Miles Bennett
Golf has been a popular sport for centuries, but there has been a growing concern about its decline in popularity. While some argue that golf is still thriving, there is evidence to suggest that participation rates are declining. For instance, a FactSet report indicates that between 2003 and 2018, golf lost over 6.8 million players and faced more than 1,200 course closures. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, golf has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among younger demographics, due to its outdoor nature and social distancing advantages. This resurgence has resulted in an increase in female and diverse golfers, with women accounting for approximately 60% of the net gain in green grass golfers since 2019. Despite this positive trend, traditional broadcast viewership of golf tournaments has declined, with audiences, especially younger viewers, preferring digital platforms for flexible viewing options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Overall popularity of golf | Declining |
| Golf's reputation | Elitist, expensive, exclusive |
| Golf course closures | Over 1,200 between 2003 and 2018 |
| Player numbers | Down 6.8 million between 2003 and 2018 |
| TV viewership | Declining |
| Players by gender | Female players now nearly 7.9 million, an all-time high |
| Players by ethnicity | Golfers of colour make up 45% of off-course players |
| Golf's future | Optimism for the future of the sport |
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What You'll Learn
Golf's perception as an elitist sport
Golf has long been perceived as an elitist sport, associated with the wealthy and privileged. This perception is driven by several factors, including the high costs of equipment and course fees, the exclusivity of golf clubs with their high joining fees and monthly charges, and the sport's historical roots among the upper class, often associated with heads of state and industry leaders. The stereotype of a golfer is someone with ample time and money, reinforcing the notion that golf is inaccessible to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
However, it is important to note that the perception of golf as an elitist sport is slowly changing. Initiatives to increase accessibility and affordability, such as the availability of public golf facilities, affordable equipment, and free lessons for young people, are making golf more inclusive and attracting a diverse range of players.
The environmental impact of golf has also contributed to its elitist perception. Golf courses consume vast amounts of water, use chemicals and pesticides, and occupy significant land areas, leading to criticisms of golf as a wasteful and exclusive land use. However, there are efforts to make the sport greener, with some professionals advocating for sustainability and environmental protection in course management.
The influence of professional golfers and celebrity endorsements has a significant impact on public opinion. When well-known golfers promote golf products or share their experiences on social media, they attract new fans and make the sport more relatable. This influence can shape the public's perception of golf, either enhancing its exclusive image or, in some cases, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Golf's reputation as a challenging sport with a steep learning curve also contributes to its perception as elitist. The difficulty level may deter some people from trying the sport, reinforcing the idea that it is only for a certain segment of society.
While golf has traditionally been associated with the upper class, changing perceptions and efforts to increase accessibility are slowly breaking down barriers and making the sport more inclusive and appealing to a broader range of participants.
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The COVID-19 pandemic
Golf's growing popularity can also be attributed to its accessibility and affordability, with the availability of public golf facilities and affordable equipment challenging the perception of golf as an elitist sport. The introduction of alternative formats, such as speed golf, foot golf, and disc golf, has also helped attract new players. Virtual golf simulators and entertainment venues like Topgolf have further contributed to the sport's resurgence, providing a more relaxed and social atmosphere that appeals to a broader audience.
Golf courses and organizations have played a role in this resurgence by implementing innovative strategies to attract and retain players. These strategies include creating family-friendly environments, using technology to enhance the golfing experience, and offering customized golf packages catering to specific groups such as beginners, women, and seniors.
Despite the overall decline in traditional broadcast viewership for sports, the golf industry has seen a shift towards digital platforms and streaming services. This shift has particularly attracted younger viewers, who prefer the flexibility of streaming apps and social media for consuming sports content.
While the COVID-19 pandemic initially disrupted the golf industry, the sport has since experienced a revival, with increasing participation rates and a more diverse player base. The industry's efforts to create a more inclusive environment and adapt to modern viewing preferences have contributed to this positive trajectory.
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The introduction of alternative golf experiences
While golf has been a beloved sport for centuries, there has been a growing concern about its declining popularity in recent years. Participation rates have decreased, and the sport has struggled to attract younger players, who often view it as unexciting and elitist.
However, the introduction of alternative golf experiences, such as Topgolf and Atomic Golf, has helped to address these challenges and attract a broader audience. These venues offer a more relaxed and social atmosphere, combining golf with entertainment and dining experiences.
Topgolf, for example, has revolutionised social play by offering a fun and familiar "eatertainment" experience. Atomic Golf, on the other hand, takes this concept further with ball cannons, radar-tracked targets, LED dance floors, and a full culinary experience, including handcrafted cocktails and chef-driven dishes. These venues provide a high-energy, tech-fuelled twist to the traditional golf experience, appealing to a wider range of skill levels and ages.
Alternative golf experiences are not limited to indoor venues. Common ground courses, such as those in Wales, connect players to the game's roots by offering a more rustic and natural setting. These courses provide a unique experience, allowing players to enjoy the scenery and social interactions while grazing livestock roam the fairways.
By embracing these alternative golf experiences, the industry is adapting to modern preferences and attracting a diverse range of players. These innovative strategies help make golf more accessible, appealing, and enjoyable for a new generation of golfers, ensuring the sport's continued relevance and popularity.
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Declining youth participation
Youth participation in sports, including golf, has been declining in recent years. This is due to a variety of factors, including the cost of participation, time commitments, and lack of interest.
Golf has long been perceived as an elitist sport, and while this perception is changing, many still believe that golf is expensive and exclusive. According to an Aspen Institute study, only 34% of children from families earning less than $25,000 per year play a team sport, compared to 69% of children from homes earning six figures. The high cost of golf equipment and course fees can be a significant barrier to participation for many young people.
Time commitments are another factor contributing to declining youth participation in golf. Golf requires a significant time investment for practice and play, and this can be challenging for young people with busy schedules and competing demands on their time.
In addition, golf may not be seen as an appealing or exciting sport for younger generations. Many young people may prefer more dynamic and fast-paced sports that offer a different type of challenge. The structured nature of golf, with its rules and etiquette, may not appeal to those who seek more freedom and creativity in their leisure activities.
The decline in youth participation in golf has led to financial struggles for many golf courses, particularly municipal courses. These courses have accumulated significant debt and are struggling to stay afloat, as they consistently operate at a loss.
However, there are some positive signs for the future of youth participation in golf. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a resurgence of interest in the sport, as it allowed for social distancing while providing an opportunity for outdoor activity. Additionally, the introduction of alternative golf experiences, such as Topgolf, has attracted a broader audience, including younger players.
Golf organizations are also implementing strategies to attract and retain young players, such as making the sport more accessible and affordable, introducing new formats, creating family-friendly environments, and utilizing technology to enhance the golfing experience. These efforts to create a more inclusive environment have resulted in record levels of participation and a more diverse player base.
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Golf course closures
One notable example of a golf course closure is the Skyland Pines Golf Course in Canton, Ohio, which closed after Labor Day, with the 139-acre property being sold to an undisclosed buyer. Another example is the Forest Oaks Golf Course at Lucerne Lakes in Palm Beach, Florida, which is planned to be replaced with a 450-unit residential development.
Several other factors have contributed to golf course closures. One reason is the changing market conditions and the demand for land, especially in urban areas, for residential and commercial real estate development. This is particularly true for older golf courses located near growing population centers, where land is valuable for development. Additionally, some courses may close due to mismanagement of assets or a lack of a solid business plan, emphasizing the importance of financial management and local support for the course's sustainability.
The closure of golf courses is not limited to a specific region but is occurring across different states and countries. For instance, the Sugarloaf Mountain Golf & Town Club closed in central Florida in 2012, while the Tallgrass Golf Course in Suffolk County, New York, closed in 2015 to make way for a solar panel development.
While the number of annual golf course closures has decreased for five consecutive years, with 2024 projections indicating the lowest level since 2004, the trend of closures is expected to continue. This is supported by the statement from Joe Beditz, CEO of NGF, who said, "The number of golf course closures in the U.S. is never going to drop to zero." However, the decrease in closures and the increase in new course openings and development indicate a shift towards a more sustainable phase of growth in the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf participation is declining. Between 2003 and 2018, golf saw a decline of over 6.8 million players and more than 1,200 course closures.
There are several reasons for the decline in golf participation. One reason is that golf is often perceived as an elitist sport, which can be a major barrier to accessibility. In addition, the sport is struggling to attract younger players as they do not view golf as an exciting or appealing sport.
The golf industry is implementing innovative strategies to attract new players and retain existing ones. These strategies include making golf more accessible and affordable, introducing new formats of the game, creating family-friendly environments, using technology to enhance the golfing experience, and creating customized golf packages for specific groups.
Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on golf participation. During the pandemic, many golf courses were closed, and participation rates declined. However, since the pandemic, there has been a resurgence in interest in golf as people turned to the sport as a safe and socially distanced activity.
Many of Florida's public golf courses have struggled with declining participation and revenue. For example, the Martin County Golf Course has lost nearly $6.6 million since 2015. Despite this, the county is considering a $12.3 million project to redesign the course.
