Miles Bennett
Golf is a popular sport in America, with over 45 million Americans participating in some form. The number of people playing golf in the United States has been increasing, with a record number of over 26.6 million people participating on a course in 2023, and an additional 18.4 million taking part in off-course activities. The popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues, such as Topgolf, has made the game more accessible and appealing, especially to younger and more diverse demographics. The sport is also driving economic growth, with a total of $4.6 billion raised for charitable causes in 2022, a 16% increase from 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people playing golf in the US | 41.1 million (up from 32 million in 2016) |
| Number of people playing golf on a course in the US | 28.1 million (2024); 26.6 million (2023) |
| Number of people playing off-course golf in the US | 19.1 million (2024); 18.4 million (2023) |
| Percentage of the US population engaging with golf | 45% (2024); 33% (2023) |
| Percentage of female golfers | Increased by 25% over the past four years |
| Percentage of ethnic minority golfers | Increased by 43% |
| Number of golf courses in the US | 16,000 at 14,000 golf facilities (2024) |
| Percentage of golf facilities open to the public | 75% |
| Amount of money raised for charitable causes through golf in 2022 | $4.6 billion |
| Number of annual newcomers to golf pre-pandemic | 2.5 million (2016-2019) |
| Number of on-course beginners every year since 2020 | 3 million or more |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity in America is at an all-time high
The popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues, such as Topgolf, Drive Shack, and Popstroke, has made the game more accessible and appealing, especially to younger and more diverse demographics. In 2024, more than one-third of the U.S. population over the age of five played golf (on-course or off-course), followed the game on television or online, read about it, or listened to a golf-related podcast. This is up 45% since record-keeping began in 2016. The number of golf trials has also hit record or near-record levels in recent years, with 3 million or more on-course beginners every year since 2020.
Golf's participant base is not only increasing but also becoming more diverse. There has been a notable increase in female participation, with a 23% rise in the number of women and girls playing golf on a course since 2018. The number of Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers has also jumped by 43%, reflecting the sport's broadening appeal and the changing demographics of the U.S. population. The category of young adults (18-34-year-olds) is the sport's largest customer age segment, with engagement among this cohort continuing to rise as younger participants play golf in a variety of ways. There are over 7 million young adults who only hit golf balls with a club away from the course, and interest in playing among non-golfing young adults is high, with more than 7.5 million saying they are "very interested" in taking up the traditional game.
Golf's popularity in America is also reflected in the number of golf courses in the country. At the end of 2024, there were nearly 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities in the U.S., which is more than the number of McDonald's or Dunkin' Donuts locations. About 75% of these facilities are open to the public. The popularity of the sport has also had a positive economic impact, with a total of $4.6 billion raised for charitable causes in 2022, a 16% increase from 2016.
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The number of golf courses in the US
Golf is a popular sport in the United States, with a participation base of 41.1 million people, up from 32 million in 2016. The number of people playing golf in the US reached 25.6 million in 2022, representing a slight increase from the previous year. The sport is especially popular among younger people, with almost half (48%) of all golf participants in 2022 being between the ages of 6 and 34.
The popularity of the sport has led to a high number of golf courses in the country. The US has approximately 15,500 golf courses, which is about 43% of the golf courses worldwide. This number is, however, prone to change as new businesses enter the industry, with some courses under construction or temporarily closed, and others leaving the industry due to financial difficulties.
Florida has the largest number of golf courses in the US, with a total of 1,250 courses. California is close behind with 921 courses, including the famous Pebble Beach course. Texas has 907 courses, and surprisingly, New York has 832 courses.
The abundance of golf courses in the US has led to some concerns about their impact on environmental economics and sustainability. Golf courses take up approximately 3,000 square miles of land in the US, and their water usage, especially in arid regions, has been a cause for concern. Additionally, the use of fertilizers and pesticides has been identified as an area where golf courses could improve their sustainability practices.
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Diversity in golf is increasing
Golf is more popular in America than ever before, with 25.6 million people participating in 2022, a slight increase from the previous year. The sport has also seen unprecedented diversity in recent years, with more females and people of color taking up the game.
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reports that in 2024, there were almost 7 million Black, Asian, and Hispanic on-course golfers, a record total. This is in contrast to 1990 when people of color represented only 8% of green grass golfers. The NGF also found that among the 28.1 million Americans who played golf on a course in 2024, 28% were female and 25% were Black, Asian, or Hispanic, the highest proportions ever recorded.
The pandemic has also played a role in increasing the diversity of golfers. Off-course golf entertainment venues such as Topgolf, Drive Shack, and Popstroke have made the game more accessible and appealing to younger and more diverse demographics. In 2022, almost half (48%) of all golf participants were between the ages of 6 and 34.
The golf industry has recognized the need to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sport. National Golf Day in 2021 brought together more than 300 industry leaders to discuss how to advance the game's appeal and increase its accessibility to underrepresented communities. The 'Make Golf Your Thing' initiative also aims to invite people from all backgrounds to try the game.
The growth in diversity among golfers reflects broader demographic changes in the US population, which is becoming increasingly diverse in terms of racial and ethnic makeup. The increased diversity in golf is a positive development, making the sport more accessible and appealing to a wider range of people.
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Golf's popularity among younger people
Golf is more popular in America than ever before, with the sport's participant base increasing and diversifying. This includes a notable rise in younger participants. In 2024, 3.7 million juniors played golf on a course, which is more than in any year since 2006. This represented a 48% increase since 2019, the largest gains of any age group.
The demographic makeup of golf's participant base is changing, with more females, and more people of colour taking up the sport. The number of women and girls playing golf on a course has risen by 23% since 2018, while the number of Asian, Black, and Hispanic golfers has jumped by 43%, reflecting the increasing diversity of the US population.
The popularity of off-course golf entertainment venues such as Topgolf, Drive Shack, and Popstroke has made the game more accessible and appealing to younger people. 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. There are also over 7 million young adults who hit golf balls with a club away from the course, indicating a large pool of future prospects.
Golf's overall participation base in the US is 41.1 million, up from 32 million in 2016. In 2022, roughly one in seven Americans played golf, resulting in a direct economic impact of $101.7 billion.
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Golf's economic impact
Golf is a major industry in the United States, with a significant economic impact on the country. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of people taking up the game, especially younger and more diverse demographics.
According to a recent study, golf had a direct economic impact of over $100 billion on the US economy in 2022, a significant increase from 2016. The total economic impact, including indirect and induced effects, is estimated to be even higher, at $191.9 billion. The golf industry supports approximately 2 million jobs in the US and generates billions of dollars in tax revenues for local communities. The biggest economic driver for golf is facility operations, with approximately 15,000 golf facilities in the country generating substantial revenue from greens fees, membership fees, and other sources.
Golf also has a substantial charitable impact, raising almost $4.6 billion for various causes in 2022, an increase from $3.9 billion in 2016. This represents close to 1% of all charitable giving in the United States. The sport's popularity has led to increased spending on equipment, apparel, instruction, and other services, further boosting the economy.
Additionally, golf has important environmental benefits, including the preservation of green spaces, improved air quality, and the provision of habitats for plants and animals. The golf industry has also made efforts to reduce water usage, with a 29% decrease since 2005.
Overall, golf has a substantial economic impact in the United States, contributing to job creation, economic development, and charitable giving, while also providing physical, mental, and social wellness benefits to participants.
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Frequently asked questions
In 2023, there were over 26.6 million on-course golfers and 18.4 million off-course golfers in the US, totalling 45 million participants. This is a significant increase from 32 million in 2016.
Golf's demographic composition in the US is diversifying. There have been notable increases in female participation (up 23% since 2018) and ethnic minority participation (up 43%). The largest customer age segment is young adults aged 18-34, with almost half of all golf participants aged 6-34 in 2022.
Golf's popularity in the US is driven by its accessibility and appeal to younger, more diverse demographics. Off-course golf entertainment venues, such as Topgolf, have made the game more accessible. The sport also provides physical, mental, and emotional benefits, and has a positive impact on the environment by providing green spaces.
