Harper Lin
Golf is a popular sport with millions of participants worldwide. The number of people playing golf varies depending on the country and the demographic composition of its players. In the United States alone, the sport has witnessed a surge in popularity, with approximately 41.1 million people engaging in some form of golf, be it on-course or off-course, as of 2023. This number includes 26.6 million people playing on golf courses and 18.4 million participating in off-course activities like driving ranges and indoor golf simulators. The sport is also evolving with an increasing number of younger players and a more diverse player base, including more females and people of colour.
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity among younger people is rising
Golf is a popular sport enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. The number of golfers worldwide is estimated to be over 24 million, with some sources giving a higher estimate of 60-66.6 million. The sport has a rich history and has captivated individuals worldwide, with a growing number of people taking up the game.
Golf's popularity is rising, particularly among younger people. In 2024, the National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that golfers in the 18-34 age group were the largest demographic of on-course players, with an estimated 6.3 million players in this age bracket. This trend is also reflected in the increase in junior golfers, with a 40% rise in participation across various age groups. The sport is attracting a younger demographic, with a significant shift in the ethnic and gender diversity of its players.
There are several factors contributing to golf's growing appeal among younger people. Firstly, the rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands has drawn more younger women to the sport. Secondly, the accessibility of golf courses plays a crucial role in attracting 18-34-year-olds. The NGF reports that 75% of U.S. golf courses are public, making it more affordable and convenient for young golfers to play. Additionally, entertainment venues like Topgolf have introduced the sport to a broader audience, providing a comfortable setting for beginners to build their confidence before stepping onto a traditional golf course.
The visibility of golf has been enhanced by celebrities and athletes with large followings, reshaping the perception of the sport among non-golfers. Tiger Woods is credited with making the sport more stylish and modern in the 2000s. Today, influencers and content creators on social media are further amplifying golf's "cool factor" by introducing it to younger, tech-savvy audiences through engaging content. This has led to a shift in the sport's culture, making it more appealing to younger generations.
Golf's increasing popularity among younger people has had a positive impact on the sport's economic prospects. In 2022, the U.S. golf industry generated an impressive economic impact of $101.7 billion, creating over 1.65 million jobs. The surge in golf's popularity, particularly among younger players, indicates a bright future for the sport and a potential diversification of its player base.
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The number of female golfers is increasing
Golf is a sport that has traditionally been male-dominated. However, in recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of female golfers, driving the growth of the sport since the pandemic. According to the National Golf Foundation, from 2020 to 2022, more than 800,000 American women took up golf, bringing the total number of female golfers to 6.4 million. This surge in female participation has had a significant impact on the golf industry, with equipment companies and clothing brands responding accordingly.
The increase in female golfers is not just limited to adult women; there has also been a notable rise in the number of junior girls playing golf. In 2024, 3.7 million juniors played golf on a course, with more than one-third of them being girls, a significant increase from 15% in 2000. This trend is not isolated to a particular age group, as females represent a disproportionately higher percentage of beginners (39%), juniors (35%), and off-course-only participants (43%) compared to their representation among on-course participants overall.
The golf industry has recognized the potential of this growing female market segment and is taking steps to cater to their needs. Leading equipment companies, such as Callaway, have released product lines specifically designed for women, acknowledging the unique characteristics of female golfers. Additionally, athletic wear brands are also expanding their offerings to include stylish and functional clothing for women.
Social media has played a pivotal role in fostering female participation in golf. Countless groups and communities on social media platforms are dedicated to female golfers, providing a space for members to connect, share advice, and organize events and meetups. These communities offer a sense of inclusivity and encourage more women to step into the sport.
The surge in female golfers has had a positive impact on the golf industry as a whole. In 2022, the total amount of money raised for charitable causes through golf-related activities reached $4.6 billion, a substantial increase from the $3.9 billion raised in 2016. This growth in female participation has contributed to the overall economic impact of the sport, driving its largest economic impact ever.
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Golf participation in the US
Golf is more popular in the US than ever before. In 2024, a record-setting total of 47.2 million Americans aged 6+ played golf, both on and off the course. This included 28.1 million people who played on a golf course and 19.1 million who participated in off-course golf activities, such as driving ranges and golf entertainment venues. The number of people playing golf in the US has been increasing since 2016, when the figure was 32 million.
Golf's participant base is also becoming more diverse. In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female golfers aged 6+, a 41% increase since 2019. The number of junior golfers in 2024 was 3.7 million, the highest it has been since 2006. Diversity among junior golfers has also increased, with more than one-quarter (29%) being people of colour, compared to just 6% over twenty years ago.
The popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues has made the game more accessible and appealing, especially to younger and more diverse demographics. In 2022, almost half (48%) of all golf participants were aged between 6 and 34, a higher proportion than their share of the US population. The number of new golfers, including younger players and female players, is on the rise.
Golf also provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits to participants, as well as offering green spaces that benefit the planet. It is a sport that is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds, and it is important that the industry continues to make it accessible to all.
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Golf's evolution and changing demographics
Golf is evolving, and its demographics are changing. The sport has seen a boost in popularity, with more Americans playing golf than ever before, and the game is becoming more accessible to a wider range of people.
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that in 2024, a total of 47.2 million Americans aged 6 and above played golf, both on and off the course. This is a significant increase from the 32 million recorded in 2016. The number of newcomers has also been on the rise, with 3 million or more on-course beginners every year since 2020. The NGF also reported that in 2021, the number of rounds of golf played in the US was the highest ever recorded.
The golf industry is attracting a more diverse range of players, with an increase in younger players, female players, and people of colour. In 2024, 3.7 million juniors played golf on a course, the highest number since 2006. This segment is more diverse than the overall golf population, with 35% of junior golfers being girls and 29% being people of colour. The number of female golfers has also been increasing, with over 6 million female golfers (adult and junior) in the past five years, and women making up 28% of on-course golfers in 2024, the highest proportion on record.
The popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues, such as Topgolf, has also contributed to the rise in participation, especially among younger and more diverse demographics. These venues provide a valuable introduction to the sport, helping participants build confidence before visiting a golf course. The category of young adults (18-34-year-olds) is the sport's largest customer age segment, with over 7 million in this age group hitting golf balls away from the course.
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Golf participation in the UK and worldwide
Golf is a sport that is growing in popularity, with an increasing number of participants worldwide. The total number of golfers worldwide is estimated to be around 68 million if we count only those who play on courses, even if it is just nine holes. The R&A's Global Golf Participation Report for 2023 found that in 146 countries affiliated with the R&A, there were 61.2 million adults engaged with golf in some way, with 39.6 million of them playing 9 or 18-hole golf. The report also revealed that the countries affiliated with the R&A with the most golfers are Japan (8.143 million), Canada (5.588 million), South Korea (5.350 million), England (3.407 million), and Germany (2.117 million).
In the United States, golf is particularly popular, with 25.6 million people participating in 2022, representing a slight increase from the previous year and the highest on-course participation in over a decade. The National Golf Foundation reported that in 2024, a total of 47.2 million Americans aged 6 and older played golf, with 28.1 million playing on a golf course and 19.1 million participating in off-course golf activities. The number of newcomers to golf has also been increasing, with 3 million or more on-course beginners each year since 2020, and a large number of young adults expressing interest in taking up the sport.
Golf's participant base is becoming more diverse, with an increase in younger players, females, and people of colour. In 2024, 3.7 million juniors played golf on a course, the highest number since 2006, and over one-third of junior golfers were girls, a significant increase from 15% in 2000. The number of female golfers has also been on the rise, with over 6 million female golfers (adult and junior) in the past five years, and females representing a higher percentage of beginners.
In the UK, golf is also gaining traction, with England having one of the highest numbers of golfers among the countries affiliated with the R&A. While specific recent statistics for the UK are not readily available, the growing global interest in golf, driven by factors such as the popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues and the accessibility of modern equipment, is likely to have an impact on participation numbers in the UK as well.
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Frequently asked questions
There are about 68 million golfers worldwide, according to a 2025 estimate. This figure includes only those who play on-course rounds, even if only nine holes.
In 2024, 47.2 million Americans aged 6 and above played golf, both on and off the course. This includes 28.1 million people who played on a golf course and 19.1 million who participated in off-course golf activities such as driving ranges and golf entertainment venues.
In 2024, 3.7 million juniors played golf on a course, the highest number since 2006. There were also over 7 million young adults who hit golf balls with a club away from the course.
In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers (aged 6 and above). The number of female golfers has been increasing, with a 41% increase since 2019, resulting in a total of 6 million female golfers in 2024.
