips are trusted by hundreds of top professional golfers. In 2025, SuperStroke users won 66 tournaments on golf’s major tours, including 25 tournaments on the PGA TOUR, for a total of than $68 million in first-place prize money in those events.
SuperStroke’s putter grip line is a product of relentless innovation, fueled by feedback from more than 600 tour pros. From signature shapes and sizes to cutting-edge materials, SuperStroke delivers unprecedented features into every putter grip while connecting golfer and putter like no other product on the market.
For more details on SuperStroke’s range of innovative golf grips and to keep up with the latest news from the company, visit https://superstrokeusa.com.
Golf Pride Unveils ZERO TAPER Putter Grips
World’s Leading Golf-Grip Maker Raises the Bar on Putter Grip Innovation, New Offering Delivers Consistent Feel Beneath Both Hands
(PINEHURST, N.C.) – Golf Pride, a leading innovator in golf equipment and the maker of the world’s most popular golf grips, introduces ZERO TAPER putter grips. The parallel shape provides a comfortable and familiar look and feel for many players, while innovative design features were purposefully-engineered to optimize hand placement and encourage consistent grip pressure. This helps square the putter face at impact, leading to more confidence and better results on the greens.
Available at retailers nationwide and online starting February 17, ZERO TAPER grips are available in two sizes–medium and large–with three distinct colorways to suit a variety of player preferences: black, blue, and red.
Leaning on more than 75 years of expertise, coupled with extensive consumer testing, Golf Pride designed ZERO TAPER to enhance both performance and comfort. Here are the key benefits:
- Consistent Hand Feel. The uniform geometric shape ensures that both the lead and trailing hands have the same feel, promoting a more synchronized stroke for those who prefer non-tapered putter grips.
- Improved Face Awareness. The deeper side profile provides maximum feedback, allowing golfers to sense, control and better square the putter face.
- Ergonomic Anchor Point. The unique horseshoe-shaped backside creates a natural and comfortable resting place for finger folds.
- Repeatable Hand Alignment. Visual cues guide hand placement to ensure consistency in how golfers are gripping ZERO TAPER.
- Balance and Stability. The grips maintain a consistent weight profile across all sizes, preserving the putter’s sweet spot and making it easier to feel the position of the putter head throughout the stroke.
ZERO TAPER joins the popular Reverse Taper, launched in 2024, as one of Golf Pride’s only grips constructed using polyurethane. This provides the ideal feel, texture and weight, ensuring the new grips are soft, yet responsive. Unique traction elements and visual cues assist with finger placement and cater to different gripping styles.
“Two years ago, we introduced Reverse Taper, and it quickly became one of the top-selling putter grips worldwide. With ZERO TAPER, we’re building on that success by offering players who favor a consistent geometric shape a grip that meets their needs,” says Jamies Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “Whether we’re designing full-swing or putter grips, our brand’s mission is to create products that inspire confidence, enabling players of all skill levels to perform their best.”
ZERO TAPER is the latest grip from Golf Pride that was conceptualized, designed and tested at the company’s state-of-the-art Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Pinehurst, N.C. Situated next to the renowned Pinehurst No. 8, the GIC serves as the hub for global consumer research, product design and brand marketing.
KINETIXX introduces golf’s first shafts engineered with a fully homogeneous deployment of Kevlar technology
This exclusive, generational technology will be present in the new SyrgeX and FlexurX lines
San Clemente, CA – KINETIXX Golf today announced the launch of SyrgeX and FlexurX, two next-generation wood shaft platforms built around Kevlar® EXO™, the most significant advancement in aramid fiber technology in more than 50 years. KINETIXX is the only golf shaft manufacturer with exclusive access to Kevlar® EXO™, pairing this breakthrough material with its utility-patented hybrid construction to deliver unprecedented strength, consistency, energy transfer, and feel. Beyond exclusive access, KINETIXX uniquely owns and controls the design, production, and commercialization of the proprietary unidirectional prepreg architectures used in these shafts, manufacturing the material itself rather than sourcing it externally. This vertically integrated capability allows KINETIXX to engineer performance at the material, fiber, and structural levels simultaneously, a feat no other golf shaft manufacturer can replicate.
Kevlar® EXO™ is a copolymer aramid fiber engineered for extreme performance. It has been in development for 15 years and has expanded to other key applications such as crash-resistant fuel bladders for Formula One; protecting satellites, deployable structures, and spacecraft in space from orbital debris; and now looks to the sports world with best-in-class golf shafts. KINETIXX’s proprietary prepreg forms of Kevlar® EXO™ are not single-purpose solutions, but a scalable materials platform that will be deployed across future applications both within and beyond sporting goods, including advanced industrial systems and next-generation medical devices requiring controlled flexibility, fatigue resistance, and long-term structural reliability.
Compared to standard Kevlar®, it is approximately 30% stronger, 30% lighter, and 30% more flexible. That added ductility allows the material to absorb impact energy rather than fracture, which is essential in high-speed golf applications where carbon fiber alone can be brittle. By combining Kevlar® EXO™ (tension and impact absorption) with high-modulus carbon fiber (compression and stiffness), KINETIXX achieves a composite system that stores, controls, and releases energy more efficiently than any existing conventional shaft design. Because KINETIXX engineers and manufactures the prepreg material itself, these composite systems cannot be reverse-engineered or duplicated using conventional table-rolled or third-party-supplied materials.
SyrgeX: Filament-Wound Precision, Vacuum-Cured Consistency
SyrgeX represents the most advanced execution of KINETIXX’s utility-patented hybrid construction. A 30T (0°) and 40T (45°) high-modulus carbon fiber core is paired with a homogeneous, circumferential filament-wound Kevlar® EXO™ exoskeleton, all vacuum-cured into a low-void, ultra-dense composite. The Kevlar® EXO™ filament and prepreg materials used in SyrgeX are produced exclusively by KINETIXX, enabling fiber placement, tension control, and material consistency unavailable to manufacturers relying on outsourced composite supply chains.
This architecture solves the long-standing trade-off between bending stiffness and torsional stability. The 0° fibers deliver elite linear strength and a stable kick profile, while the 45° fibers and Kevlar® EXO™ hoop layer dramatically resist twisting and ovaling under load. The result is a shaft that stays round, stays square, and recovers faster, even on high-speed or off-center strikes.
Key performance outcomes include:
- Pure kinetic energy transfer from reduced resin content and higher fiber volume.
- Spineless, concentric construction for ultra-tight dispersion.
- Reduced vibration and enhanced feel, as the Kevlar® EXO™ exoskeleton filters harsh, high-frequency impact shock.
- Exceptional durability and impact resistance without added weight.
SyrgeX is available for both drivers and fairway woods. This line is engineered for mid-to-high swing-speed players seeking bulletproof distance with bulletproof precision, delivering a high, stable kick point, low torque, and lower-mid launch/spin characteristics.
FlexurX: The Most Advanced Table-Rolled Shaft Ever Developed
FlexurX applies Kevlar® EXO™ innovation to a vacuum-cured, table-rolled platform, creating a shaft that redefines what is possible in traditional flag-wrapped construction. A 30T/40T high-modulus carbon fiber core is reinforced with a proprietary ultra-thin Kevlar® EXO™ unidirectional outer ply at 45°, precisely oriented for stability, loading, and recovery. This unidirectional Kevlar® EXO™ prepreg is wholly engineered and manufactured by KINETIXX, allowing exact control over fiber orientation, resin content, and ply thickness at a level not achievable through third-party materials.
This Kevlar® EXO™ exoskeleton acts as a structural safeguard, preventing deformation and ovaling during aggressive swings while adding elongation and vibration dampening that carbon fiber alone cannot provide. Vacuum curing eliminates irregularities like resin pockets, ensuring every FlexurX shaft is lighter, more consistent, and performs exactly as designed.
Performance benefits include:
- Higher ball speed through efficient energy transfer.
- Tighter dispersion and greater forgiveness on off-center hits.
- Smooth, solid feel with filtered vibration despite high stiffness.
- Broad playability across a wide range of clubhead speeds.
FlexurX is available for both drivers and fairway woods. This line is engineered for golfers who demand maximum stability, forgiveness, and efficiency without sacrificing feel — particularly players with moderate to fast swing speeds who want confidence on aggressive swings and protection on imperfect strikes. Designed for those who value tight dispersion, consistent ball speed, and smooth feedback, FlexurX is ideal for competitive amateurs, serious club golfers, and fit-focused players seeking reliability, playability, and tour-level consistency.
New Initiative Shaping the Future of the Game
Dallas, TX [February 12, 2026] — Uneekor, a global leader in golf simulation and performance technology, officially announced the launch of the Uneekor Junior Academy, marking a major investment in the future of golf. The program debuted with Uneekor’s first official ambassador of their Junior Academy, Bristol Tippens (aka Birdie Bristol), an accomplished junior golfer representing the next generation of competitive talent.
The Uneekor Junior Academy is designed to empower young golfers by providing access to the same high-performance technology trusted by professionals. Through this initiative, Uneekor aims to give back to the golf community while creating greater access, visibility, and long-term support for junior players nationwide.
Tippens was formally introduced as Uneekor’s first Junior Academy athlete at the 2026 PGA Show. As a member of the Class of 2030, Ms. Tippens is a standout junior golfer, the reigning 2025 U.S. Kids Golf Champion, and the 2025 Under Armour Fall Champion.
Program Focus Areas
The Uneekor Junior Academy is built around three core pillars:
- Accessibility: Breaking down barriers to advanced golf technology for junior players.
- Visibility: Helping young golfers showcase their talent and track their progress.
- Support: Providing resources and mentorship to aid long-term development.
Eligibility
The program is open to junior golfers 18 years of age and under who are actively competing on national or regional tours. Applications to apply are available on Uneekor’s website.
Purpose
The Uneekor Junior Academy is designed to support and elevate the next generation of young talent shaping the future of the game. By providing greater access to cutting-edge technology and data-driven feedback, young athletes are empowered to better understand their game and reach their full potential. With the goal of building confidence and fostering long-term growth, Uneekor is creating a clear pathway forward for junior players to succeed both on and off the course. For more information, visit www.uneekor.com/junioracademy.
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