Jackson Reid
Golf is experiencing a surge in younger players taking up the sport, with the largest group of on-course golfers being the 18-34 age cohort, making up 6.3 million of the 26 million on-course golfers in the US. The NGF's 2024 report shows that the total number of golfers in the US has reached nearly 45 million, with younger players contributing significantly to this growth. This trend is driven by several factors, including increased accessibility, innovative youth programs, and the resurgence of outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The sport is also becoming more diverse, with a 23% increase in female golfers since 2018 and a 43% jump in Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity. The influence of Tiger Woods and the availability of new technology have also played a role in attracting younger players to the sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of golfers in the US | 45 million |
| Number of golfers under 50 | 71% |
| Average age of golfers | 44.6 years |
| Largest group of on-course golfers | 18-34 years |
| Number of women golfers | Increased by 23% since 2018 |
| Number of golfers who are people of color | Increased by 43% since 2018 |
| Number of junior golfers | Increased by 40% |
| Factors contributing to the increase in young golfers | Increased accessibility, innovative youth programs, and the resurgence of outdoor activities |
| Examples of young golfers | Jordan Spieth (30), Justin Thomas (30), Collin Morikawa (27), Viktor Hovland, Lydia Ko (24), Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko |
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What You'll Learn
The sport is bridging generational gaps
Golf is experiencing a surge in youth engagement, with the sport attracting younger players and bridging generational gaps. The game is witnessing a sustained and growing interest among the youth, driven by several factors.
The total number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with a significant portion of this growth attributed to younger players. The number of junior golfers in the US has increased by 40% over the past four years, reflecting a trend towards a younger and more diverse golfing demographic. This trend is not just a fleeting phenomenon but represents a lasting shift in the sport's demographics.
Initiatives such as the Little Linksters program and the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest have played a pivotal role in engaging young golfers and fostering their passion for the game. These programs focus on developing physical skills, as well as social and emotional growth, instilling values such as discipline, patience, integrity, and respect.
The collegiate game has also become highly competitive, serving as a developmental circuit for aspiring professionals. Increased investment in college golf and television coverage have further elevated the platform for young players to showcase their talent. Additionally, the proliferation of course-management systems and technology has empowered younger players with knowledge and wisdom that was previously gained only after years of experience.
The pandemic has also contributed to golf's renaissance, as it was deemed a safe outdoor activity during the height of restrictions. This resulted in a positive perception of the game, especially among younger age groups, and encouraged a resurgence of outdoor physical activities. The combination of these factors has led to a significant shift in the sport, with the largest group of on-course golfers being the 18 to 34 cohort, totaling nearly 6.3 million participants.
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Increased accessibility
The number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with younger players contributing significantly to this growth. This growth trend is not just a pandemic-induced phenomenon but represents a sustained interest among the youth. One of the factors driving this trend is increased accessibility.
During the pandemic, golf was deemed a safe outdoor activity, which led to its rise in popularity, especially among children. The total number of junior golfers in the US has increased by 40% over the past four years, reflecting a shift towards a younger golfing demographic. This shift is also evident in the post-pandemic era, with 71% of the rounds growth coming from golfers under 50.
The collegiate game has become highly competitive, serving as a developmental circuit for major tours. Increased TV coverage of college golf has also made it more accessible to a wider audience. The proliferation of course-management systems and technology has given younger players access to tools and information that can help them improve their game faster.
Innovative youth programs, such as the Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest, have also played a role in engaging younger golfers. This contest, open to children ages 2 to 12, provides a platform for young golfers to showcase their talent and develop a passion for the game. It emphasizes not only the physical skills but also the social and emotional growth that golf can foster.
The accessibility of golf has improved through various avenues, including the pandemic's impact, technological advancements, and dedicated youth programs, all contributing to the sport's appeal to a younger generation.
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Innovative youth programs
The National Golf Foundation's 2024 report revealed that the total number of golfers in the US had reached nearly 45 million, with younger players contributing significantly to this growth. This trend is driven by several factors, including innovative youth programs, increased accessibility, and a resurgence of interest in outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of junior golfers in the US has increased by 40% in the past four years, indicating a shift towards a younger and trendier golfing demographic.
One example of an innovative youth program is the Little Linksters academy and nonprofit organization, founded in 2008. Little Linksters celebrates golf among young people and has hosted the Little Linksters Best Pee Wee Golf Swing in the World Video Contest for 13 years. This contest showcases the talent of young golfers aged 2 to 12 and fosters a spirit of enthusiasm and sportsmanship. It provides a unique platform for young golfers to display their swings and grow their passion for the game. The program focuses on developing physical, social, and emotional skills, teaching valuable lessons like patience, integrity, and respect, which can be applied beyond the golf course.
Another initiative aimed at making golf more accessible to youth is 'Golf with Us' by Bank of America. This program offers a free one-year membership to Youth on Course, a nonprofit organization, for youth aged 6 to 18. It provides access to thousands of golf courses in 97 markets for $5 or less per round. Through this partnership, Bank of America and Youth on Course aim to grow the sport, make it more accessible, and positively impact communities. Youth on Course also provides young people with life-changing opportunities and improved physical and mental health through their access to affordable golf.
First Tee is another youth development organization that integrates the game of golf with a life skills curriculum. Their programs create active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience, empowering young people to navigate challenges and develop leadership skills applicable to various areas of life.
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Social media and new apparel trends
The rise in the popularity of golf among younger people has been attributed to several factors, including the role of social media and new apparel trends.
Social Media
Social media has played a pivotal role in showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of modern golf. Platforms like Instagram and Twitter are filled with content from golfers of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, sharing their love for the game. Social media personalities and golf creators like Roger Steele have helped increase the visibility and representation of the sport, challenging stereotypes and encouraging more people to see themselves as part of the golfing community. The success of golfers like Collin Morikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, and Tony Finau, who have diverse ethnic backgrounds, is also helping to change the face of the sport and promote it as more inclusive and diverse.
New Apparel Trends
Golf fashion is also undergoing a transformation, moving away from traditional stuffy polos and baggy trousers. The athleisure trend has infiltrated the golf course, with golfers seeking clothing that seamlessly transitions from the course to casual outings. Polo shirts are becoming more tailored, breathable, and sophisticated, while golf pants are evolving into hybrids of joggers and trousers, providing flexibility and a sleeker silhouette. Golfers are also embracing bolder colors, playful patterns, and more stylish silhouettes, reflecting a desire for individuality and self-expression. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability, with golfers seeking apparel made from recycled and sustainable materials.
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Golf is getting faster and younger players are keeping up
Golf is experiencing a surge in youth engagement, with younger players taking up the sport in greater numbers and driving its evolution. The sport is witnessing a generational shift, attracting a younger and more diverse demographic, including females and people of color. This trend is not merely a pandemic-induced phenomenon but reflects a sustained interest among the youth, fueled by various factors.
The total number of golfers in the United States has reached approximately 45 million, with younger players contributing significantly to this growth. The number of junior golfers in the U.S. has surged by 40% over the past four years, indicating a clear trend towards a younger golfing population. This increase in youth participation is driven by several factors, including innovative youth programs, increased accessibility, and a resurgence of interest in outdoor activities during the pandemic.
Golf is also becoming faster and more dynamic, with advancements in technology and strategy benefiting younger players. The creation of the strokes-gained statistic by Mark Broadie has emphasized the advantage of distance and the incentive to drive powerfully off the tee. Improvements in club technology, such as balls that spin less and drivers with larger, more forgiving faces, favor players who can generate greater club-head speed. Younger players, often equipped with course-management systems and tools like TrackMan and Foresight, are able to gain wisdom and strategic insights faster than previous generations.
The collegiate golf circuit has also become more sophisticated and competitive, serving as an effective developmental platform for aspiring professionals. Increased investment in college golf and television coverage have elevated the exposure and appeal of collegiate golf, providing a more seamless pathway to the PGA Tour. Additionally, the influence of social media, YouTube, and content creators has engaged younger audiences and made golf appear more accessible and trendy.
The success of younger players on the professional tours further inspires and motivates the next generation. Players like Lydia Ko, who achieved 17 LPGA Tour wins before turning 25, and Calvin Peete, who started playing golf at 23 and made it onto the PGA Tour, serve as role models for aspiring young golfers. Initiatives like the Little Linksters program and the Best Pee Wee Golf Swing contest also foster a passion for golf among the youngest golfers, nurturing their talent and enthusiasm from an early age.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, according to the NGF's 2024 report, the total number of golfers in the United States has reached nearly 45 million, with a significant chunk of this growth attributed to younger players. The largest group of on-course golfers is the age 18 to 34 cohort, with nearly 6.3 million.
There are several factors that have contributed to the increase in younger golfers, including:
- Increased accessibility
- Innovative youth programs
- The resurgence of outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic
- The influence of Tiger Woods, who defied odds and achieved tremendous success at a young age
- The impact of social media and content creators
- Improved technology and analytics tools, such as course-management systems
- The growing popularity of collegiate golf
Golf provides physical, social, and emotional benefits for young players. It teaches valuable lessons such as patience, integrity, and respect, while also building confidence and instilling discipline and perseverance.
Yes, while many golfers start playing at a young age, there are some notable exceptions. For example, Calvin Peete started playing golf at 23 years old and made it onto the PGA Tour. Larry Nelson began playing at 21, and Ho Sung Choi taught himself to play at 25 after getting a job at a golf course.
