Harper Lin
Golf's demographic is evolving, with younger players and women engaging with the sport in new ways. Golf is no longer a sport dominated by older players, with the largest group of on-course players in 2024 being 18-34-year-olds, making up 30% of new private golf club memberships. The number of female golfers has also been on the rise, with 26% of on-course golfers being women in 2023, the highest level of participation since 2006. The golf industry is also seeing an increase in ethnic diversity, with almost 7 million Black, Asian and Hispanic on-course golfers in 2024, a record total. These shifts in golf's demographic mirror broader changes in the US population.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age | The average age of golfers is 20-30 years old, representing 36% of the golfer population. The largest group of on-course players are 18-34-year-olds, at an estimated 6.3 million. Golfers aged 50 and over make up 43% of the total on-course participation rate, while those over 65 make up 20%. |
| Gender | 28.4% of golfers are female. In 2023, 26% of on-course golfers were women, with 7 million women and girls playing on a golf course. In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers (age 6+). |
| Ethnicity | The most common ethnicity among golfers is White, which makes up 72.8% of all golfers. 8.9% of golfers are Black or African American, 7.5% are Hispanic or Latino, and 7 million are Black, Asian, and Hispanic on-course golfers. |
| Education | 82% of golfers have a bachelor's degree, 8% have a high school diploma, and 8% have an associate degree. |
| Income | Golfers with a Master's degree earn a median of $58,905 annually. Golfers with a Bachelor's degree earn a median of $58,613, while those with an Associate degree earn a median of $48,878. |
| Employment | The average golfer stays at their job for 1-2 years. |
| Language | The most common foreign languages among golfers are Greek, French, and Spanish, all at 33.3%. |
| Drinking Habits | 67% of people do not drink while playing golf, and 22% have 1-2 drinks. |
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What You'll Learn
Gender: 28% of golfers are women, up from 20% in 2012
Golf is experiencing a period of unprecedented diversity, with a surge in female players. In 2025, 28% of golfers were women, a notable increase from 20% in 2012. This shift in demographics is partly due to the rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands, which has attracted more young women to the sport. Golf-course accessibility has also played a significant role in increasing the number of female golfers, with 7 million women and girls playing on a golf course in 2023, the highest level of participation since 2006.
The increase in female golfers is also reflected in the junior golf category, with more than 36% of junior participants being female. Off-course junior golf participation has seen a significant rise, with a large number of young women choosing to play golf in entertainment venues, indoor simulators, or tech-enabled ranges before stepping onto a traditional course. This trend is encouraging for the future of women's golf, as it indicates that the sport is becoming more accessible and appealing to younger generations.
While the number of female golfers is increasing, it is worth noting that the gender disparity in professional golf remains significant. In the United States, only 8% of professional golfers are women. However, there is some positive progress in terms of earnings, as female professional golfers earned 98% of what men earned in 2022, which is significantly better than the average for other professional sports.
The golf industry is undergoing a transformation, with a shift towards younger players and an increase in female participation. This shift is also reflected in the type of golfers, with most players enjoying casual games with friends, family, or coworkers rather than competitive golf. The sport is adapting to these changes, with golf companies tapping into the virtual world and offering more accessible formats for beginners and younger players.
The surge in female golfers is contributing to the overall growth of the sport in the United States. In 2024, golfers aged 18-34 became the largest group of on-course players, with 6.3 million participants. This age group also accounts for a significant portion of female golfers, with 18-34-year-olds making up almost half of all women on the course. The interest in golf among young people is driving the sport's explosive growth, and the industry is responding by creating more inclusive environments and adapting to new trends.
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Age: 18-34-year-olds are the largest group of on-course players
Golf's demographic is evolving, with younger players taking up the sport. In 2024, 18-34-year-olds were the largest group of on-course players, with an estimated 6.3 million golfers in this age bracket. This shift is significant, as golf has traditionally been a sport dominated by older players. The rise in younger players is attributed to their engagement with golf in new ways. Social media, apparel trends, and content creators like YouTubers are inspiring a new wave of golfers. Off-course golf venues, such as Topgolf, have also played a crucial role in attracting younger players to the sport. These venues provide a comfortable introduction to golf, allowing players to build confidence before stepping onto a traditional course.
The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reports that 75% of U.S. golf courses are public, which is advantageous for young golfers as they tend to play on public tracks. Interestingly, the NGF also found that millennials' interest in private golf communities has increased post-pandemic, with 18-34-year-olds accounting for 30% of new private golf club memberships. This trend is contributing to the growth of the sport.
The surge in younger golfers is part of a broader trend of increasing diversity in golf. In 2024, there were almost 7 million Black, Asian, and Hispanic on-course golfers, a record number. Additionally, female participation in golf is on the rise. In 2023, 26% of on-course golfers were women, with approximately 7 million women and girls playing on golf courses. The largest age group of female golfers is the 18-34 demographic, with 1.6 million participants. This increase in female golfers is driven by factors such as the rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands and improved accessibility to golf courses.
The golf industry is adapting to these demographic shifts by offering junior programs, shorter games, and casual formats to attract and retain younger players. Golf companies are also embracing technology, with platforms like Topgolf providing a low-pressure, virtual way to experience the sport. These efforts are crucial for the future of golf, as they foster a diverse and inclusive environment that welcomes players from all backgrounds.
While the focus here is on the 18-34 age group, it is worth noting that golf still has a significant following among older players. Golfers aged 50 and over make up 43% of the total on-course participation rate, and those older than 65 represent 20%. However, with the cycle of baby boomers aging out of the game, it is essential to engage younger cohorts to ensure the continued growth and vitality of the sport.
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Race: 73% of golfers are White, with increasing ethnic diversity
Golf is a sport that has traditionally attracted an older, male demographic. However, the face of golf is changing, with a notable shift towards younger players and an increase in female and ethnic minority players.
In 2024, the largest group of on-course players were in the 18-34 age group, with 6.3 million golfers. This is a significant change, as previously, the second-largest age group of golfers was the 50-64 age bracket. The rise in younger players is attributed to social media, new apparel trends, YouTubers, and other content creators inspiring a new wave of golfers. Off-course golf venues, such as Topgolf, have also played a significant role in attracting younger players to the sport.
The number of female golfers has been steadily increasing, with a record number of 7 million women and girls playing on a golf course in 2023. In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers (aged 6+), and females represented 43% of the over 19 million Americans who played off-course golf exclusively. Women also make up a disproportionately higher percentage of beginners, with 39% of newcomers to the sport being female.
In terms of race and ethnicity, the sport is also becoming more diverse. In 2024, there were almost 7 million Black, Asian, and Hispanic on-course golfers, a record total. This is a significant increase from 1990 when people of color represented only 8% of golfers. While the most common ethnicity among golfers is still White, at 72.8%, this is a decrease from previous years, and the sport is becoming more reflective of the diverse demographics of the US population.
The golf industry is adapting to these demographic shifts, with junior golf programs and off-course venues breaking down barriers and making the sport more accessible to a wider range of people. These changes are vital for the future of golf, ensuring its continued growth and diversity.
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Income: Golfers with a Master's degree earn $58,905 annually
Golf is attracting a younger demographic, with 18-34-year-olds making up 30% of new private golf club memberships. This age group is the sport's largest customer segment, and their engagement is rising as younger participants play golf in a variety of ways. Social media, new apparel trends, and content creators are inspiring a new wave of golfers. Off-course golf venues, such as entertainment golf venues, are also attracting younger players and providing an introduction to the game.
The number of female golfers has been increasing, with 26% of on-course golfers being women in 2023. The largest age group of female golfers is 18-34-year-olds, who make up almost half of all women on the course. The rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands and increased golf-course accessibility are factors driving younger women to the sport.
Golfers with a Masters degree can expect varying income levels depending on their level of play and endorsements. While top PGA Tour pros can earn millions annually, Korn Ferry Tour players average around $112,500, and mini-tour golfers often struggle with entry fees. The nature of golf as a competitive individual sport means that players' incomes are based on tournament placing and brand endorsements. There is no base salary or contract system, so only the top 50 players worldwide typically earn over $1 million per season.
The income of golfers with a Masters degree will also depend on their profession outside of the sport. For example, a Master's degree in business administration (MBA) can lead to careers in business or finance, with potential earnings ranging from $50,000 to over $100,000 annually. The specific field of work, years of experience, and geographic location will impact the income of golfers with a Master's degree.
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Profession: 92% of professional golfers are men
Golf is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth and diversification. The sport is attracting new players from a wide range of backgrounds, with a notable increase in female and junior golfers. In 2024, there were nearly 8 million female golfers aged 6 and up, with women making up 28% of on-course golfers, the highest proportion on record. The number of female golfers has been increasing year after year, with a net gain of 2.3 million women golfers since 2019, a 41% increase.
However, when it comes to the profession of golf, the gender disparity is still evident. There are approximately 7,000 professional golfers in the United States, and among them, 92% are men, while only 8% are women. This disparity is not unique to golf, as other professional sports also struggle with gender inequality. Despite the disparity in numbers, it is encouraging to see that in 2022, professional women golfers earned 98% of what men earned, which is significantly better than the average for other professional sports.
The golf industry is undergoing a positive transformation, and it is working to create a more inclusive environment. The rise of female-owned and designed golf apparel brands, as well as increased accessibility to golf courses, has played a significant role in attracting younger women to the sport. Social media, new apparel trends, YouTubers, and other content creators have also inspired a new wave of golfers, with the 18-34 age group becoming the largest demographic of on-course players in 2024.
While the number of male professional golfers still vastly outnumbers their female counterparts, the increasing diversity in the sport at all levels is a promising sign for the future. The golf industry's efforts to create a more inclusive environment are bearing fruit, and it is likely that we will continue to see a more diverse range of professional golfers in the years to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The average age of golfers is 20-30 years old, representing 36% of the golfer population. However, the sport is becoming younger, with 18-34-year-olds being the largest group of on-course players at an estimated 6.3 million. Golfers over 50 make up 43% of the total on-course participation rate, while golfers over 65 make up 20%.
Approximately 28% of golfers are female, with this number rising to 43% for off-course forms of golf. There were nearly 8 million female on-course golfers (age 6+) in 2024, and the number of female golfers has been increasing.
The most common ethnicity among golfers is White (72.8%), followed by Black or African American (8.9%), and Hispanic or Latino (7.5%). However, the sport is becoming more diverse, with almost 7 million Black, Asian, and Hispanic on-course golfers in 2024.
The most common degree for golfers is a bachelor's degree, with 82% of golfers holding this qualification. Golfers with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $58,905 annually.
Surprisingly, nearly 67% of people do not drink while playing golf, and 22% enjoy 1-2 drinks.
