Miles Bennett
Golf is a popular sport in the United States, with over 40% of the world's golf courses located in the country. In 2023, 45 million Americans played golf, and in 2024, this number grew to 47.2 million. While the sport is popular across the country, some states stand out for their golf culture and history. Florida, for instance, is home to the PGA Tour and has the most golf courses in the nation, with 1,262. California, on the other hand, has the most golfers, with approximately 2.8 million. Michigan, known as America's Summer Golf Capital, has the third-highest number of courses and has hosted multiple major tournaments. Other notable golf destinations include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Colorado.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Golf Courses | Florida has the most golf courses in the US, with 1,262. Michigan is third with 859, while California has the second-most with 961. |
| Number of Golfers | California has the most golfers, with 2.8 million. |
| Proportion of Golfers | Minnesota has more than a quarter of residents who regularly play golf. |
| Number of National Championships Hosted | New York has hosted 18 national championships. |
| Notable Golfers | Jack Nicklaus is from Ohio; Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast and Tom Doak are from Pennsylvania. |
| Number of PGA Tour Events | Arizona has staged a PGA Tour event that attracted half a million fans. |
| Golf Courses with Historical Importance | The National Golf Links of America; Oakmont Country Club; Pine Valley Golf Club; Shinnecock Hills Golf Club. |
| Best Cities for Golfers | Orlando, Florida; New York; Houston; Chicago. |
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What You'll Learn
- Florida: the Sunshine State is the unofficial home of golf in the US
- California: the state with the most golfers in the country
- Michigan: America's Summer Golf Capital, with the third-most courses in the US
- North Carolina: Pinehurst is the Cradle of American Golf
- Minnesota: more than a quarter of residents play golf regularly
Florida: the Sunshine State is the unofficial home of golf in the US
Florida's golf courses offer a variety of experiences, from the rolling wooded hills of the Panhandle to the flat, dense pinelands of Northwest Florida. Large sand ridges provide the backdrop for esteemed courses such as Seminole, Jupiter Hills, and John's Island West. South of that, flat, reclaimed swampland is home to older courses like La Gorce and Indian Creek, built on artificial islands in the 1920s, as well as modern courses like Calusa Pines in Naples.
The state also boasts a rich golf history, with notable golfers such as Annika Sorenstam, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods calling Florida home. The three major tours—PGA, LPGA, and PGA TOUR Champions—play 12 tournaments annually at Florida golf courses.
Florida's golf resorts offer stay-and-play packages with activities for the whole family, making it a popular destination for golf vacations. From the Nicklaus Ocean Course at Hammock Beach to the Palm Beach Par 3, golfers can enjoy stunning views and challenging courses.
With its abundant golf offerings, Florida is a golfer's paradise, providing a unique blend of natural landscapes, world-class golf, and year-round sunny weather.
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California: the state with the most golfers in the country
California is the state with the most golfers in the country. In fact, California has so many golfers that it has been the subject of debate over which state is the "golfiest" in the nation.
California's popularity for the sport is evident in its hosting of major tournaments, such as the 1991 Ryder Cup, which was originally meant to be held in California but was moved to the Eastern Time Zone for television viewers. The state also boasts a variety of prestigious golf clubs, including Cypress Point Club in the Santa Lucia Mountains and Monterey Peninsula, offering thrilling cliff-top terrain for golfers.
While California may have the numbers when it comes to golfers, other states are also notable for their golf culture and history. For instance, Minnesota boasts more than a quarter of its residents as regular golfers, and Michigan, with its stellar courses in the northern part of the state, has earned the nickname "America's Summer Golf Capital."
Texas is another state with a rich golf history, being the only southern state to host the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, and PGA. Illinois is also considered "golf royalty," with Chicago offering the greatest collection of private and public courses of any city in the U.S.
California's distinction as the state with the most golfers showcases the widespread popularity of the sport across the nation, with each state contributing to the vibrant golf culture in the United States.
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Michigan: America's Summer Golf Capital, with the third-most courses in the US
Michigan is a state with a rich golfing history and culture, earning it the nickname "America's Summer Golf Capital". With the third-most golf courses in the US, trailing only Florida and California, Michigan is a top destination for golfers. The state boasts 859 golf courses, many of which are stellar tracks located in the northern part of the state, offering a variety of landscapes and challenges for golfers of all skill levels.
Michigan has hosted multiple major championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills Country Club, contributing to its reputation as a premier golf destination. The Upper Peninsula, or U.P., is home to some of the state's most renowned courses, including Sweetgrass, Greywalls, and TimberStone. These courses offer a unique golfing experience with their superb designs and picturesque surroundings.
The state's strong golfing heritage and the abundance of courses make it a popular choice for golfers looking to test their skills. In addition to its quantity of courses, Michigan also offers quality, with notable courses such as Crystal Downs Country Club, Kingsley Club, and Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club, which have been designed to provide a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers.
Michigan's golf scene is further enhanced by its accessibility. While the weather can be a factor, with the Upper Peninsula experiencing varying conditions, the state offers a good mix of public and private courses, ensuring that golfers of all backgrounds can enjoy the sport. The state's golf culture is also supported by a strong community of enthusiasts, with many residents regularly participating in the sport.
With its high course tally, prestigious tournaments, and dedicated golfing community, Michigan rightfully earns its title as "America's Summer Golf Capital". The state's golfing destinations, from the well-known tracks in the north to the underrated gems in the Upper Peninsula, showcase the best of American golf, making Michigan a must-visit for golfers seeking diverse and engaging experiences.
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North Carolina: Pinehurst is the Cradle of American Golf
Golf is a popular sport in the United States, with several states boasting impressive golf courses and a rich history of the game. One state that stands out in the golfing landscape of America is North Carolina, specifically the village of Pinehurst, often referred to as the "Cradle of American Golf".
Pinehurst has been synonymous with golf for over 125 years, attracting enthusiasts of the sport from all over. The village offers a unique combination of golf, spa experiences, and historical charm. Pinehurst Resort, in particular, is a golfer's paradise, featuring ten 18-hole courses, the Thistle Dhu putting course, and a short course called The Cradle. The resort caters to golfers of all levels, from beginners to experienced players looking to hone their skills.
The history of Pinehurst's golf courses dates back to 1897 when Dr. Leroy Culver and John Dunn Tucker initiated the village's first course. However, it was Donald Ross, a renowned golf course designer, who stepped in to complete the project in 1901. Ross's course, known as No. 2, became the first U.S. Open Anchor Site and has hosted more single golf championships than any other course in America. Ross's legacy is evident throughout Pinehurst, with his designs and influence extending beyond course No. 2.
Pinehurst's reputation as the Cradle of American Golf is further solidified by the village's rich golf lore and its association with legendary golfers. The resort's courses have been walked by some of the sport's greatest names, including Nicklaus, Palmer, and Stewart. The village also offers a glimpse into the past with its sandy paths and historic homes, providing a timeless experience that blends golf and leisure.
The Pinehurst Resort continues to evolve, with new courses being added to its already impressive lineup. Pinehurst No. 11, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is set to open in Fall 2027, adding to the diverse and challenging golf experiences that Pinehurst has to offer. With its historical significance, renowned courses, and dedication to the sport, Pinehurst, North Carolina, has rightfully earned its title as the Cradle of American Golf.
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Minnesota: more than a quarter of residents play golf regularly
Golf is a popular sport in the United States, with many states boasting a high number of courses. However, when it comes to determining where the sport is most popular, it's not just about the number of courses but also the participation rate among residents.
Minnesota stands out in this regard, with more than a quarter of its residents playing golf regularly. This is quite remarkable, especially when compared to other states with larger populations and more golf courses. Minnesota ranks 21st in population yet has 479 golf courses within its borders, while Georgia, which is 9th in population, has only 396 courses.
The state's love for golf is further evidenced by the fact that it has produced notable golfers such as Tom Lehman and Tim Herron, both of whom have multiple PGA Tour wins. Minnesota also offers a range of golf courses, from prestigious private clubs to more affordable public options, ensuring that the sport is accessible to a wide range of people.
In addition to Minnesota, there are several other states that are worth mentioning when discussing the popularity of golf in the US. Michigan, for example, has the fourth-highest number of golf courses in the country and has earned the nickname "America's Summer Golf Capital." Ohio is also a strong contender, with almost 800 courses and a top-six household participation rate, having produced the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.
While Florida may not have the same participation rates as Minnesota, it leads the nation in the sheer number of golf courses, with over 1250 spread across the state. This is likely due to its warm climate and the appeal of golf to retirees and tourists, reinforcing the association of golf with wealth and prestige.
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Frequently asked questions
Florida is the most popular state for golfing in America. It has the most courses (1,262) and the most rounds played. It is also home to the PGA Tour and iconic courses such as the Seminole Golf Club, TPC Sawgrass, and Bay Hill Golf Club.
California has the most golfers in America, with approximately 2.8 million golfers.
Minnesota has the highest number of golf courses relative to its size, with 477 courses, most of which (around 90%) are public.
