Harper Lin
Golf is a sport that has seen some unexpected growth in recent years, with an estimated 38,400 to 38,864 golf courses in the world, spread among 206 countries and territories. The United States has the most golf courses in the world, with 16,000+ courses, comprising over 43% of the world's total. North America has 51% of the world's golf courses, with Europe coming in second place with 23% of the world's total.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in the world | 38,400-38,864 |
| Number of golf courses in the USA | 16,752 |
| Percentage of world's golf courses in the USA | 42%-43% |
| Number of golf courses in Europe | 8,940 |
| Number of golf courses in England | 2,270 |
| Number of golf courses in New York | 832 |
| Number of golf courses in Michigan | 650 |
| Number of golfers per golf course (Republic of) Korea | 1 |
| Number of golfers per golf course Singapore | 2 |
| Number of golfers per golf course Belize | 30-40 |
| Number of golfers per golf course Jamaica | 30-40 |
| Number of golf courses in Iceland | 71 |
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What You'll Learn
There are 38,400-38,864 golf courses in the world
There are an estimated 38,400 to 38,864 golf courses in the world. These golf courses are spread among 206 of the 251 countries and dependent territories in the world. The United States leads the way with 42-44% of the world's golf courses, which amounts to over 16,000 golf courses. In fact, 78% of the world's supply of golf courses are located in just 10 countries: the United States, Japan, Canada, England, Australia, Germany, France, South Korea, Sweden, and Scotland.
The number of golf courses in a country can vary significantly. For example, Bermuda has the most golf courses per square kilometre, with 7 golf courses in its 50 square kilometres. On the other hand, you would have to search all of Algeria's 2.2 million square kilometres to find its lone golf course.
The development of golf courses has become a global trend, with emerging markets such as Asia and Africa experiencing significant growth in golf course development. This growth is driven by the increasing popularity of golf, funding sources, golf tourism, and community acceptance. Golf courses are also incorporating eco-friendly practices and technology into their designs to improve sustainability and the overall golfing experience.
Golf courses offer more than just a venue for sports and leisure; they contribute to the economy, environment, and social fabric of communities worldwide. They provide recreational spaces, foster a sense of community, and ensure inclusivity and diversity by catering to individuals of all abilities. However, it is important to consider the environmental impact of golf courses, as they have a significantly larger carbon footprint than an average person's everyday life.
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The US has the most golf courses
Golf is a sport that has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent times, with more people taking an interest since the emergence of COVID-19. There are an estimated 38,000 to 38,864 golf courses worldwide, spread across 206 countries and territories. The majority of these courses, 80% according to some sources, are located in just 10 countries.
The United States has the most golf courses in the world, with an estimated 16,000 to 16,752 courses, which is over 43% of the world's total. This equates to one golf course every 235 square miles or 546 km2. Despite this, the US has a low course density compared to other countries, indicating that its courses are spread out across the country.
The UK, when taken as a single entity, would be second on the list, with England boasting the most courses in Europe, and the second-highest density of courses in the world. Scotland, a country often regarded as the 'Home of Golf', has over 560 courses and is 11th on the list.
Other countries in the top 10 include Japan, Canada, Germany, France, Sweden, Australia, and South Korea.
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Europe has the second-largest number of golf courses
In Europe, England has the most golf courses, with 1,888 out of 6,859 golf courses in 2018. This number increased to 2,213 courses in 2022, spread across 50,346 square miles, equating to one course every 22.8 square miles. England is also the most golf-centric nation in the top 10 golf countries, which include the United States, Japan, Canada, France, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Korea, and China.
Germany is second in Europe, with 730 to 1,050 golf courses, followed by France with 607 to 804 courses. Sweden is fourth with 662 courses, and Scotland is fifth with 614 courses. Spain has 497 courses, and Ireland has 494 courses. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy complete the top 10, with 346, 330, and 321 golf courses, respectively.
At the other end of the scale, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Belarus, the Faroe Islands, and Malta have the fewest golf courses in Europe, with a total of 10 golf courses between them.
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Bermuda has the most golf courses per km2
Bermuda has earned itself the reputation of being a golfer's paradise. The tiny island chain has the most golf courses per square kilometre in the world. Bermuda boasts seven golf courses spread over just 21 square miles or 54 square kilometres. This equates to one golf course for every 7.7 square kilometres.
In comparison, the United States, which leads the global count with over 16,000 golf courses, has a low course density of just one golf course for every 235 square kilometres. Even the United Kingdom, the most golf-centric nation in the top 10, has a course density of one golf course for every 8.2 square kilometres.
Bermuda's golf courses are known for their ideal weather, dramatic oceanfront fairways, and pristine conditions. One of the most famous courses is the Port Royal Golf Course on the west end, which features 18 championship holes over 6,842 manicured yards. The course has hosted the PGA Grand Slam for many years and offers sweeping ocean views on almost every hole.
Another notable course is Turtle Hill Golf Club in Southampton, which has been ranked among the world's top five par-3 courses. The course offers 18 challenging holes with impressive views of the Atlantic Ocean and features various bunkers, two water hazards, and three tee offerings.
Bermuda's golf courses have attracted golfers of all skill levels, including celebrities, presidents, and royalty, who have enjoyed the spectacular vistas and pristine fairways that the island has to offer.
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Iceland has the most golf courses per capita
Iceland has 65 golf courses spread across the country, 15 of which are 18-hole golf courses and 50 are 9-hole golf courses. All of these are open to visitors. This means Iceland has the highest number of golf courses per capita, with 71 golf courses servicing a population of 370,000–384,000 (approximately 5,247 people per golf course).
The golf season in Iceland generally runs from late May to early September, when the weather is cooperative and there are long daylight hours. During this period, many golf courses in Iceland allow tee time bookings through the night. This is because, in the weeks surrounding the June 21 summer solstice, the midnight sun brings 24-hour daylight, allowing for midnight golf. The North Iceland town of Akureyri, with a population of around 18,000, is known for its annual midnight sun golf tournament, which is open to amateurs and professionals.
The Reykjavik area has 10 golf courses, five of which are 18-hole courses and five are 9-hole courses. The Reykjavik Golf Club is Iceland's oldest club, though it was forced to move out of the city limits in 1963. The Grafarholt course was completed in 1968, and with the boom in popularity of golf in Iceland, the club built a second course in the 1990s. Another notable golf course in Iceland is the Oddur Golf Club's Urrida course, which is routed alongside the Reykjavík conservation area Heiðmörk.
While Iceland has the highest number of golf courses per capita, other countries have also been recognised for their high number of golf courses relative to their population size. For instance, Saskatchewan in Canada has been noted for having the most golf courses per capita in the country, with one golf course for every 3,300 people. Similarly, Bermuda has the most golf courses per km2, with seven golf courses in its 50 km2.
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Frequently asked questions
There are approximately 38,864 golf courses in the world, spread across 206 countries and territories.
The USA has the most golf courses in the world, with 16,752 courses, making up 43% of the world's total.
There are 8,940 golf courses in Europe, with 151 under development at the time of the R&A's 2019 publication.
Iceland has the most golf courses per capita, with 71 golf courses serving a population of 370,000 (5,247 people per golf course).
