Jackson Reid
Golf's popularity has been a topic of debate in recent years, with some arguing that it is a dying sport while others claim it is thriving. There are several factors contributing to the perception of golf's decline, including the sport's stigma, especially among millennials, who find it boring, elitist, and expensive. Additionally, golf has a gender diversity problem, with only 25% of golfers worldwide being women, making it less appealing to millennials who prefer mixed-gender sports. The number of golfers and golf courses in the US has also been declining, with a noticeable shift towards more active and diverse activities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge in popularity for the sport, with people having more time to play and watch golf, and it has also gained traction among families with children. While some believe this is a temporary wave, others argue that golf is here to stay and that the current popularity surge will lead to its longevity.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golfers | There are varying trends. Some sources state that the number of golfers is declining, while others state that 6.2 million golfers picked up or rejoined the sport in 2020. |
| Number of golf courses | There is a decline in the number of golf courses in the US. |
| Reasons for decline | Stigma associated with the game, lack of diversity, cost, time, other opportunities, perception, lack of interest from younger generations, and availability of land. |
| Reasons for increase | Social media spotlight, celebrity golfers, the COVID-19 pandemic, and family-oriented programs. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity among younger generations
Golf's popularity has been on a decline over the years, with the number of golfers in the US decreasing from almost 30 million in 2006 to 26 million in 2016. The number of golf courses has also been declining, with 15,372 courses in 2015, down from a peak of over 16,000. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including the stigma associated with the game, the aging population of golfers, and the lack of appeal to younger generations.
However, there are signs that golf is regaining popularity among younger players. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that the number of on-course golfers has increased for six straight years, with 2024 being the fifth consecutive year where more than 500 million rounds of golf will be played in the US. In 2023, 5.4 million people aged 18 to 34 participated in off-course golf activities, and a record 3.4 million people played on a golf course for the first time. Additionally, 7 million young people who are not yet playing are very interested in taking up the game.
One factor contributing to the growing interest in golf among younger players is the rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands, which has drawn more young women to the sport. In 2023, 26% of on-course golfers were women, with approximately 7 million women and girls playing on a golf course—the highest level of participation since 2006. The largest age group of female golfers, at 1.6 million, is those aged 18 to 34.
Another factor is the accessibility of golf courses for younger players. The NGF reports that 75% of US golf courses are public, which is important as young golfers are more likely to play on public tracks. Additionally, 30% of new private golf club memberships are made up of 18 to 34-year-olds.
The appeal of golf as a source of mental well-being and connection is also attracting younger players. A majority of Gen Z (51%) ranked mental health and self-care as the top reason they play golf, while 47% of Millennials and Xennials (aged 25 to 34) agreed. Solo golf is also gaining traction with younger golfers, with 84% of younger Millennials saying they would play alone.
While golf is regaining popularity among younger generations, there are still challenges to its growth. The cost of playing golf is a significant barrier for many young people, especially those from the Millennial generation who have been impacted by the recession. Additionally, the perception of golf as elitist, exclusionary, and "a sport for old men" persists among Millennials, who tend to prefer activities that are more diverse, fun, and mixed-gender.
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The cost of playing golf
There are various costs associated with playing golf, and these can be a significant barrier to participation in the sport, particularly for younger people. The cost of playing golf depends on several factors, including the location and prestige of the course, the time of year, and whether you choose to walk or rent a cart.
In the US, the cost of playing a round of golf can vary from under $20 to over $100, with some high-end courses charging up to $250 per round. For example, in Southern California, a round of golf can cost anywhere from $18 for a twilight round to $70 for a nicer course. In Minnesota, the price range is similar, with some of the most prestigious courses charging around $120 per round. In Scotland, the cost of playing golf is generally lower, with an average cost of around £30 per round, although some courses charge as little as £20 for visitors or up to £100 for prestigious courses.
In addition to the cost of playing a round of golf, there may also be costs associated with membership at a golf club, which can provide access to certain courses and reduced rates for playing. Membership fees can range from $65 per month to several hundred dollars per year.
Furthermore, the cost of building and maintaining golf courses can also be a factor in the decline of the sport. The large amount of space and resources needed for a golf course means that new courses are not being built, and available tee times at existing courses may be scarce, leading to increased rates and long waiting lists.
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Golf's gender diversity
Golf has long been considered a male-dominated sport, with women facing numerous barriers to entry, including high costs, limited professional opportunities, and a lack of societal encouragement. However, there are signs that the sport is becoming more gender-balanced.
While golf has traditionally been associated with white men in the United States, there are indications that the sport is becoming more diverse and inclusive. Year-end data for 2024 showed that 28% of the 28.1 million Americans who played golf on a course were female, the highest proportion ever recorded. This represents a notable increase from 2012, when females accounted for only 20% of on-course golfers. Off-course forms of golf, such as indoor simulators or tech-enabled ranges, have also contributed to the rise in female participation, with females comprising 43% of the over 19 million Americans who play these exclusive forms of the sport.
The golf industry has recognized the value of female participation and has taken steps to create more opportunities for women. Companies like Ping and Moon Golf are actively supporting women's golf through various initiatives, and the PGA of America is working to increase women's presence in the industry. Additionally, the 2021 U.S. Women's Open provided an opportunity for 29 women to volunteer in course maintenance, fostering networking and learning among women in the industry.
Challenges and Barriers
Despite these positive developments, challenges and barriers to gender diversity in golf remain. Golf is still widely perceived as a male-dominated sport, and millennials, in particular, view it as exclusionary and not diverse enough. The high costs associated with the sport, including equipment, clothing, and membership fees, continue to be a significant deterrent for women, especially those from households with tighter finances. Additionally, the gender imbalance in prize money on PGA Tour events compared to LPGA events makes it financially challenging for women to pursue golf as a career.
Initiatives for Change
To address these challenges and further enhance gender diversity in golf, various initiatives are being explored. Lowering the barrier to entry by offering less formal practice facilities, such as short courses, can make the sport more accessible and less intimidating for beginners. Additionally, the industry is recognizing the importance of creating a more inclusive environment, reflecting America's changing demographics and enriching the golfing experience by embracing diverse perspectives and talents.
While golf has traditionally been male-dominated, the sport is witnessing a transformative wave toward greater gender diversity. Efforts to increase female participation, coupled with initiatives to create a more inclusive environment, are setting the stage for continued growth and a more vibrant and equitable future for women in golf.
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The stigma associated with the sport
There is a perception that golf is a sport for the elite, for rich people, and businesspeople. It is seen as a sport for old men, and this perception is off-putting to younger players. Golf is not a mixed-gender sport, and with only 25% of golfers being women, it is not an appealing option for millennials who tend to prefer mixed activities.
The image of golf is not a good one for millennials, who view it as elitist, exclusionary, stuffy, boring, difficult, and bad for the environment. It is also not a cheap sport to get into, and millennials, who have been hit by the recession, are put off by the costs involved. They prefer activities that require less money, such as tennis or football.
Golf courses require a lot of space and resources, and new courses are not being built. This means that tee times are scarce, and club waiting lists are long. The costs of playing are increasing, and this is a further barrier to entry for younger players.
The sport has also suffered from a decline in the prominence of celebrity golfers such as Tiger Woods, who inspired many to take up the game.
Golf is facing a stigma that it is a sport for older, wealthy men, and this is contributing to a decline in its popularity. However, it is important to note that golf is still a popular sport with many players, and it has been suggested that the current decline in players is not an alarming rate.
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The availability of golf courses
There are approximately 38,864 golf courses spread across 206 countries and territories worldwide. The availability of golf courses varies by region, with North America accounting for 51% of the world's golf courses, and the United States alone boasting 43% of the global supply. Europe comes in second, with 23% of the world's golf courses, followed by Asia, which is home to some of the top golfing countries like Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
England is the leading golfing country in Europe, with 2,270 golf courses, followed by Germany with 1,050, and France with 804. Sweden, Scotland, Spain, Ireland, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Italy also make the top 10 European countries for golf course availability. While the United States has seen a decline in the number of golf courses in recent years, it still offers an extensive network of courses, with Florida alone boasting over 1,250 golf courses.
The cost of playing golf and the perception of the sport among millennials and younger generations have also impacted the demand for golf courses. Millennials face financial constraints and often prefer more affordable and socially diverse sports like tennis or football. The image of golf as "elitist," "exclusionary," and "a sport for old men" has further contributed to its decline in popularity among younger players.
To adapt to changing demographics and preferences, some golf courses and associations are considering modifications to their traditional 18-hole format. Proposals include reducing the number of holes to 12 or creating multiple 6-hole courses to cater to golfers who may struggle with the time and energy demands of a full 18-hole course. These adaptations aim to enhance the appeal of the sport and attract a broader range of players.
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Frequently asked questions
While golf has seen a rise in popularity in recent years, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still considered a dying sport by some. The number of golfers in the US has declined, and the sport is struggling to attract younger generations. However, others argue that golf is not dying but simply evolving, and forward-thinking golf courses are making changes to appeal to a wider range of players.
There are several reasons why golf may be considered a dying sport. Firstly, the number of golfers and golf courses in the US has been declining. Secondly, the sport is seen as less exclusive and irrelevant, with a lack of diversity among players and fans. Additionally, younger generations, particularly millennials, are not taking up the sport due to factors such as cost, time commitment, and the perception of golf as "a sport for old men".
To revive the sport of golf, efforts can be made to increase accessibility and appeal to a wider range of players. This includes addressing the cost barriers and perception issues that may deter younger players. Golf courses and associations can also experiment with changes to the traditional format, such as reducing the number of holes from 18 to 12, to make the sport more fast-paced and engaging.
