Golf Industry Statistics By Market Size, Demographics, Trends and Facts

Introduction

Golf Industry Statistics: The golf industry, a blend of sport, leisure, and business, has evolved significantly over the centuries. Originating in Scotland, it has expanded globally, captivating millions with its unique blend of skill, strategy, and etiquette. At its core, the golf industry revolves around golf courses, which serve as the playing fields for this sport.

These courses vary in design, length, and difficulty, offering a diverse range of experiences for golfers of all levels. From championship courses that host prestigious tournaments to local public courses, the golf industry caters to a wide audience.

Editor’s Choice

• Golf Industry Statistics show that, between 2018 and 2023, the market size of Golf courses and country clubs in the US has increased by 1.8% on average.
• In 2023, short rounds became more common, with 70% wanting 9 holes, 44% Par 3 courses, and 47% with short courses.
• About the worldwide golf equipment market, the majority of the revenue is projected to be generated from China, contributing USD 8,876.0 million in 2024.
• Golf is preferred by 14% of the fans, making it one of the 10 most popular sports to watch via live streaming.
• John Rahm is the leading highest-earning on-course golfer, contributing USD 198 million. On the other hand, Rory Mcllroy, Tiger Woods, and Scottie Scheffler earn a major share from off-course sources.
• Golf has somewhat lesser popularity among Americans with only 2% attending the game events regularly.
• According to a survey by Statista, as of 2024, Golf has become one of the fifteen most popular sporting activities in the US, with 10% of people respondents.
• Since 2007, golf clubs have been the most sold golf equipment in the US. This product category has maintained sales over the last decade and more. In 2023, it registered, 1,982.7 million USD.
• Golf Industry Statistics show that households with high levels of income have a significant share in interest in golf events. It accounted for 22%. Comparatively, medium and low-income level households contribute by 25% in total.
• As of 2024, 44% of Americans are an occasional fan of golf. Around 12% stated they are die-hard fans, on the other hand, 4% have little interest in the same.

General Golf Industry Statistics

• Between 2018 and 2023, the market size of golf courses and country clubs in the United States increased by 1.8% annually.
• The U.S. golf industry reached a total value of USD 100 billion in 2023.
• In 2023, approximately 26.6 million Americans played golf on a golf course.
• Golf’s overall reach in 2023 was estimated at 123 million people, representing over one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 5.
• The golf industry in 2023 provided 2 million jobs and USD 66 billion in wages.
• There are more than 14,000 green grass golf courses in the United States.
• In 2023, the number of golf rounds played in the U.S. hit a record 531 million, surpassing the previous high of 529 million in 2021.
• Compared to the COVID-19 period, 15% more people played golf in 2023.
• In 2023, 45 million Americans aged 6 and above participated in golf, with 26.6 million playing on-course and 18.4 million engaging in off-course golf activities such as driving ranges or golf simulators.
• The number of juniors playing golf on a course in 2023 was 3.5 million, a 40% increase since 2019.
• The category of young adults aged 18 to 34 remained the sport’s largest customer segment, with 6.3 million on-course participants and 5.8 million off-course-only participants.
• More than 22.4 million people expressed strong interest in playing golf in 2023 but did not participate, representing a 45% increase in latent demand since 2019.
• In 2023, 3.4 million people played on a golf course for the first time, marking the fourth consecutive year with more than 3 million beginners.
• Among Gen Z in 2023, there was an 81% increase in golf engagement, with 70% saying playing golf relieves stress and 54% noting it helps them disconnect.
• Short rounds became increasingly popular in 2023, with 70% of golfers preferring 9-hole games, 47% favoring short courses, and 44% opting for Par 3 courses.
• Female golfers accounted for 26% of on-course players in 2023, with a total of 7 million female participants, marking a 25% increase since 2019.
• Among juniors, 37% were girls in 2023 compared to 15% in 2000, while over 25% of juniors were non-Caucasian, up from just 6% more than two decades ago.
• Since 2019, the golf industry has gained 1.4 million female golfers, with their participation surpassing 6 million each year for the past four years.
• Golf rounds in 2023 were 10% higher than the pre-pandemic five-year average from 2015 to 2019.
• Golf’s reach and popularity have grown by 30% since 2016, with more people watching, reading about, or engaging with the sport online.

How Big Is The Industry?

• Golf has been played for over 500 years, making it one of the oldest organized sports.
• The golf industry in the United States is valued at USD 100 billion, supporting 2 million jobs and providing $66 billion in wages and benefits.
• When tourism and other golf-related businesses are included, the golf industry generates nearly USD 200 billion in annual economic activity.
• There are over 14,000 golf facilities with green grass in the United States, along with more than 1,600 off-course locations such as simulators and entertainment venues.
• Each year, golf raises nearly $4.6 billion for charity, which is more than the combined contributions of the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
• Of the 14,033 golf facilities in the United States, 3,674 are private, 2,551 are municipal, and 7,808 are public courses.
• Approximately 2,200 of these golf facilities are managed by third-party companies, such as Bobby Jones Links.
• In 2023, there were 528 million rounds of golf played in the United States, marking a 4% increase compared to 2022.
• On-course participation reached 26.6 million golfers in 2023, while off-course participation grew to 33 million, including activities like driving ranges, simulators, and golf entertainment venues.
• Women account for 26% of on-course participants, the highest proportion recorded, and women and girls have driven 60% of golfer growth in the past five years.
• The representation of people of color in golf is increasing, reflecting a more diverse demographic among new golfers.
• Green fees at public golf facilities have risen by 15% during the pandemic era after years of limited pricing power.
• Nearly 70% of public golf facilities now rate their financial health as good or excellent, a significant improvement from just 23% in 2016.
• Among private facilities, 73% now rate their financial health as good or excellent, compared to 46% in 2016.
• Capital investments are also on the rise, with 62% of private operators and 49% of public operators investing in enhancements such as golf courses, clubhouses, or technology. Notably, 10% of clubs are investing more than $1 million.
• Millennials, who now have more disposable income, are contributing to the growth of golf. Today, 80% of the under-40 demographic considers golf “cool,” compared to only 20% in previous surveys.
• The work-from-home trend has allowed golfers to play more rounds on weekdays, further boosting participation.
• In 2023, 32 new golf clubs opened in the United States, primarily high-end private clubs, destination courses, or alternative courses featuring nine holes or fewer.
• Despite this growth, 90 golf courses have closed for various reasons in recent years.
• Golf technology and innovations continue to enhance the playing experience, making the sport more appealing to both new and existing players.

Golf Equipment Market By Region

Worldwide

• Golf Industry Statistics show that the golf equipment market is estimated to generate a revenue of USD 25.5 billion in the current year.
• Furthermore, between 2024 and 2028, it will experience an annual growth rate of 5.63%.
• About the worldwide golf equipment market, the majority of the revenue is projected to be generated from China, contributing USD 8,876.0 million in 2024.
• As of 2024, considering the worldwide population, the per-person revenue is projected to amount to USD 3.29.

Americas

• As of 2024, the American golf equipment market is expected to amount to USD 4.1 billion.
• The per capita revenue is projected to amount to USD 4.01.
• Between 2024 and 2028, the is estimated that the CAGR will be at 4.90%.

Asia

• As of 2024, the Asian market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.77%, between 2024 and 2028.
• Currently, it is estimated that it will generate a revenue of USD 17.42 billion.
• Compared to the Asian population, the per-person revenue is expected to amount to USD 3.82.

Australia and Oceania

• The projected per-person revenue in 2024 is estimated to reach USD 5.41.
• Between 2024 and 2028, the CAGR is projected to be at 4.46%.
• Golf Industry Statistics show that, as of 2024, the Australian and Oceanian golf equipment market will amount to USD 235.0 million.

Europe

• Currently, in Europe, the golf equipment market is valued at USD 2.1 billion.
• Between 2024 and 2028, the annual growth rate will be 4.25%.
• Compared to the entire European population, USD 2.55 is the estimated per-person revenue.

Sports Fans Want to Watch Via Live Streaming in The US

(Reference: statista.com)

• Golf Industry Statistics show that the majority of the fans in the US prefer to watch American football, basketball, and baseball via live streaming in 2024.
• Each of the viewership rates represents 81%,57%, and 40%.
• Comparatively, golf is preferred by 14% of the fans, making it one of the 10 most popular sports to watch via live streaming.

Highest Earning Golfers Worldwide

(Reference: statista.com)

• John Rahm is the leading highest-earning on-course golfer, contributing USD 198 million.
• On the other hand, Rory Mcllroy, Tiger Woods, and Scottie Scheffler earn a major share from off-course sources.

Golfers With The Most Major Championship Wins

(Reference: statista.com)

• As of 2024, Jack Niklaus has won 18 major championships.
• Tiger Woods and Walter Hagen followers behind with 15 and 11 championships.
• Ben Hogan and Gary Player equally won 9 games.

Most Popular Sporting Activities in The US as of September 2024

(Source: statista.com)

• According to a survey by Statista, as of 2024, Golf has become one of the fifteen most popular sporting activities in the US, with 10% of people respondents.
• However, walking, working out at the gym, and hiking have more popular.

Most Attended Sports in The US as of September 2024

(Source: statista.com)

• Sports lovers in the US commonly prefer professional baseball (MLB), Professional football (NFL), and College Football (NCAA) with 19,16, and 15% rates.
• Golf has somewhat lesser popularity among Americans with only 2% attending the game events regularly.

Highest Paid Athletes By Sport 2024

(Reference: statista.com)

• Basketball has a huge number of the highest-paid athletes, including salary and endorsements.
• It represents a total of 19 players, while American football has 11.
• Golf Industry Statistics reveal that golf is the fourth largest game in the same category having 5 athletes.

Highest-Paid Athletes Worldwide By Earnings From Salary And Endorsements

(Reference: statista.com)

• Christiano Ronaldo, John Rahm, and Karim Benzema are the three leading athletes in terms of salary/ winning.
• Furthermore, LeBron James, Lionel Messi, and Christiano Ronaldo have their names in the top position in terms of highest endorsements in a similar period.

US Wholesale Sales of Golf Equipment

(Reference: statista.com)

• Based on the above chart, since 2007, golf clubs are the most sold golf equipment in the US.
• This product category has maintained sales over the last decade and more.
• In 2023, it registered, 1,982.7 million USD.
• Compared to clubs, golf balls are the second most selling equipment category in the world.

Demographics of People Who Have an Interest in Golf 2024

By income level

(Reference: statista.com)

• Golf Industry Statistics show that households with high levels of income have a significant share in interest in golf events.
• It accounted for 22%.
• Comparatively, medium and low-income level households contribute by 25% in total.

Share of Men’s Professional Golf  Fans in the US

(Reference: statista.com)

• As of 2024, 44% of Americans are an occasional fan of golf.
• Around 12% stated they are die-hard fans, on the other hand, 4% have little interest in the same.

Share of Women’s Professional Golf Fans in the US

(Reference: statista.com)

Compared to men, 42% of women are occasional fans, while 12% stated they are die-hard fans of golf. 8% have little interest in the same. Cities with the largest number of disc golf courses per 100,000 residents in the US 2023

• Tulsa, OK – 2.2
• Spokane, WA – 2.2
• Wichita, KS – 1.8
• Lincoln, NE – 1.7
• Charlotte/ Meckenburg, NC- 1.5
• Durham, NC- 1.3
• Corpus Christi, TX – 1.3
• Lexington/ Fayette, KY – 1.2
• Bakersfield, CA- 1.2
• Glendale, AZ- 1.2
• Cincinnati, OH – 1
• Orlando, FL – 1
• Kansas City, MO -1
• Sacramento, CA- 0.9
• Santa Clara, CA- 0.9

(Source: statista.com)

Golf Participation Levels Among High School Students in the US

(Reference: statista.com)

• Past last two decades, participation levels in golf by school boys have been considerably higher than girls.
• Its progress has stayed at a constant level.
• Between 2023 and 2024, there were 155,174 boys and 82,836 girls participating in the golf games.

Conclusion

the golf industry faces certain challenges. Declining participation rates in some regions and the environmental impact of golf courses are concerns that need to be addressed. The industry is responding by promoting the sport to younger generations, emphasizing its social and health benefits, and adopting sustainable practices.

In conclusion, the golf industry is a multifaceted business that encompasses various elements, from course design to equipment manufacturing, apparel, and professional golf. Its global appeal, economic impact, and cultural significance make it a thriving industry with a promising future.