Harper Lin
Golf is a popular sport in Europe, with a total of 4.7 million registered golfers, and an estimated 13 million '9 & 18 hole golfers'. The sport is particularly popular in Ireland, which boasts some of the best golf courses in the world, including the Royal Dublin Golf Club and Adare Manor. Other European countries with a high number of registered golfers include England, Germany, Sweden, France, and the Netherlands. In terms of gender demographics, the majority of golfers across Europe are male, with Liechtenstein having the highest proportion of female golfers at 36%. However, Slovakia is the first European country to have more female golfers than male. Initiatives across Europe are promoting inclusion in the sport, and nearly half of all European countries (46%) have witnessed a growth in golf participation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of registered golfers in Europe | 4.7 million |
| Number of '9 & 18 hole golfers' in Europe | 13 million+ |
| Total adult engagement in golf in Europe | 19.7 million |
| Top 5 European markets for registered golfers | England, Germany, Sweden, France, Netherlands |
| Countries with the greatest share of registered golf courses | Germany (730), France (607) |
| Countries with the greatest share of female golfers | Liechtenstein (36%), Slovakia (over 50%) |
| Countries with the greatest increase in golf participation | Armenia (73.33%), Slovenia (48.74%), Slovakia (25.28%) |
| Countries with the greatest decline in golf courses | Scotland (19%), England (16%), Ireland (4%) |
| Countries with the greatest increase in golf courses | Germany, Portugal (5%) |
| Countries with the greatest overall popularity for golf | Ireland, Canada |
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What You'll Learn
Golf in Ireland
Golf is a popular sport in Europe, with the number of registered golfers on the rise. The sport is especially popular in Ireland, which has over 400 golf clubs and a third of the world's natural links courses. Ireland has been named International Golf Destination of the Year on several occasions by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. The country has hosted prestigious events such as The 153rd Open in Royal Portrush and the Ryder Cup in Adare Manor.
Ireland's links courses are known for their wild and rugged terrain, featuring some of the sport's biggest dunes in the north at places like Carne and Enniscrone. The Island Golf Club, located just north of Dublin, boasts some of the country's most dramatic dunescapes. Other notable links courses in Ireland include Royal Dublin Golf Club, The European Club, County Louth, and The Island.
In addition to its renowned links courses, Ireland also offers exceptional golf experiences at courses such as Druids Glen, which has hosted four Irish Opens, and Dooks, one of the oldest courses in the country.
Golf tourism in Ireland caters to a range of budgets and preferences, with packages available for individuals and groups. Traditional dress codes are still observed in many Irish golf clubs, and it is recommended to book tee times in advance. The best season for golfing in Ireland is from April to October, although the courses are open all year round.
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Golf in England
Golf is a popular sport in England, with the country boasting several top-quality golf courses. England is the third-highest country in the world for appearances in the top 100 golf courses, behind only the USA and Scotland. The North West of England is particularly well-regarded as a golfing destination, with notable courses including Royal Birkdale, Hoylake, and Lytham. Closer to London, golfers can enjoy Sunningdale, Walton Heath, and Swinley Forest. Canterbury is also a great base for golfers, with the Royal St Georges, Cinque Ports, and Princes courses all nearby.
England is one of the top five markets in Europe for the number of registered golfers, with just under 4.7 million registered players across the continent. While the sport attracts participants from a wide range of ages, it is particularly popular among older age groups, with approximately 42% of registered golfers in Europe forecasted to be over 60 years old in 2020, and 24% between 50 and 60 years old.
Golf is also a popular sport in other parts of Europe, such as Ireland, which is renowned for its great courses and players. Germany and France have the second and third-highest number of registered golf courses in Europe, with 730 and 607 official courses respectively.
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Golf in Germany
Golf is a mildly popular sport in Germany, with the country exhibiting the second-highest share of registered golf courses in Europe, at 730 courses. However, unlike the public courses in the US, Germany has no courses open to all. Instead, German golf courses require players to obtain a license, called "Platzreife", before they can play. This license can be obtained by paying for a five-day course that involves several hours of training each day and passing a series of tests. The tests consist of a written exam and a practical evaluation. The written test covers the rules of golf and course etiquette, while the practical test assesses driving, putting, and chipping skills, followed by 18 holes of golf with a maximum of 108 strokes.
The "Platzreife" requirement has been a subject of debate, with some arguing that it is a way to preserve golf as an elite sport and a method to control who gets to play. However, German golfing associations defend the requirement, stating that it is necessary to prevent unskilled players from disrupting the games of others. Some golfers have found a way around this strict system by going on golf holidays to countries like Italy, Austria, or Switzerland, where obtaining the license is typically easier.
Despite the license requirement, Germany has some excellent golf courses. The Hubbelrath Golf Club, located near Düsseldorf, offers a heavily forested and hilly landscape. The Frankfurter Golf Club, a former German Open venue, features a historical layout designed by Harry Colt and John Morrison in the 1920s. Golf- und Land-Club Berlin-Wannsee, founded by British and American diplomats in 1895, is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in continental Europe. The Winston Links course, designed by Canadian architect David Krause, is set in a sandy landscape. Seddiner See, located in the heart of the lake district near Berlin, is another renowned golfing venue.
In addition to these well-known courses, Germany boasts many other top-rated golf destinations, such as Falkenstein, Budersand Sylt, Golf- und Land-Club Köln, Föhr Golf Club, and Club zur Vahr. These courses offer varied challenges, stunning natural settings, and high-quality facilities, contributing to the popularity of golf in Germany among locals and tourists alike.
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Golf in Sweden
Sweden boasts a diverse range of golf courses, from historic clubs like Visby Golf Club on the island of Gotland, offering scenic views of the Baltic Sea, to modern marvels such as Bro Hof Slott Golf Club, featuring two championship courses designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones Jr. The country also has its share of prestigious and classic links courses, including Falsterbo Golf Club, one of the oldest and most esteemed golfing destinations in Sweden, known for its windswept dunes and panoramic views of the Baltic Sea.
Swedish golfers have made their mark on the international stage, with notable professionals including Henrik Stenson, a medal winner at the 2016 Summer Olympics, and Annika Sörenstam, a nine-time Swedish Golfer of the Year. Sven Tumba played a pivotal role in promoting golf as a healthy activity for all, organizing exhibition matches featuring Arnold Palmer in 1968 and further popularizing the sport.
Sweden has hosted numerous prestigious golf tournaments and events, including the Scandinavian Masters, played at various esteemed golf clubs, and the Scandinavian Mixed, held between 2020 and 2024. The country's first national golf tournament was instituted by the Swedish Golf Federation in 1904, showcasing the sport's long-standing significance in Sweden.
With its picturesque courses, rich golfing heritage, and a strong showing of professional golfers, Sweden is an important contributor to the sport's popularity in Europe.
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Golf participation growth in Europe
Golf is a popular sport in Europe, with a recent growth in participation across the continent. A report published in 2024 revealed that there are over 10 million golfers in Europe, a significant increase from 7.9 million in 2016. This growth has been observed in nearly three-quarters of European countries, with a notable rise in registered golfers in England, Sweden, Latvia, and Belarus.
While the sport has traditionally been male-dominated, there are positive signs of changing demographics. The number of women golfers across Europe increased by 13,000 to just over 1 million, with countries like Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland having over a third of their registered golfers as women. Slovakia has become the first European country with more female golfers than male.
The growth in participation varies across Europe, with 46% of countries experiencing an increase, while 19% saw a decline. Armenia, Slovenia, and Slovakia have witnessed the most significant increases, with enthusiastic groups of amateur golfers driving the sport's popularity. Germany and Portugal have seen the largest increase in golf courses, while Scotland, England, and Ireland experienced declines due to falling memberships.
Golf's popularity is also evident in emerging markets like Central and Eastern Europe, with Poland and the Czech Republic leading the way. Initiatives promoting inclusion and campaigns targeting younger players are contributing to the sport's growth, ensuring its future despite previous concerns about declining participation rates.
Overall, golf is experiencing a healthy growth phase in Europe, with increasing participation rates, evolving demographics, and successful promotional efforts.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 4.1 million registered golfers in Europe, according to a 2023 report. This number represents a 2% increase from the previous year.
The top five European markets for registered golfers are England, Germany, Sweden, France, and the Netherlands.
Slovakia is the first European country with more female golfers than male golfers. In Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland, women make up over a third of registered golfers.
46% of European countries have witnessed a growth in golf participation. Armenia, Slovenia, and Slovakia have seen the most significant increases in golf participation.
Ireland is the most popular European country for golf, with many beautiful courses and a strong legacy of golf greats.
