Ava Romero
Golf's popularity has been on a rollercoaster ride in recent years. After a period of decline, the sport saw a surge in interest during the pandemic as people sought outdoor activities. This boom has since slowed, but golf remains more popular than ever, with the number of players in the 18-34 age group reaching a near-decade high in 2023 and continuing to grow in 2024. However, the number of golf courses in the US is declining, and some argue that the sport is in the early stages of demise as people seek more active and varied leisure pursuits. So, is golf growing or dying? The answer may lie in the ability of the industry to adapt to the changing preferences of golfers and cater to a wider range of participants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of golf courses in the US | 15,372 in 2015, 16,000+ previously |
| Number of golf courses in the US (recent) | 16,000 at 14,000 facilities in 2024 |
| Number of rounds played in 2024 | 545 million |
| Number of rounds played in 2023 | 531 million |
| Number of rounds played in 2021 | 500 million+ |
| % increase in rounds played in 2021 | 10.1% |
| % increase in rounds played in Jan 2021 | 21.4% |
| Age group with the most golfers | 18-34 year olds |
| Number of 18-34-year-old golfers | 6.3 million |
| Number of women golfers in 2023 | 7 million |
| % of women golfers who are 18-34 years old | 40% |
| % of golf courses that are public | 75% |
| % of US population over 5 that played golf in 2024 | 35% |
| Number of people who played golf in 2024 | 47.2 million |
| Number of people who played golf on a course in 2024 | 28.1 million |
| Number of people who played off-course golf in 2024 | 19.1 million |
| % of Gen Z and Millenials planning to buy a membership or season pass | 74% |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity is surging, especially among younger people
Golf's popularity is surging, and it is particularly appealing to younger people. The sport saw a boom during the pandemic, as people sought socially distanced outdoor activities. This surge has continued, with the 2021 golf season seeing a 21.4% increase in rounds played compared to the previous year. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that 2023 was a record year for play, and 2024 is set to be the fifth consecutive year with over 500 million rounds played in the US.
This growth is driven by younger players, with 18-34-year-olds now the largest group of on-course golfers, at an estimated 6.3 million. This age group makes up 30% of new private golf club memberships, and their participation in the sport has grown for six straight years. The rise of social media, new apparel trends, and content creators like YouTubers have inspired this new wave of golfers. Additionally, younger golfers are more likely to play at public courses, with 75% of US golf courses being public.
Golf's appeal to younger players is also reflected in their purchasing habits. Gen Z and Millennials are motivated to purchase memberships or season passes, with 74% of 18-34-year-old golfers planning to buy a membership. This trend is driven by cost-effectiveness, as golf becomes more expensive, and the desire for flexibility in their playing options.
The golf industry is responding to this surge in popularity by adapting to the needs and preferences of younger golfers. The rise of entertainment golf, such as Topgolf, has drawn in a new demographic of players. Additionally, the industry is recognising the importance of female golfers, with women making up 26% of on-course golfers in 2023, the highest level of participation in over a decade. The growth of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands has also contributed to the sport's appeal to younger women.
While some argue that golf is in decline, with a decrease in the number of courses, the sport is evolving and adapting to modern tastes. The pandemic and the rise of remote work have given people more flexibility in their schedules, encouraging participation in golf. The sport's popularity is surging, especially among younger players, and the industry is responding with innovative offerings to cater to this growing demographic.
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Golf courses are declining in number
Golf courses in the US are indeed declining in number. In 2015, there were 15,372 golf courses in the US, down from a peak of over 16,000 just a few years prior. By the end of 2024, there were nearly 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities in the US. This represents a cumulative contraction of approximately 13% since 2006, with closures disproportionately impacting lower-priced courses.
There are several factors contributing to the decline in golf courses. One key factor is the changing preferences and demographics of golfers. Active agers, or older adults, are increasingly seeking activities that provide more physical exercise and a wider range of options beyond golf. Golf courses often require the use of a cart, reducing the opportunity for cardio exercise. Additionally, a full round of golf can take at least four hours, which may not appeal to those seeking shorter, more active pursuits like walking, hiking, or biking.
The stigma associated with golf, particularly in retirement communities, may also contribute to the decline. The idea of spending a significant portion of one's retirement years on a golf course may be losing its appeal, as active agers seek a broader range of activities that enhance their physical and mental well-being.
Another factor is the challenge of sustaining growth in the golf industry. Building and maintaining golf courses is a time-consuming and costly endeavor. The growth of the sport has historically been linked to excess available income and time among players. However, with the rise of competing leisure activities and the impact of the pandemic on the economy, the cost of golf may need to become more accessible to maintain demand. Golf courses also face staffing shortages, with low wages and challenging working conditions leading to a lack of interest in golf course jobs.
To adapt to these challenges, golf course designers are considering innovative solutions, such as constructing shorter 6-hole courses to reduce the time commitment for players. While the future of golf remains uncertain, there is a recognized need to re-evaluate strategies for growing the sport and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
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Golf is becoming more accessible
Firstly, the pandemic played a significant role in the rise of golf's popularity. As people looked for safe, socially distanced outdoor activities, golf courses provided an appealing option. The work-from-home culture also meant that people had more flexible time to pursue activities like golf. This trend has continued even as the country returns to a post-pandemic "normal", with the 2021 golf season seeing a 21.4% increase in rounds played compared to the previous year.
Secondly, there has been a significant increase in participation among younger golfers, particularly those aged 18-34. This age group now makes up the largest share of on-course players, with 6.3 million estimated in 2024. The rise of social media, new apparel trends, and content creators on YouTube and other platforms have inspired a new wave of young golfers. Additionally, entertainment venues like Topgolf, Five Iron Golf, and simulator sites have driven younger players to traditional golf courses.
Thirdly, golf is becoming more accessible to a wider range of people. Women are making significant strides in the sport, with 26% of on-course golfers being women in 2023, the highest level of participation since 2006. According to Topgolf Callaway Brands, 40% of golf's newcomers are women, with the largest age group being 18-34-year-olds. The accessibility of public golf courses, which make up 75% of U.S. golf courses, has also played a role in attracting younger golfers.
Furthermore, the trend of "solo golfers" is on the rise, with more people booking rounds on their own and being paired with others. This flexibility is appealing to golfers, especially those who are looking to fill empty slots on the tee sheet. While memberships were traditionally more popular among older generations, there is now a growing demand for memberships and season passes among younger golfers, who see them as a cost-effective solution as the cost of golf increases.
Golf course designers and associations are also adapting to make the sport more accessible. There is a move towards shorter, 12-hole courses to reduce the time commitment required for a round of golf. These changes aim to cater to golfers' needs and attract new players to the sport.
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Golf is becoming more time-efficient
While some sources suggest that golf is experiencing a decline, there is evidence to suggest that the sport is, in fact, growing in popularity, particularly among younger generations. This growth in interest has been attributed to various factors, one of which is the increasing time efficiency of the sport.
One of the main ways in which golf is becoming more time-efficient is through the introduction of shorter courses. Traditional golf courses typically consist of 18 holes, but there is a growing trend towards 12-hole or even 6-hole courses. These shorter formats enable golfers to complete a round in a shorter amount of time, making the sport more accessible to those with busy schedules.
The rise of "solo golfing" is another factor that contributes to the time efficiency of the sport. Many golfers are now booking rounds on their own and are willing to be paired with others. This trend allows golfers to easily fill empty slots on the tee sheet, maximizing the efficiency of each booking slot.
In addition to these trends, the growth of off-course golf options has also played a significant role in making the sport more time-efficient. The popularity of off-course golf, such as driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and entertainment venues like Topgolf, has surged in recent years. These alternatives to traditional golf courses offer a more condensed and flexible golfing experience, allowing players to practice their skills or enjoy a round of golf without committing to the full time typically required on a standard course.
The increasing time efficiency of golf is an important factor in the sport's evolving landscape and is helping to attract and retain players who may have busier schedules or prefer more flexible options for their leisure activities.
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Golf is becoming more expensive
The cost of golf club membership can also be significant, and it is often considered the largest outgoing expense for those who join a golf club. With the recent budget expected to impact golf facilities in 2025, there are concerns that the cost of golf could become a barrier for some people. This is especially true for younger golfers, who may opt for memberships or season passes to counter the rising costs of daily fee golf.
The price of golf courses themselves is also increasing, with some course owners finding that the value of their land is higher for development than for operating as a golf course. This can lead to course closures and reduced accessibility for golfers, especially in certain areas.
The rising costs of golf are occurring alongside a growth in participation, particularly among 18-34-year-olds, with the sport experiencing a surge in popularity during the pandemic. This has led to increased sales of golf equipment and apparel, with companies like Callaway Golf Company and Dick's Sporting Goods benefiting from the trend.
While golf is becoming more expensive, it is important to note that the perception of the sport as an exclusive or elite hobby is changing. There are now more ways to play golf, with different versions and formats that are more affordable and accessible to a wider range of players.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf is growing. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reported that 26.6 million golfers played on a course in 2023, and an additional 18.4 million played at a location with a simulator or entertainment venue. In 2024, 47.2 million Americans aged 6 and above played golf, both on and off the course.
The growth of golf is driven by younger players engaging with the game in new ways. Social media, apparel trends, YouTubers, and other content creators have inspired a new wave of golfers. Topgolf, Five Iron Golf, and other simulator sites have also driven younger players to golf courses in record numbers.
The future of golf looks promising, with the game gaining popularity among younger generations, particularly those aged 18-34. Golf courses and associations are also adapting to cater to changing preferences and needs, such as considering changes to the number of holes in a course to reduce the time spent playing.
