Miles Bennett
Golf is one of the world's most-watched sports, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. While it is often considered a rich man's sport, with mid- to high-income individuals making up 74% of its viewers, golf has a broad appeal across different age groups. In 2023, the PGA Tour saw a 31% increase in social media engagement, with around 2 million viewers tuning in for regular PGA events and up to 10 million for major tournaments. The Masters Tournament, in particular, consistently draws large audiences, with an average of 12 million viewers in 2023, peaking at 15 million during the final round. While golf's viewership demographics are predominantly male, there has been a notable increase in female golfers and viewers in recent years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people who watch golf worldwide | 61 million |
| Number of people who watch PGA regular events | 2 million |
| Number of people who watch golf majors | 10 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta | 15.02 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2022 U.S. Open Finals | 2.9 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2021 Masters Tournament | 9.5 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2023 Masters Tournament | 12.7 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2023 Masters Tournament at its peak | 15 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2023 Masters Tournament on average | 12.06 million |
| Number of people who watched the LIV Golf 2023 on average | under 300,000 |
| Number of people who watched the Honda Classic finals in 2023 | 2.38 million |
| Number of people who watched the 2023 Masters Tournament on Sky Sports in the UK at its peak | 1.7 million |
| Number of people who played golf on a course in the US in 2024 | 28.1 million |
| Number of people who played golf off-course in the US in 2024 | 19.1 million |
| Number of female on-course golfers (age 6+) in the US in 2024 | 8 million |
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What You'll Learn
Golf is considered a rich man's sport due to the costs involved
Golf is considered a "rich man's sport" due to the costs involved in playing. The equipment needed to play golf is expensive, with a cheap set of clubs costing around $200, and a driver costing about $500. In addition, golf courses require a significant amount of land and upkeep, which can be costly. Even at a city-run course, it can cost around $40 per person per game. The high costs associated with playing golf make it inaccessible to many people, giving it a reputation as a sport for the wealthy.
While there are public golf courses that don't require membership, the initial setup costs for golf are still relatively high compared to other sports. For example, a ball for basketball or football costs around $15, while baseball equipment may cost about $30 per person. In contrast, a bare minimum setup for golf, including a driver, putter, and a few other clubs, can easily exceed $100 per person. These higher costs can be a significant barrier for people who want to try the sport but are unsure if they will enjoy it.
The perception of golf as an expensive sport also influences its accessibility. People may be less likely to try golf if they believe it is costly, even if it is technically within their budget. Additionally, the time commitment required to become proficient at golf can be a factor. It takes significant practice or lessons to improve, which may be more feasible for those with greater financial resources and free time.
Golf's association with wealth goes beyond just the financial costs. The sport is often played at country clubs and exclusive golf courses, reinforcing its reputation as an elite pastime. Rich individuals may be attracted to golf as it provides an opportunity to network with other wealthy and like-minded people in a challenging yet safe and relaxing environment. Golf does not require intense physical exertion, making it appealing to older individuals who may have the financial means but not the stamina for more demanding sports.
While golf has traditionally been associated with higher incomes, there are efforts to broaden its appeal. Events like LIV Golf have helped attract younger viewers and increase interest in different regions, such as Asia. However, the challenge remains to entice more women, younger people, and lower-income individuals to participate in the sport as viewers or players.
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The Masters tournament attracted 15 million viewers in 2023
Golf is one of the world's most-watched sports, attracting viewers across America and Europe. While it may be considered a "rich man's sport" due to the costs associated with playing, it has managed to garner a vast fanbase across all age brackets.
The Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf events, has consistently drawn large audiences over the years. In 2023, the tournament reached a significant milestone, attracting approximately 15 million viewers during its final round. This peak viewership occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. EST, with an average of around 12 million viewers throughout the match.
The 2023 Masters Tournament saw a notable increase in audience engagement compared to previous years. The previous year's first round, which marked Tiger Woods' return after an injury, averaged 2.8 million viewers on ESPN. However, the 2023 tournament surpassed this number, showcasing the enduring popularity of the sport and the event.
The Masters Tournament is not the only golf event to have attracted a substantial audience. The PGA Tour, for example, has also seen high viewership numbers. While the LIV Golf events have had lower viewership, with an average of under 300,000 viewers, they have shown promising potential, especially among younger viewers.
Despite the perception that golf may be less exciting to watch than other sports, its ability to consistently draw millions of viewers underscores its enduring appeal. With a combination of skilled players, prestigious tournaments, and dedicated fans, golf continues to thrive as a spectator sport, attracting audiences from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
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74% of golf viewers are mid- to high-income individuals
Golf is one of the world's most-watched sports, attracting viewers across America and Europe. In 2023, the PGA Tour saw a 31% increase in social media engagement, and the 2023 Masters peaked at approximately 15 million viewers. While it is a popular sport to watch, golf is also a participation sport, with 61 million people playing worldwide.
The sport has a broad appeal, but it is particularly interesting to note that 74% of golf viewers are mid- to high-income individuals. This is perhaps due to the costs associated with playing the game, which can be expensive. It has been referred to as the "Rich Man's Sport". However, it is important to note that this perception is changing, with a significant increase in interest from the Asian region and younger viewers. Golf is also gaining popularity among women, with the number of female golfers increasing by 41% since 2019, the highest proportion on record.
The traditional demographic of golf viewers and players has been predominantly mid- to high-income men. To broaden the appeal of the sport and increase viewership, it is essential to attract a wider range of participants and viewers. This includes women, younger people, and lower-income individuals. While the sport is making strides in this area, with events like LIV Golf helping to attract younger audiences, there is still work to be done to make the sport more accessible and appealing to a diverse range of people.
The cost of playing golf is often cited as a barrier for potential players and viewers. With the perception of golf as an expensive sport, it can be challenging to attract those from lower-income backgrounds. However, initiatives such as public golf courses and driving ranges can help to make the sport more accessible. Additionally, broadcasting companies can play a role in increasing viewership by creating engaging content that appeals to a wider audience. This might include showcasing a diverse range of players and stories that resonate with different demographics.
While golf has traditionally been associated with a certain level of affluence, it is evolving to become a sport that is enjoyed and participated in by people from a variety of backgrounds. The increase in female golfers and interest from younger viewers is a positive step towards making the sport more inclusive. By addressing the barriers to entry and continuing to promote accessibility, golf can continue to grow and thrive, attracting a diverse and engaged audience.
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15% of women watch golf sometimes or often
Golf is one of the world's most-watched sports, with a vast fanbase spanning all age brackets. While the sport has traditionally attracted more male viewers, there has been a recent surge in female interest. As of mid-2022, 15% of women reported watching golf sometimes or often. This shift is part of a broader trend of increasing female participation and engagement in golf since the pandemic.
The pandemic played a pivotal role in spurring interest in golf among women. According to the National Golf Foundation, from 2020 to 2022, more than 800,000 American women took up the sport, bringing the total number of female golfers in the US to 6.4 million. This increase in female golfers outpaced the growth in male golfers during the same period, with a 15% rise in women compared to a 2% increase in men.
Several factors have contributed to this growing female interest in golf. Firstly, golf was deemed one of the safest sports during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a viable outdoor recreational option. Additionally, the rise in remote work and flexible schedules allowed more women the time to pursue new hobbies and activities, including golf. The increase in female golfers has also been driven by the networking opportunities the sport offers, particularly for business professionals looking to connect with clients or associates in a casual setting.
While the number of women playing golf has increased significantly, the viewership demographics for golf tournaments still skew predominantly male. For respondents who reported watching golf often or sometimes, males constituted 66% compared to 34% females. This disparity reflects a broader challenge faced by the golf industry, which has been historically male-dominated. However, with the growing number of female golfers and the increasing economic power of women, the industry is responding to cater to this evolving demographic.
To sustain and build upon this momentum, efforts are being made to attract more women to the sport, both as players and viewers. Initiatives such as women's golf clubs and networking groups are helping to foster a sense of community and accessibility for female golfers. Additionally, the rise of non-traditional tournaments like exhibitions and LIV Golf is helping to attract younger viewers, including a higher proportion of women. By broadening its appeal to a wider audience, the golf industry aims to ensure its longevity and continued growth in popularity.
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Golf is more popular in the US and Europe than in other regions
Golf is a sport that has traditionally attracted viewers and players from higher socioeconomic backgrounds. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in interest in the sport from the Asian region, with a focus on engaging younger audiences. However, golf's popularity remains strongest in the US and Europe.
In the US, golf has a strong following, with more than one-third of the population over the age of 5 engaging with the sport in some form, be it playing or following through television or online platforms. This translates to a significant number of viewers for major tournaments. The Masters, for instance, attracted an average audience of 12.7 million viewers during Rory McIlroy's victory in 2025, with a peak of over 15 million viewers. The previous year, the tournament averaged 12.06 million viewers, with a peak of 16.25 million total viewers. These numbers are impressive, especially when compared to other popular sports broadcasts. While the NFL remains more popular, golf occasionally surpasses it in viewership, as evidenced by McIlroy's Masters win, which outperformed the CBS NFL average for the 2024 season.
The US also boasts an extensive golf infrastructure, with nearly 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities at the end of 2024. This accessibility is a contributing factor to the sport's popularity, making it broadly accessible to those interested in playing.
Europe also has a strong golf culture, with the sport attracting viewers and players. While specific viewing figures for the continent are not readily available, the UK, a part of Europe, offers some insight. During the same Masters tournament won by Rory McIlroy, Sky Sports in the UK recorded its largest golf audience ever, with a peak audience of 1.7 million during McIlroy's walk.
While golf has a global reach, with approximately 61 million people playing worldwide, its viewership and engagement are more concentrated in the US and Europe. This may be due to various factors, including cultural preferences, the sport's historical roots, and the economic demographics of its participants, which tend to align more closely with these regions.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no exact number, it is estimated that about 2 million people watch PGA regular events, with 10 million watching the majors. Golf viewership has been steadily growing, with the 2023 Masters peaking at approximately 15 million viewers.
Golf viewers are predominantly mid-to-high-income men. However, there has been a recent increase in female golfers, with over 6 million female golfers in the past five years.
The Masters Tournament is one of the most-watched golf tournaments, with the 2025 edition attracting an average audience of 12.7 million viewers. The PGA Tour also attracts a significant number of viewers, with an average of 2 million viewers per week.
