PGO Fall Conference to Feature Golf Industry Research Leader Jon Last
The Pennsylvania Golf Course Owners Association is excited to announce that Jon Last, President of Sports & Leisure Research Group (SLRG), will be the featured speaker at the 2026 PGO Fall Conference, October 5–6 at the Out Door Country Club in York, Pennsylvania.
Recognized as one of the golf industry’s leading experts on consumer behavior, market trends, and business intelligence, Jon has spent decades helping golf course owners, operators, manufacturers, and industry organizations better understand the forces shaping the game. Through Sports & Leisure Research Group, he provides research and strategic insights that help golf businesses make smarter decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
One of Jon’s most impactful contributions has been leading the NGCOA Golf Business Pulse Report, an annual research initiative developed in partnership with the National Golf Course Owners Association. The report has become one of the industry’s most trusted resources, offering valuable insights into facility performance, golfer behavior, technology adoption, labor challenges, pricing strategies, and future business trends.
At the PGO Fall Conference, Jon will build upon this groundbreaking research with a presentation titled:
Pulsing the State of the Golf Industry: Perspectives and Prescriptions
Drawing from Sports & Leisure Research Group’s work on the NGCOA Golf Business Pulse Study, along with its ongoing golfer and leisure industry research, Jon will examine the major issues and opportunities shaping golf facility operations today—and what owners and operators should expect as the industry moves into 2027.
His presentation will explore:
- The key trends driving the golf industry today
- The opportunities and challenges facing facility operators
- Emerging golfer expectations and changing consumer behaviors
- Practical strategies for improving operational efficiency and profitability
- How research and market intelligence can be used to make better business decisions
Whether you own, operate, or manage a golf facility, this promises to be one of the conference’s most valuable educational sessions. Jon has a unique ability to turn research into practical, actionable strategies, giving attendees ideas they can immediately apply to strengthen their operations and position their facilities for continued success.
We look forward to welcoming Jon to York this October for what promises to be an informative and engaging presentation.
PGO Members are encouraged to register for the PGO Fall Conference to take advantage of the Early Bird Pricing and Package Deals.