Golf rounds played in 2012 have increased significantly and are trending towards record high levels for the year, reaching levels not approached since 2006.

The report comes from Golf Datatech, LLC, the golf industry's leading independent research firm for consumer, trade and retail golf trends.

"For the first nine months of 2012, Golf Rounds Played throughout the U.S. are at an all-time high in terms of percentage increase, up 7.5% over 2011," said Golf Datatech's Tom Stine. "This is the largest jump in rounds played since we began tracking them in 1999. With the weather data from Weather Trends, International, it is easy to conclude that favorable temperatures and low precipitation throughout the year has been the biggest contributing factor. However, we also hope that the golf industry's 'grow the game' efforts are beginning to pay dividends and play a part in this noteworthy increase."

Stine adds, "It's sadly ironic that these findings have come out just as the Northeast was hit with a devastating hurricane that has impacted so many individuals personally, while causing extensive damage to homes, businesses, schools and leisure facilities, such as golf courses. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the storm."

More information on the report can be found here.