Southeast led the nation in increased rounds last year

    Despite a reduction in the number of rounds played in Myrtle Beach, SC, last year, the southeast U.S. led the nation in play compared with 2005, according to the National Golf Foundation"s "Regional Rounds Report."  Rounds in the southeast, not including Florida, increased a total of 4.5%.  Rounds in the Central and South Florida area, which is combined for the report, increased 3.4%.  No other region increased by more than 3%; the southwestern region suffered the greatest drop in rounds at -1.1%, with Arizona alone losing 3.5%.
    South Carolina was the strongest southern state in terms of play, increasing rounds by 6.7%, despite the golf supermarket of Myrtle Beach dropping 3.1% in number of rounds played.  The Myrtle Beach area continues to suffer golf course closures after years of overbuilding.  Georgia, at 4.5%, followed South Carolina in gains in play.
    The report can be found at www.ngf.org in the "free reports" area.