As spring struggles to take hold in New Hampshire and snow is still lingering around the state, it’s a good moment to look ahead to something most of us can agree on: warmer days, longer evenings and the return of golf season.
But beyond the anticipation of tee times and open fairways, the golf industry in northern New Hampshire is navigating a more complicated landscape than many realize. Like much of the economy, it is emerging from a post-COVID surge and settling into a new, less certain normal.
During and just after the pandemic, golf enjoyed a true resurgence. Nationally, total participation climbed to about 45 million people in 2023, up roughly 50% over the past decade, and on-course golfers alone reached 26.6 million. New Hampshire followed this trend, with courses reporting some of their busiest seasons on record.
That boom, however, has begun to stabilize. For courses across New Hampshire’s North Country, demand remains solid, but no longer exceptional. The challenge now is not filling tee sheets but maintaining margins in an environment where costs are rising across nearly every category.
Tariffs and broader supply chain pressures are a growing concern. Golf courses, like many businesses, rely heavily on imported equipment and materials. From maintenance machinery to irrigation components, costs have increased. Even fertilizer, mower parts and course supplies are more expensive and, at times, harder to source.
Energy costs are another factor. Many courses depend on gas-powered carts and equipment, and fluctuating fuel prices directly impact operating budgets. Add higher electricity costs for clubhouses, irrigation systems and maintenance facilities, and the financial pressure becomes clear.
These increases come at a time when pricing flexibility is limited. Unlike destination resorts, many North Country courses serve a mix of local players and cost-conscious visitors. Green fees can only be raised so much before it begins to affect participation.
Tourism, long a cornerstone of the region’s golf economy, is also showing signs of strain.
New Hampshire has historically benefited from strong visitation from neighboring Canada, particularly Quebec. Those visitors are a key part of the summer and fall golf season, often combining rounds with extended stays that support local lodging, dining and retail businesses.
But recent data suggests a notable decline.
Some estimates indicate summertime Canadian visits to New Hampshire dropped by as much as 30% in 2025, with reports showing the state experienced one of the largest decreases among border states. Whether driven by currency fluctuations, economic conditions or broader travel trends, the impact is being felt, especially in northern regions that rely more heavily on cross-border traffic.
Layered on top of these pressures is a familiar challenge for North Country businesses: workforce shortages.
Golf courses are inherently seasonal operations that depend on a mix of full-time staff and part-time or seasonal workers. Grounds crews, clubhouse staff, and food and beverage teams are all essential to delivering a quality experience. But in northern New Hampshire, the labor pool is simply smaller.
An aging population, outmigration of younger workers and limited housing availability all contribute to the issue. For many courses, it’s not just about finding workers; it’s about finding enough workers to operate at full capacity during peak season.
Despite these challenges, the outlook is not negative. It’s just more grounded.
Golf remains an important part of the North Country’s economy. Courses are not only recreational assets, they are economic drivers that support tourism, create jobs, and contribute to the character and appeal of the region. They help bring visitors north, extend stays and generate spending that ripples through local communities.
And that’s where the opportunity, and the ask, comes in.
As this golf season approaches, there’s a simple way to support these businesses and the communities around them: stay local.
Instead of heading out of state for your annual golf trip, consider keeping it in New Hampshire. The North Country offers some of the most scenic and rewarding courses in New England, often at a fraction of the cost of larger destination markets. More importantly, every round played locally supports not just the course but the broader network of small businesses that depend on seasonal tourism.
The post-COVID boom may be behind us, but the value of these local institutions remains as strong as ever.
So, when the snow finally gives way to green fairways, take the trip north. Bring your friends. Play a round or two. It’s a small decision that makes a meaningful difference.
And after a long winter, it’s something we can all get behind.
Brennan Ward has nearly two decades of experience in public affairs and strategic communications, shaped by work in Washington, D.C., with deep roots in New Hampshire’s North Country. He can be reached at BWard@novuspublicaffairs.com.
Beyond the anticipation of tee times and open fairways, the golf industry in northern New Hampshire is navigating a more complicated landscape than many realize. Like much of the economy, it is emerging from a post-COVID surge and settling into a new, less certain normal.
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