National Golf Foundation
A United States nonprofit trade association that provides research, data, and business-development support to the golf industry.
Last updated August 24, 2026
AI crawler reads
No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.
Overview
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) is a United States nonprofit trade association serving the golf industry through market research, participation data, business intelligence, and industry-development support. Headquartered in Jupiter, Florida, the organization operates primarily as an information and advisory institution rather than as a consumer-facing golf brand. Its work is intended for golf-course operators, equipment and apparel companies, retailers, developers, investors, governing bodies, media organizations, and other businesses connected with the game. NGF was established in 1936 by golf writers and brothers Herb Graffis and Joe Graffis. From its origins, the organization focused on strengthening golf by improving the industry's access to dependable information and by encouraging the game's broader development. Its role has evolved alongside the business of golf: rather than concentrating only on professional competition, it examines participation, facility supply, rounds played, equipment and retail activity, course development, and other indicators of the health and reach of golf. The foundation's principal value proposition is its specialized dataset and sector knowledge. It publishes recurring reports and provides research and consulting services intended to help organizations understand demand, measure market conditions, evaluate facilities and opportunities, and make operating or investment decisions. A major annual publication is the Golf Industry Report, described as a broad review of the state of the industry. The annually issued Graffis Report, generally released in January, covers subjects such as golf participation and engagement, rounds played, the number and development of golf courses, equipment sales, retail supply, and the game's overall reach. NGF also supports recognition within the golf industry. Since 1970 it has presented the Graffis Award to individuals who have made notable contributions to golf. The award reflects the foundation's wider institutional role: promoting the health of the game not only through commercial analysis, but also by recognizing people whose work has influenced golf's development. The organization has maintained a membership model serving companies across the golf economy. A reference profile reported approximately 6,000 member companies as of 2007, although a current membership total is not established here. Leadership transitioned in 2024 when Greg Nathan became chief executive officer, succeeding Joe Beditz. The NGF remains active as an industry-information and professional-services organization, with its influence centered on research, market measurement, and practical support for golf businesses rather than on ownership of golf facilities or equipment brands.
History
The National Golf Foundation was created in 1936 by brothers Herb Graffis and Joe Graffis, golf writers who saw a need for an organization dedicated to the long-term development of the game and its supporting business ecosystem. Its founding placed the organization at the intersection of golf journalism, industry coordination, and market information. Rather than functioning as a golf-club manufacturer, course operator, or competition organizer, the NGF developed as a nonprofit trade association focused on knowledge and industry support. Over time, the foundation became a source of specialized information about the commercial and participation dimensions of golf in the United States. Its research work addressed the number and condition of golf facilities, the level of player participation, rounds played, equipment and retail activity, course construction and development, and the broader reach of the game. These subjects gave operators, suppliers, developers, and other stakeholders a common basis for understanding market conditions and planning their activities. The organization also established an awards function. Beginning in 1970, it presented the Graffis Award to recognize outstanding contributions to golf. Early and notable recipients identified in reference material include Ellen Jean Griffin in 1970 and Gary Wiren in 1978. The award extended the NGF's role beyond statistical and commercial analysis by acknowledging individuals who had materially contributed to the development of golf. A central part of the foundation's continuing work is its publication program. The Golf Industry Report is released annually as a broad review of the industry's state. The Graffis Report, generally issued in January, brings together key indicators concerning participation, engagement, rounds played, facility supply and development, equipment sales, retail supply, and the overall reach of golf. These publications help frame discussions about the health and direction of the game. The NGF has also operated through a membership structure serving businesses throughout the golf economy. A 2007 reference reported roughly 6,000 member companies, although that figure should not be treated as a current membership count. The organization is based in Jupiter, Florida, and has focused its operating activity on the United States. Leadership changed in 2024, when Greg Nathan succeeded Joe Beditz as chief executive officer. The transition occurred within an organization whose principal role remains the provision of research, data, market insight, and business-development assistance. No reliable source in the supplied material establishes a change in ownership, a parent company, public listing, or a separate international corporate group. The NGF is therefore best understood as an active, United States-focused nonprofit trade association and professional information provider for golf.
- 2024
Greg Nathan succeeded Joe Beditz as CEO
[1]Greg Nathan became chief executive officer following Joe Beditz's tenure.
- 2007
Membership reported at approximately 6,000 companies
[1]A reference profile reported that the foundation had approximately 6,000 member companies. This is a historical figure, not a confirmed current total.
- 1978
Gary Wiren received the Graffis Award
[1]Gary Wiren was identified among the award's past recipients for his contribution to golf.
- 1970
Graffis Award introduced
[1]The foundation began presenting the Graffis Award to honor people who made outstanding contributions to the game of golf.
- 1936
National Golf Foundation founded
[1]Golf writers Herb Graffis and Joe Graffis established the organization to support the growth and development of golf through industry coordination and information.
Products and positioning
A specialist, data-driven research and advisory organization for the golf industry, positioned as a source of authoritative market intelligence and business-development support.
Industry publication
Golf Industry Report
An annual review of the United States golf industry's condition and direction. The report consolidates information on participation, engagement, rounds played, golf-course supply and development, equipment sales, retail distribution, and the game's broader market reach. It is intended to give industry stakeholders a structured view of major indicators rather than serve as a consumer golf guide.
Industry publication
Graffis Report
A recurring report generally released in January that highlights key data about the business and health of golf. Its subject areas include golfer participation and engagement, rounds, facility supply, course development, equipment sales, retail supply, and the reach of the game. The report extends the foundation's role as a specialized source of golf-market intelligence.
Research and advisory service
Golf industry research and data services
Research, market-insight, and business-development support for organizations operating in or evaluating the golf industry. The supplied material identifies these services broadly but does not provide a complete current catalog of individual datasets, subscription tiers, or consulting packages.
Recent events
- 2024
Greg Nathan became chief executive officer of the National Golf Foundation[1]
Leadership change
Greg Nathan succeeded Joe Beditz as chief executive officer, marking a leadership transition at the golf-industry research and trade association.
National Golf Foundation continues annual golf-industry reporting[1]
Other
The foundation's recurring Golf Industry Report and Graffis Report provide data and analysis on participation, rounds, facilities, equipment, retail, and broader industry conditions.
Sources2 sources
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/national-golf-foundation · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled