JUPITER, Fla. — Same-store rounds in the U.S. had been down 9.0% through April, but after two months in the black (May up 5.4% and June up 3.4%), rounds are down only 1.8% through June. This improvement in the year-to-date figure is due to the fact that the volume of rounds played nationwide is higher in May and June as compared to January through April. What happens in July and August, however, will go a long way toward determining 2007 overall results.

The best performing region in June was the Northeast, but that was due in part to a rebound from poor performance the year before. In fact, operators in the Northeast reported 2.3 more play days on average in June 2007 vs. June 2006. The worst performing region was the South Central where rain and flooding have taken their toll. There were 2.5 fewer play days in the region on average in June 2007 vs. June 2006.

Rounds Played, 2007 vs. 2006
Source: NGF/Allied Golf Associations

June Year-to-date
Total U.S. facilities 3.4% -1.8%

Private Clubs 2.9% -2.7%
Total Public Courses 3.6% -1.6%
Public Courses:
Premium 4.6% -1.4%
Standard 5.0% -0.9%
Value 2.9% -2.1%

Region
Northeast 17.2% 1.7%
Mid-Atlantic 7.1% -5.3%
Southeast 6.6% 1.1%
Central/South Florida 2.7% -0.5%
Gulf Coast 3.1% -3.9%
South Central -6.8% -10.9%
Lower Midwest 1.5% -4.5%
Upper Midwest -1.2% -1.8%
Mountain -2.2% -1.2%
Southwest 2.7% 3.4%
Northwest -2.9% 1.6%

Public facilities fall into one of three categories based on peak season weekend green fees with cart:
Premium (High) - Above $70; Standard (Middle) - $40-$70; Value (Low) - Below $40
Region 10 includes Hawaii; Region 11 includes Alaska.