Miles Bennett
Golf is a sport that has traditionally been viewed as a pastime for older, wealthy individuals. However, in recent years, there has been a shift in the demographics of golfers. While the sport saw a decline in popularity between 2003 and 2018, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a resurgence, with people seeking safe, socially distanced outdoor activities. This trend was further fuelled by the emergence of cool brands, diverse fashion, and unstuffy courses, attracting younger players and female players. The sport's overall participation base in the US has grown, with more females, younger people, and people of colour taking up the game. However, golf still faces challenges in shaking off its old image and attracting millennials, who are often deterred by the perception of golf as elitist, boring, and time-consuming.
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity among younger people
Several factors have contributed to golf's growing popularity among younger people. One key factor is the post-pandemic surge, as the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in golf participation initially due to the closure of courses. However, as restrictions eased, golf became a popular social distancing activity, providing a safe outdoor escape for people looking to relieve stress and recharge. The pandemic's impact gave the sport a boost, with many people trying it for the first time and continuing to play even after the pandemic.
Another factor driving younger players to golf is the rise of entertainment venues like Topgolf, which offer a comfortable introduction to the sport. These venues provide a sense of comfort and help build confidence before stepping onto a traditional golf course. Additionally, the accessibility of public golf courses, which account for 75% of U.S. golf courses, has made it easier for younger golfers to get involved.
The perception of golf among younger people is also changing. While golf was once perceived as "a sport for old men," the image of the sport is becoming more modern and stylish, influenced by celebrities and athletes like Tiger Woods and content creators on social media. The participation base is becoming more diverse, with significant increases in female participation and ethnic minority groups, making the sport more appealing to younger audiences.
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Golf's reputation
The sport has been associated with older players, as 75% of golfers are men over the age of 45, and it has struggled to attract younger participants. This perception has led to a decline in the sport's popularity, with golf courses and organisations now facing the challenge of changing this perception and attracting a new generation of players.
Additionally, the golf industry has seen a boost in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought safe, socially distanced outdoor activities. This surge in participation has contributed to a more diverse player base, with more females, younger players, and people of colour taking up the sport.
Golf clubs and organisations are also recognising the importance of their online reputation in attracting new players. Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations can significantly impact a club's reputation and encourage more people to take up the sport. However, managing negative feedback and reviews can be challenging, and providing excellent experiences for golfers is key to maintaining a positive online reputation.
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Golf equipment sales
The pandemic's impact on golf was significant, as people sought safe, socially distanced outdoor activities. This led to a reversal of the sport's previous decline, with golf's overall participation base in the US increasing from 32 million in 2016 to 41.1 million.
Golf equipment producers and retailers have capitalised on this increased interest in golf, with many offering discounts and trade-in deals to attract new customers. For example, Rock Bottom Golf offers a 30-day playability guarantee and discounts on pre-owned equipment, while Golf Discount provides a price match guarantee and free shipping on orders over $99.
However, it is important to note that golf's popularity, particularly among millennials, has been facing challenges due to factors such as time constraints, financial considerations, and the sport's perception as elitist and exclusionary. Despite these obstacles, there is optimism for the sport's future, with industry representatives expressing hope that the positive momentum will continue and golf will become more accessible to a diverse range of participants.
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Golf's accessibility
Golf for People with Disabilities
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf, along with other organisations, is working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to play golf. They provide education and training to the golf industry and program coordinators on how to engage individuals with disabilities through inclusive programs. They also maintain a national database of adaptive golf cars, programs, and facilities that cater to golfers with disabilities. The Alliance also administers a grant program to support grassroots initiatives that promote golf as an inclusive sport.
Accessibility Guidelines for Golf Courses
The U.S. Access Board has developed guidelines to make golf courses more accessible. These guidelines include provisions for accessible routes, which are continuous and unobstructed paths connecting all accessible elements and spaces within a golf facility. The minimum width for these routes has been increased to 48 inches to accommodate golf cars, and handrails may be provided to assist golfers. Additionally, golf car passages are designated continuous passages where motorized golf cars can operate, and they must be at least 48 inches wide. These passages can be located on fairways, greens, and teeing surfaces, providing flexibility in navigating the course.
Golf's Appeal to Younger Generations
While golf has traditionally been associated with older players, there is a growing trend of younger people taking up the sport. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in this shift, as golf provided a safe and socially distanced outdoor activity. However, there are still perceptions among millennials that golf is elitist, exclusionary, and boring, which may deter some young people from taking up the sport. Time, money, and other opportunities are also cited as factors that may impact a millennial's decision to engage in golf.
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Golf's economic impact
Golf has a significant economic impact in the United States, with a direct impact on the U.S. economy of almost $102 billion, according to a 2023 report. This is a 20% increase from the previous findings in 2016, when the economic impact was $84 billion. When accounting for indirect and induced effects, golf's broader economic impact is estimated to be $226.5 billion, enabling over 1.65 million jobs.
The golf industry has experienced a resurgence since the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020, with annual participation increases and record levels of annual rounds of golf being played nationwide. The pandemic reignited Americans' passion for golf, with people seeking safe, socially distanced outdoor activities. This boost in popularity has continued even as the country returned to a post-pandemic "normal".
While golf's popularity among younger generations has been declining, with the sport perceived as "elitist" and "exclusionary", the industry is making efforts to become more accessible and diverse. The participation base is becoming younger, with more females and people of color taking up the sport. The industry is also focusing on sustainability, reducing its water usage by 29% since 2005.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, people are still golfing. In fact, according to the National Golf Foundation, the number of people playing golf in the United States has increased to 41.1 million, up from 32 million in 2016.
There are many reasons why people enjoy golfing. Some view it as a chance to get out and enjoy a game, work on their technique, and spend time with friends, co-workers, or family members. Golf is also seen as a safe and socially distant activity, especially during the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, which contributed to its recent surge in popularity.
While the majority of golfers tend to be older men, the demographics of golfers are changing. The number of younger players and female players is on the rise, with females representing a disproportionately higher percentage of beginners. The sport is also becoming more diverse, with more people of color taking up golfing.
There are several reasons why millennials may not be as interested in golfing. Some of the perceived barriers include time, money, other opportunities, and the perception of golf as an elitist, exclusionary, and boring sport. However, it's worth noting that some millennials do golf and there is potential for more to take up the sport if its image can be improved and it is made more accessible.
The future of golfing looks positive, with a recent increase in participation and diversity among golfers. The industry is also evolving to meet the changing needs of golfers and making efforts to appeal to new participants. Golf is also driving its largest economic impact ever and proving to be a great vehicle for fundraising, with approximately $4.6 billion raised for charitable causes in 2022.
