Jackson Reid
Golf is a club-and-ball sport that originated in Scotland in the 15th century. It is played by hitting a ball into a series of holes on a course in as few strokes as possible. There are 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities in the US, and the sport has seen a recent increase in popularity with a record 47.2 million Americans playing in 2024. This begs the question: is golf here to stay?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Popularity of off-course golf | 19.1 million people participated in off-course golf in 2024 |
| Number of golf courses in the US | 16,000 |
| Number of golf facilities in the US | 14,000 |
| Percentage of facilities open to the public | 75% |
| Number of newcomers to golf each year (2016-2019) | 2.5 million |
| Number of rounds played annually in the US | 500 million+ |
| Number of rounds played in 2024 | 545 million |
| Number of Americans aged 6+ who played golf in 2024 | 47.2 million |
| Percentage of the US population over the age of 5 who played golf in 2024 | 33% |
| Percentage increase in pool of potential golfers since 2019 | 55% |
| Number of states with a ban on golf | 1 (Massachusetts) |
| Number of states that initially had shuttered golf courses | 17 |
| Number of states that recently reopened golf courses | 3 (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont) |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's ancient origins
The origins of golf are unclear and much debated. However, it is generally accepted that the modern game originated in Scotland from the Middle Ages onwards. The first written record of golf is from 1457 when King James II of Scotland banned the game as it was distracting his subjects from their mandatory archery practice. The ban was lifted in 1502 when King James IV became a golfer himself, marking the first royal endorsement of the sport. This helped popularise golf, and it quickly spread throughout 16th-century Europe.
There are several theories about the ancient origins of golf. Some historians trace it back to the Roman game of paganica, which involved using a bent stick to hit a wool- or feather-stuffed leather ball. As the Romans conquered much of Europe during the first century BC, it is believed that paganica evolved into the modern game of golf. Another theory suggests that golf originated from the Chinese game of chuiwan, played between the 8th and 14th centuries. A Ming Dynasty scroll from 1368 depicts a member of the Chinese Imperial court swinging at a small ball with a club, aiming to sink it into a hole. This game is thought to have been introduced to Europe during the Middle Ages.
Other early games that resembled modern golf include cambuca in England, chambot in France, and kolven in the Netherlands, which began in 1297. Additionally, there are reports of a golf-like game played in the 17th-century Netherlands, and some scholars argue that this predates the game in Scotland. The earliest known golf courses were at Leith, now a neighbourhood in Edinburgh, and St. Andrews on Scotland's northern coast, which opened in 1552 with 12 holes.
The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, now the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, formed the first golf club in 1744. The world's oldest golf tournament, The Open Championship, was first played in 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire, Scotland. Golf became internationally popular in the late 19th century, spreading throughout the British Empire and the United States.
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The growth of off-course golf
Golf has experienced a boom since the COVID-19 pandemic, with more players on the course than ever before. Interestingly, the game has also become younger in the past few years. In 2024, golfers in the 18-34 age group were the largest group of on-course players at an estimated 6.3 million. Women are also making their mark, with 26% of on-course golfers being women in 2023, the highest level of participation since 2006.
However, the number of people playing off-course golf is even higher. Off-course golf can be defined as any golf-related activity that happens off of a traditional 18-hole, 9-hole, or par-3 golf course layout. This includes driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and mini-golf. The number of total US off-course golf participants (32.6 million) surpassed total on-course golf participants (28.1 million) in 2024. The number of Americans participating in simulator golf grew by 73% since 2019.
The popularity of off-course golf can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the growing cost of golf is a barrier to entry for many. The sets of clubs, accessories, tee times, and lessons that come with playing regularly can be expensive. In contrast, casually engaging in off-course golf is more financially accessible. Secondly, off-course golf venues like Topgolf and Drive Shack offer a social experience that combines golf with music, food, and drinks, creating a fun night out for young people. These venues also offer games for all skill levels, making golf more inclusive and welcoming to newcomers.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the golf industry, initially causing disruptions and uncertainty. State-wide stay-home orders and restrictions on gatherings posed challenges for golf courses, with only Massachusetts implementing a ban on golf at the peak of the restrictions. However, the pandemic ultimately had a positive impact on the sport, as golf courses offered an outdoor activity that allowed for social distancing and fresh air.
As the pandemic unfolded, golf courses across the United States experienced a surge in popularity. People who were confined indoors due to lockdowns found golf to be an appealing option for physical activity and stress relief. This resulted in an increase in golf players, with many non-golfers taking up the sport. Television audiences for televised golf events also grew significantly, attracting new viewers.
The golf industry as a whole benefited from this increased participation. Golf retail sales spiked during the pandemic, with more people purchasing golf equipment, balls, and green fees. Country clubs saw an influx of new members, and golf courses reported higher revenues. This trend was observed by firms like Golf Datatech, which compiles data and statistics about the golf industry.
The pandemic also accelerated the integration of technology and innovation in the golf cart industry. Golf cart manufacturers introduced new features such as touchscreen tablets, GPS tracking, and 3D maps to enhance the golfing experience. The popularity of electric golf carts surged, and they became sought-after neighbourhood vehicles for short distances, contributing to the growth of the electric vehicle industry.
While the COVID-19 pandemic caused initial concerns for the golf industry, it ultimately proved to be a boon. The sport's ability to adapt to safety protocols and its appeal as a safe, outdoor activity during a time of restrictions contributed to its growth. Golf courses became a haven for people seeking physical and mental well-being during the pandemic.
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Golf's accessibility and appeal to younger players
Golf has traditionally been viewed as a slow-paced and traditional sport, which has made it difficult to attract younger players. However, the sport is evolving and becoming more accessible and appealing to younger generations.
Golf's Accessibility
Golf's move into the virtual world has made the sport more accessible to younger players. In the past, golf was limited by geography, as players had to travel long distances to reach courses. It was also financially inaccessible, as building and maintaining a course is expensive. Virtual golf has removed these barriers by providing indoor golf centres and home simulators, making golf available to a wider audience.
Appeal to Younger Players
The rise of virtual golf has also changed the perception of the sport among younger players. Virtual golf offers an engaging, fast-paced, and technology-driven experience that appeals to the digital age. It merges the competitiveness of traditional golf with the dynamic world of gaming, attracting players from the esports and gaming culture.
In addition to virtual golf, off-course golf venues such as Topgolf, Five Iron Golf, and simulator sites have also drawn younger players to the sport. These venues provide an introduction to the game and a comfortable environment for beginners to build their confidence before playing on a traditional course. Social media, new apparel trends, and content creators have also inspired a new wave of golfers.
Golf clubs have also made efforts to appeal to younger players by creating spaces where they want to hang out. This includes adding amenities such as pool tables, comfortable seating, TVs, and good Wi-Fi. Clubs have also adapted to the spontaneity of younger players by offering walk-in playtimes or same-day bookings.
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The future of golf courses
Golf courses have had to adapt to the changing circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. For instance, several U.S. states implemented bans on playing golf, with Massachusetts being the only state to maintain this ban with no set date for removal. Golf courses also had to adapt to social distancing and CDC guidelines, which impacted their operations. The pandemic also highlighted the importance of proper course maintenance, as neglecting turfgrass could lead to permanent closures, vandalism, and safety issues.
Despite these challenges, the golf industry has demonstrated resilience and a capacity for innovation. Off-course forms of golf, such as entertainment golf venues, have gained popularity and provided newcomers with a less intimidating introduction to the sport. These off-course venues include places like driving ranges, indoor golf simulators, and golf entertainment businesses like Topgolf. This shift has contributed to a 55% increase in the pool of potential golfers since 2019, with a significant number being "lapsed golfers" who had not played on a course in the past year.
The industry is also witnessing a growing interest among young adults, who constitute the largest customer age segment. Over 7 million young adults practice hitting golf balls with a club away from the course, indicating a deep well of future prospects. Moreover, more than 7.5 million non-golfing young adults have expressed a "very interested" stance in taking up traditional golf. This trend suggests that the future of golf courses is closely tied to their ability to engage and retain these newcomers, ensuring a steady stream of players to sustain the industry.
Golf courses themselves are also evolving in design and location. Golf course designers are pushing the boundaries, creating courses in diverse landscapes such as along sea coasts, within forests, among rolling hills, or even in the desert. The traditional 18-hole course, which originated in St Andrews, Scotland, in 1764, remains the standard, but innovative course designs are emerging, such as the newly redesigned course with no official routing or set golf holes.
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Frequently asked questions
No, golf is here to stay. The sport has existed in some form since at least the 14th century and the modern game has been around since the 15th century.
Yes, golf is very popular. In 2024, a record 47.2 million Americans aged 6 and over played golf in the U.S.
Yes, there are nearly 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities in the U.S. alone.
Yes, about 75% of golf facilities are open to the public.
Yes, golf is allowed during the pandemic in most places. However, there may be restrictions in place, such as social distancing and CDC guidelines.
