Harper Lin
Golf is a popular sport in the United States, with a growing number of people participating each year. In 2024, a record 47.2 million Americans played golf in some form, including off-course activities such as driving ranges and indoor simulators. The number of people playing golf on courses also increased to 25.6 million in 2022, with a growing number of younger players and women taking up the sport. The golf industry in the US is thriving, with golf courses and facilities providing accessible and appealing experiences to a diverse range of individuals.
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What You'll Learn
In 2024, 47.2 million Americans played golf in some form
Golf has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a record 47.2 million Americans playing golf in some form in 2024. This number includes both on-course and off-course participation, such as driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and golf entertainment areas. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this increase as golf was one of the few sports that could be played while maintaining social distance. The accessibility of off-course venues and advancements in technology have also made it easier for people to get into the sport.
The golf industry in the United States is thriving, with nearly 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities across the country as of 2024. About 75% of these facilities are open to the public, making the sport broadly accessible. The National Golf Foundation reported that nearly 25 million people played golf on a golf course in the United States in 2020, with around 77% being male and more than 22% female.
While the median age of a golfer in the U.S. is 54, the sport is attracting younger players. In 2021, about 6.1 million players were between the ages of 18 and 34, and 3.1 million were junior golfers under the age of 18. The number of annual newcomers to the sport has increased, with 3.4 million people playing golf on a course for the first time in 2024. Off-course golf experiences have introduced millions to the game, with a growing number of young adults hitting golf balls with clubs away from the course.
Golf's participant base is becoming more diverse, with more women, juniors, and people of color picking up the sport. The number of women playing golf increased by 25% in the last five years, while non-white players increased by 27%. Organizations like the APGA Tour, Underrated Golf Tour, and First Tee are providing pathways for young men and women to reach the highest levels of the game. Golf's economic impact is also significant, with the industry contributing more to the U.S. economy than ever before.
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The number of newcomers to golf has been increasing annually
Golf's popularity in the United States has been increasing, with 25.6 million people participating in 2022, the highest number in over a decade. The number of newcomers to the sport has also been rising annually, with 3 million new golfers in 2020, and 3.4 million in 2023 and 2024. The COVID-19 pandemic played a significant role in this increase, as golf was one of the few sports that could be played while maintaining social distancing. The accessibility of off-course venues, such as entertainment golf venues, driving ranges, and golf simulators, has also attracted new players.
The golf industry has seen over 3 million beginner golfers each year for the past four years, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic average of around 2.5 million. The number of people interested in taking up golf has also grown, with 18 million non-golfers in 2021 expressing a strong desire to play on a golf course. This "latent demand" has resulted in a 55% increase since 2019, driven by the popularity of off-course golf.
The demographics of golfers in the US are also changing. While the median age of a golfer is 54, younger players are slowly growing within the sport. The 18-34 age group is the largest customer segment, and their engagement continues to rise as they participate in various ways, including off-course activities. The number of female golfers has increased by 25% in the last five years, and they represent a disproportionately higher percentage of beginners at 39%. Additionally, there has been a 27% increase in non-white players over the same period.
The growth in golf's popularity has had a positive economic impact on the industry, contributing more to the US economy than ever before. Golf organisations and industry stakeholders are working to make the sport more accessible and appealing to new players, ensuring it remains inclusive and adaptable to the changing needs of Americans.
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Golf's participant base is becoming more diverse
Golf is experiencing a surge in popularity in the United States, with more Americans playing the sport than ever before. In 2024, a record 47.2 million Americans played golf in some form, either on or off the course, with the number rising to 25.6 million in 2022. This increase in participation has been attributed to several factors, including the sport's accessibility, the changing needs of Americans, and its role as a socially distant outdoor activity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While golf has traditionally attracted an older demographic, with a median age of 54, the participant base is becoming more diverse, with a notable increase in younger players. In 2021, about 6.1 million players were aged 18-34, and there were 3.1 million junior golfers under the age of 18. The younger age group is the sport's largest customer segment, and their engagement continues to rise as they participate in a variety of ways, including off-course activities.
The number of women playing golf has also increased significantly, with females representing a disproportionately higher percentage of beginners, juniors, and off-course participants. In 2024, over one quarter (28%) of on-course golfers were women, the highest proportion on record. Additionally, the number of people of color taking up the sport has increased, making the participant base more diverse and reflective of the overall US population.
The growth in golf's participant base can be attributed to the accessibility offered by off-course venues and advancements in technology, which have made the sport more appealing to new audiences. Organizations such as the APGA Tour, Underrated Golf Tour, and First Tee are also providing more opportunities for young people to pursue the sport at the highest levels. The industry's focus on retention and conversion of newcomers has been crucial in welcoming more people to the sport.
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Golf's popularity increased during the pandemic
Golf's popularity in the United States saw a significant boost during the pandemic, with the sport experiencing a year of growth in 2020 not seen since Tiger Woods' debut in 1996. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported a 6% increase in play in May 2020, a 14% increase in June, and a 20% increase in July compared to the previous year, with golfers playing 10 million more rounds.
There were several factors contributing to this surge in popularity. Firstly, golf was one of the few sports that could be played safely during the pandemic due to its naturally socially-distant nature. With wide-open spaces and a regulated number of players, golfers could maintain physical distance and feel safe while enjoying the outdoors. The implementation of pandemic-safe protocols, such as spaced-out tee times, no shared equipment, and walking the course, further reassured players.
Secondly, the pandemic-driven shift to remote work and flexible schedules gave people more freedom and time to pursue activities during weekdays. Golf provided an opportunity for individuals to get out of their homes, enjoy the fresh air, and recharge from the stresses of pandemic life.
Additionally, there was a notable increase in junior golfers and younger players joining the sport. With other team sports like football and soccer restricted due to the pandemic, many young athletes turned to golf as a new outlet. According to the NGF, the number of junior golfers may increase by 20%, or 500,000 golfers, a significant boost for the future of the sport.
The industry also saw a spike in returning golfers, with people picking up their clubs again after a long hiatus. Golf equipment sales soared, with Golf Datatech reporting record-high sales in July 2020, reaching $388.6 million in revenue.
The combination of new and returning players, along with increased diversity and accessibility, has contributed to the continued growth of golf even after the pandemic. This has resulted in positive economic impacts and a boost to the industry, with golf driving its largest economic impact ever and proving to be a successful vehicle for fundraising.
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Golf's popularity among younger people is growing
Golf's appeal to younger players is driven by several factors. Firstly, the accessibility of golf courses plays a significant role, as 75% of U.S. golf courses are public, making it easier for young golfers to access and play. Additionally, the rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands has attracted more younger women to the sport. The influence of celebrities, athletes, and content creators on social media has also contributed to the growing popularity of golf among younger audiences, reshaping the culture and perception of the sport.
Furthermore, the economic impact of golf cannot be overlooked. The U.S. golf industry generated an impressive economic impact of $101.7 billion in 2022, creating over 1.65 million jobs. This economic growth has contributed to the sport's ability to inspire travel and equipment purchases, further fuelling its popularity.
The surge in golf's popularity is evident both on and off the course, with a record number of over 26.6 million people participating in on-course golf in 2023. The number of women and girls playing golf on a course has also increased by 23% since 2018, while the participation of Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers has surged by 43%, reflecting the sport's increasing diversity. Overall, these trends indicate that golf is attracting a younger demographic and evolving to meet the changing needs and interests of Americans.
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Frequently asked questions
47.2 million Americans played golf in 2024, including off-course golf.
Nearly 25 million people played golf in the US in 2020, according to the National Golf Foundation.
67% of golfers do not drink while playing golf, while 22% have 1-2 drinks.
The median age of a golfer in the US is 54.
28% of on-course golfers are women, the highest proportion on record.
