Harper Lin
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, but some countries are more enthusiastic about it than others. The sport is widely played in the United States, with almost 10% of the population participating, and is also popular in the United Kingdom, where golfers spent £4.3 billion on the sport in 2014. However, Ireland is considered the most popular country for golf, with its many beautiful courses, strong legacy of golf greats, and the fact that nearly every course is open to the public. Canada is another top golfing country, with exceptional scenery and a nearly even split between private and public courses. South Korea has also become a large golf market, with 13,000 screen golf joints, and Japan has over 2,000 golf courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country where golf is most popular | Ireland |
| Country with the most golf courses | United States |
| State in the US with the most golf courses | Florida |
| Country with the second-most golf courses | Japan |
| Country with the third-most golf courses | United Kingdom |
| Country with the fourth-most golf courses | Canada |
| State in the US with the second-most golf courses | California |
| State in the US with the third-most golf courses | Michigan |
| State in the US with the highest proportion of public golf courses | Minnesota |
| Country with the highest per capita average of golf courses | Saskatchewan, Canada |
| Country with the most expensive golf courses | South Korea |
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What You'll Learn
- Ireland: birthplace of many professional golfers and home to some of the world's best golf courses
- Canada: home to Golf Canada, with 1,400 member clubs and a mix of private and public courses
- United Kingdom: golf is incredibly popular here, with Scotland, England, and Ireland all heavily represented on the PGA tour
- United States: almost 10% of the population plays golf, with famous golfers and legendary courses
- Japan: with over 2,000 golf courses, it is one of the three countries with the most golf courses in the world
Ireland: birthplace of many professional golfers and home to some of the world's best golf courses
Ireland is a country with a rich history of producing professional golfers and offering some of the world's best golf courses. It is the birthplace of several notable golfers, including Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Fred Daly, Graeme McDowell, Alexander William Shaw, Rhona Adair, Philomena Garvey, and Paddy Skerritt.
Ireland has a strong legacy in golf, with the sport possibly dating back beyond the 19th century in the country. The game is said to have spread to Ireland from its origins on the eastern coast of Scotland during the 15th century. The Royal Curragh Golf Club in Kildare, founded in 1858, is one of the oldest and most popular golf clubs in Ireland.
The country boasts an impressive array of golf courses that cater to both professionals and enthusiasts. Some of the renowned golf clubs in Ireland include Ballybunion, Lahinch, Portmarnock, St Patrick's at Rosapenna, Royal Dublin Golf Club, Cruit Island Golf Club, Adare Manor, Hogs Head Golf Club, and The European Club.
The popularity of golf in Ireland is evident through its widespread participation and cultural significance. It is among the most-played sports in the country, with Ireland having the fourth-highest number of golf courses per capita in the world, according to a 2009 report. The Irish Open, established in 1927, further showcases the country's passion for the sport, attracting golfers from all over the world.
With its stunning coastal links-style courses and captivating inland parkland courses, Ireland is expected to remain one of the top destinations for golfers worldwide for years to come.
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Canada: home to Golf Canada, with 1,400 member clubs and a mix of private and public courses
Canada is a top golfing destination, with exceptional scenery and great courses throughout the country. It is home to Golf Canada, the National Sports Federation and governing body for golf in Canada. Golf Canada represents 271,000 golfers and 1,400 member clubs across the country.
Golf Canada was founded on 6 June 1895 as the Canadian Golf Association (CGA) at the Royal Ottawa Golf Club. Unlike Ireland, Canada has a mix of private and public courses. Some of the greatest private courses in Canada are located in the Toronto area, including the Maple Downs Golf & Country Club, Cedar Brae Golf Club, and Brampton Golf Club.
Canada has a strong legacy of golf greats and is known for its exceptional golf courses. The country has a high number of golfers per capita, and golf is a popular sport across the nation. In fact, Canada has the fourth-highest number of golf courses in the world, with only Japan, the UK, and the US having more.
Saskatchewan, a province in Canada, has one of the highest per capita averages of golf courses in the world. With a population of 1,174,000, Saskatchewan boasts roughly one golf course for every 5,700 people. This is a notably higher ratio than in other regions, such as the Niagara Region, where there is approximately one golf course for every 10,000 people.
Canada's mix of private and public courses, along with its scenic locations and passionate golfing community, make it a sought-after golfing destination. The country's diverse offerings cater to golfers of all skill levels, contributing to the popularity of the sport within Canada and among international visitors.
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United Kingdom: golf is incredibly popular here, with Scotland, England, and Ireland all heavily represented on the PGA tour
The United Kingdom has a strong affinity for golf, and it remains one of the most popular sports in the country. Despite some claims that golf is in decline in the UK, golfers in the country spent £4.3 billion on the sport in 2014, accounting for 14% of all consumer spending on sports. This figure highlights the passion British golfers have for their sport. Scotland, England, and Ireland, in particular, have produced many talented golfers and boast some of the world's finest courses.
Scotland, the birthplace of golf, has a rich history in the sport. While most courses are private, Scotland has produced some of the world's best golfers, including legends like Tommy Armour and Young Tom Morris. The country also hosts the prestigious Scottish Open, a highlight on the PGA Tour calendar.
England, too, has a strong golf culture, with a mix of private and public courses. Although England may not have the same number of famous golfers as its Celtic neighbours, it still contributes significantly to the sport's global appeal.
Ireland, however, is considered the most popular country for golf by some. With many world-renowned courses, including Royal Dublin Golf Club and Adare Manor, Ireland is a golfer's paradise. The country has produced numerous professional golfers, such as Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, and Padraig Harrington. Nearly every course in Ireland is open to the public, making golf highly accessible, which boosts its popularity.
The UK's representation on the PGA Tour is a testament to the country's love for golf. With a mix of historic courses, passionate golfers, and talented professionals, the UK, and particularly Scotland, England, and Ireland, are key players in the world of golf.
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United States: almost 10% of the population plays golf, with famous golfers and legendary courses
Golf is one of the most popular sports in the United States, with almost 10% of the population playing the game. That's around 30 million people! The sport's popularity in the US can be attributed to several factors, including the country's rich history of legendary golfers and world-renowned golf courses.
Some of the most famous golfers of all time hail from the US. This includes the likes of Tiger Woods, John Daly, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gene Sarazen. These golfers have not only dominated the sport but also served as inspirations for countless others to take up the game.
The US is also home to some of the most iconic golf courses in the world. Pinehurst, Pine Valley, Augusta National, and Cypress Point are just a few examples of the legendary courses that have contributed to the sport's popularity. These courses offer challenging layouts, breathtaking scenery, and a rich history that attracts golfers from all over the world.
The social aspect of the sport in the US cannot be understated. Golf has become an integral part of American business culture, with both blue-collar and white-collar employees meeting on the golf course. This social element has been a significant driver of the sport's growth, providing an opportunity for networking, socializing, and building relationships.
The popularity of golf in the US is further evidenced by the high level of engagement and consumption surrounding the sport. In 2024, a record 545 million rounds of golf were played in the country, surpassing previous years. Additionally, the National Golf Foundation reported that over one-third of the US population over the age of five engaged with golf in some form, whether through playing, following, or consuming golf-related media.
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Japan: with over 2,000 golf courses, it is one of the three countries with the most golf courses in the world
Golf is a popular sport worldwide, but some countries are more enthusiastic about it than others. Ireland, for instance, is the most popular country for the sport, with many of the world's top golfers hailing from the country and boasting some of the best golf courses in the world. Canada is another top golfing country, with exceptional scenery and a nearly equal split between private and public courses.
The United States is also a significant golfing nation, with the sport being played by almost 10% of its population. The USA has the highest number of golf courses in the world, with 43% of the world's supply.
Japan is another country with a strong golf culture, with over 2,000 golf courses across the country. It is one of the three countries with the most golf courses in the world, alongside the USA and Canada. The sport is quite expensive in Japan, especially near Tokyo. However, many courses are now facing financial difficulties, making the sport more accessible to the public. Golf in Japan traditionally involves caddies, with one caddie, usually female, accompanying a foursome. However, to reduce costs, many clubs now offer self-play options, which are cheaper than playing with a caddie.
Japan has a unique golf culture, with courses featuring distinctive topographies and designs. The courses were constructed during the "bubble years" in the late 1980s and early 1990s. To speed up play, Japanese courses often use OB tees and black-and-yellow stakes, allowing players to take their next shot from a more advanced position. Additionally, Japanese golfers traditionally take a lengthy lunch break after the first nine holes, sometimes lasting an hour or more on busy weekends. However, some courses now allow playing through without a lunch break, usually on weekdays.
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Frequently asked questions
Ireland is the country where golf is most popular. The sport enjoys widespread participation and cultural significance in Ireland, with many of the world's top golfers hailing from the country.
Golf is also popular in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Japan.
Florida has the most golf courses in the US, with 1,262 courses in total.
