Trevor Ng
Golf is a sport that has witnessed unexpected growth in recent years, with a surge in popularity since the emergence of COVID-19. There are an estimated 38,000 to 39,000 golf courses worldwide, spread across 206 countries and territories. The majority of these courses, around 78% to 80%, are located in just 10 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China. The United States leads the global count with over 16,000 courses, comprising more than 43% of the world's total. England, in particular, stands out as the top golfing country in Europe, boasting 2,270 golf courses. As golf tourism gains traction, countries with a high number of golf courses stand to benefit from increased tourism development.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of countries with golf courses | 206 out of 245 or 251 countries |
| Number of golf courses worldwide | 38,081 or 38,864 |
| Top 10 countries with the most golf courses | United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China |
| Countries with the most golfers | United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, South Korea |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's global popularity
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, with a presence in 85% of the world's countries—that's 208 out of 245 nations. The sport's global reach is impressive, with courses in locations as varied as the Douda Golf Club in Djibouti and the Christmas Island Golf Course in Australia.
The United States leads the way with over 16,000 courses, accounting for 45% of the global supply. The other top golfing nations include the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China. These top 10 countries account for 80% of the world's golf courses.
While the sport was invented in Scotland, Ireland is considered the most popular country for golf today. This is due to a combination of its world-class courses, cultural significance, and the fact that nearly all of its courses are open to the public. Canada is another top golfing destination, with exceptional scenery and a mix of private and public courses.
Golf is also gaining traction in other parts of the world. For example, Japan has a long history with the sport, dating back to the end of the 19th century, and it continues to be a popular recreational activity and has produced world-renowned golfers. South Korea has also been making waves in the golfing world, with South Korean golfers dominating the LPGA Tour in recent years.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed to the sport's growing popularity, with more people taking an interest in golf since the pandemic. As the sport continues to expand globally, it is expected that more golf courses will be built worldwide to cater to the increasing number of golfers.
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Countries with the most golf courses
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, with a reported 66.6 million players globally. The sport is gaining popularity, with more people taking an interest since the emergence of COVID-19.
According to the R&A's "Golf Around the World" report published in 2021, there are 38,081 golf courses across 206 countries and territories. The report also highlights that 80% of these golf courses are located in the top 10 golfing nations, which include the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China.
The United States leads the global count with over 16,000 golf courses, followed by the United Kingdom, which has a higher density of golf courses relative to its land area. England, a country within the United Kingdom, has the highest density of golf courses within the UK, with a golf course every 22.8 square miles. Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales also contribute to the UK's high density, with a course every 48.3, 50.6, and 43.5 square miles, respectively.
Japan stands out for its high density of golf courses relative to its small landmass, with a course every 46.5 square miles, second only to England. Canada is also a notable golfing destination, with exceptional scenery and a mix of private and public courses.
While not in the top 10, Ireland is worth mentioning due to its cultural significance and widespread participation in golf. It is expected to remain one of the most popular countries for golf for the foreseeable future, with many world-class golf courses open to the public.
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Countries with the most golfers
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, but some countries have a greater affinity for the game than others. While it is challenging to definitively state which country has the most golfers, several nations consistently feature as having significant golfing popularity.
The United States is often considered a leading golf-loving country, with the sport being played by almost 10% of its population, which equates to almost 30 million people. The US has produced some of the most famous golfers of all time, including Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer. The country also boasts numerous legendary golf courses, such as Pinehurst, Pine Valley, and Augusta National. The social aspect of the sport in the US, where it has become part of the business culture, has further driven its growth and popularity.
The United Kingdom, which includes Scotland, widely considered the birthplace of golf, also has a strong affinity for the sport. Golf remains one of the most popular sports in the UK, with golfers in the country spending £4.3 billion in 2014, accounting for 14% of all consumer spending on sports. The UK is well-represented on the PGA Tour and the European Tour, and it has produced notable golfers such as Paul Casey.
Ireland, Scotland's neighbour, is often ranked as the most popular country for golf. This popularity is attributed to its many beautiful courses, a strong legacy of golfing greats, and the fact that nearly every course in Ireland is open to the public. Notable Irish golfers include Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, and Padraig Harrington.
Other countries with significant golfing popularity include Canada, which has over 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country, and Japan, which has a long history with the sport, dating back to the end of the 19th century. South Korea also has a strong golfing presence, particularly among women, who make up 45% of its adult registered golfers. These countries, along with the previously mentioned ones, consistently feature as having some of the most golfers worldwide.
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The economic impact of golf
Golf is a sport that is growing in popularity worldwide, with more people taking an interest since the emergence of COVID-19. The world is home to almost 40,000 golf courses across 206 countries and dependent territories, according to the R&A's "Golf Around the World" 2021 report. The United States has the most golf courses in the world, with over 16,000 courses, constituting 43% of the world's supply.
The sport has a significant economic impact on a national and local scale, creating jobs, commerce, economic development, and tax revenues for local communities. Golf is an $84.1 billion industry in the United States, impacting nearly two million jobs. The industry is larger than motion pictures, video, performing arts, spectator sports, and the newspaper industry. The biggest economic driver for golf is facility operations, with approximately 15,000 golf facilities in the U.S. generating almost $33.3 billion in operating revenue in 2016. This revenue comes from greens fees, membership fees, range fees, golf cart rentals, and food and beverage sales.
The golf industry also generates significant revenue from on-course and off-course sales of equipment, apparel, and media, which amounted to $6 billion in 2016. Spending on professional tournaments, associations, and player endorsements reached $2.4 billion, while charitable fundraising brought in $3.94 billion. The turfgrass industry, of which golf courses are a significant part, is an important contributor to local economies, with golf representing a very high-value amenity use of horticultural products and services.
Golf's economic impact extends beyond facility operations and equipment sales. The sport is a major driver of tourism, with countries that have numerous and breathtaking golf courses gaining a competitive advantage in attracting golf travellers. Golf resorts have reported record-breaking occupancy rates and golf rounds throughout 2021, with high demand continuing into 2022.
In summary, golf has a substantial economic impact, particularly in the United States, generating billions of dollars in revenue and supporting millions of jobs. The industry's economic footprint extends across various sectors, including facility operations, equipment sales, tourism, and local communities, contributing to economic growth and development.
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Golf's cultural significance
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, with a strong cultural significance in several countries. Ireland, the UK (including Scotland, England, and Wales), Canada, Japan, and South Korea are some of the countries where golf holds cultural importance.
Ireland is widely considered the most popular country for golf due to its beautiful courses, exceptional scenery, and strong legacy of golf greats. The sport enjoys widespread participation and cultural significance in Ireland, with many of the country's courses open to the public, making it highly accessible.
The UK, where golf was invented, is another country where the sport holds cultural significance. Golf is incredibly popular in the UK, with golfers spending £4.3 billion in 2014, accounting for 14% of consumer spending on sports. The country is heavily represented in the PGA and European tours, and Scotland, specifically, is known as the historic home of golf, with the first rules and 18-hole course being approved there.
Canada is also a top golf destination with a strong golf culture. The country has a large number of golfers and member clubs represented by "Golf Canada," the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf. Canada offers a mix of private and public courses, with some of the greatest private courses located in the Toronto area.
Japan has had a long-standing love affair with golf since its importation in the late 19th century. The game became fashionable among the elite, and Japan now boasts more courses than the UK. Japanese golfers like Hideki Matsuyama have inspired a new wave of young golfers in the country.
Golf in South Korea is also worth noting, particularly with the dominance of South Korean golfers on the LPGA Tour in recent years.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2023, there are reportedly 38,864 golf courses spread across 206 countries and dependent territories.
The top 10 golfing nations with the most golf courses include the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China.
The United States leads the global count with over 16,000 golf courses.
Ireland is considered the most popular country for golf, with many professional golfers hailing from the country and a large number of world-class golf courses.
While golf has impressive global reach, there are still some countries without golf courses. As of 2017, golf was present in 85% of the countries, which is about 208 out of 245 nations.
