Far from fading into obscurity, the country club industry is a multi-billion dollar powerhouse, with revenue climbing to $26.4 billion in the U.S. alone last year, driven by surging demand, high-profit amenities, and a remarkably modernizing member base.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. country club industry revenue reached $26.4 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022
- Global private club market size was valued at $35.7 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $48.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8%
- Average annual revenue per U.S. country club was $12.5 million in 2023, with top 10% exceeding $25 million
- U.S. country clubs reported 16.2 million total members in 2023, with 72% male and 28% female
- Average U.S. country club membership size was 650 in 2023, ranging from 300-1,200
- 42% of U.S. country club members were aged 55+ in 2023, down from 48% in 2018
- U.S. country clubs maintained 18-hole golf courses on average, with 7,200 yards length and 72.5 rating in 2023
- 92% of U.S. country clubs featured golf as primary amenity in 2023
- Average clubhouse square footage was 45,000 sq ft in U.S. clubs 2023
- U.S. country clubs employed average 185 staff per club in 2023
- Total U.S. country club workforce was 2.8 million in 2023, including part-time
- Average annual salary for club managers was $165,000 in U.S. 2023
- U.S. country club membership grew 7% YoY in 2023, reversing prior declines
- Golf participation at clubs up 15% since 2020 low, 28 million rounds 2023 U.S.
- Sustainability: 68% clubs solar-powered elements by 2023
The country club industry is growing globally with strong revenue, memberships, and investments in modern amenities.
Employment & Operations
- U.S. country clubs employed average 185 staff per club in 2023
- Total U.S. country club workforce was 2.8 million in 2023, including part-time
- Average annual salary for club managers was $165,000 in U.S. 2023
- Golf professionals earned avg $95,000 base + bonuses in U.S. clubs 2023
- Turnover rate for F&B staff averaged 42% in U.S. clubs 2023
- 68% of U.S. club staff were full-time in 2023
- Head golf pro positions: 15,200 filled in U.S. 2023
- Training hours per employee averaged 28 annually in top U.S. clubs 2023
- Diversity: 45% minority staff in U.S. country clubs 2023
- Avg greenskeeper salary $52,000 in U.S. 2023
- 22% staff reduction during off-season in northern U.S. clubs 2023
- F&B director avg salary $125,000 U.S. clubs 2023
- UK clubs employed 250,000 total in 2023, avg 120 per club
- Certification rates: 65% of managers CMAA-certified in U.S. 2023
- Part-time caddies numbered 45,000 across U.S. clubs 2023
- Labor costs 32% of total expenses in U.S. clubs 2023
- Tennis pros avg $75,000 salary U.S. 2023
- 78% clubs used outsourced services for maintenance 2023 U.S.
- Executive chef salaries averaged $110,000 in U.S. clubs 2023
- Staff satisfaction score 4.2/5 in U.S. clubs survey 2023
- Australian clubs avg 140 staff, wages AUD 85k manager 2023
- U.S. clubs' safety incident rate 1.2 per 100 employees 2023
- Controller/accountant avg $95k salary U.S. clubs 2023
- 55% female in administrative roles U.S. clubs 2023
- Rounds per FTE golf staff: 12,500 annually U.S. avg 2023
- Canadian clubs avg staffing 160, growth 5% 2023
Employment & Operations Interpretation
Behind the manicured fairways and polished silver, the American country club industry reveals itself as a high-stakes, labor-intensive theater where six-figure managers orchestrate a sprawling, often-turning cast of specialists, all while balancing exorbitant costs, seasonal swings, and the relentless pursuit of perfection on a greenskeeper's modest salary.
Facilities & Amenities
- U.S. country clubs maintained 18-hole golf courses on average, with 7,200 yards length and 72.5 rating in 2023
- 92% of U.S. country clubs featured golf as primary amenity in 2023
- Average clubhouse square footage was 45,000 sq ft in U.S. clubs 2023
- 78% of clubs had tennis facilities, averaging 12 courts in 2023 U.S.
- Swimming pools present in 85% of U.S. country clubs, avg 25m length in 2023
- Fitness centers in 94% of U.S. clubs, avg 5,000 sq ft with 20 cardio machines 2023
- 62% offered spa services, avg 10 treatment rooms per U.S. club 2023
- Average golf cart fleet size was 180 per U.S. country club in 2023
- Banquet halls averaged 15,000 sq ft capacity for 500 guests in U.S. clubs 2023
- 55% had equestrian facilities or nearby access in U.S. 2023
- Croquet lawns in 28% of UK country clubs, avg 2 courts in 2023
- U.S. clubs invested $450k avg in course maintenance annually 2023
- Paddle tennis courts in 45% of U.S. clubs, avg 8 courts 2023
- Average pro shop inventory value $750k per U.S. club 2023
- 71% featured dining rooms seating 250+, U.S. avg 2023
- Marina slips for 50 boats avg in 15% coastal U.S. clubs 2023
- Bowling alleys in 8% of U.S. clubs, avg 12 lanes 2023
- Average irrigation system coverage 100 acres per U.S. golf club 2023
- Wine cellars holding 5,000+ bottles in 35% elite U.S. clubs 2023
- Pickleball courts surged to 65% of U.S. clubs, avg 6 courts 2023
- Heliports or private air access in 5% of top U.S. clubs 2023
- Average locker room capacity 400 members, 75% with showers U.S. 2023
- Dog parks or pet areas in 22% of modern U.S. clubs 2023
Facilities & Amenities Interpretation
While American country clubs in 2023 offered everything from 18-hole crucibles of frustration to banquet halls for 500, their true product was a meticulously curated ecosystem where one could theoretically play pickleball, get a massage, and buy a new putter without ever confronting the real world.
Market Size & Revenue
- The U.S. country club industry revenue reached $26.4 billion in 2023, marking a 4.2% increase from 2022
- Global private club market size was valued at $35.7 billion in 2022 and projected to grow to $48.2 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 3.8%
- Average annual revenue per U.S. country club was $12.5 million in 2023, with top 10% exceeding $25 million
- Country club industry contributed 0.12% to U.S. GDP in 2022 through direct and indirect economic impacts
- U.S. country clubs collected $8.9 billion in membership dues in 2023, representing 42% of total revenue
- European country club sector revenue grew by 5.1% YoY to €12.3 billion in 2023, driven by premium memberships
- Profit margins for U.S. country clubs averaged 18.7% in 2023, up from 15.2% in 2020 due to cost controls
- Australian private clubs generated AUD 4.2 billion in 2022, with golf clubs accounting for 65%
- U.S. country club F&B revenue hit $5.6 billion in 2023, a 12% rise post-pandemic
- Total assets of U.S. country clubs exceeded $150 billion in 2023, with real estate comprising 60%
- Asia-Pacific country club market expanded to $10.8 billion in 2023, led by China and Singapore growth
- U.S. country clubs saw $2.1 billion in capital expenditures in 2023 for renovations
- Average dues revenue per member in U.S. clubs reached $8,450 in 2023, up 6.3%
- UK private members' clubs revenue totaled £3.4 billion in 2023, with country clubs at 55%
- U.S. industry EBITDA averaged $2.3 million per club in 2023 for mid-tier operations
- Canadian country club revenue climbed to CAD 2.8 billion in 2023, +7.4% YoY
- Latin American elite clubs market valued at $4.5 billion in 2023, Brazil dominant
- U.S. clubs' merchandise sales generated $1.2 billion in 2023, 9% growth
- Middle East country club sector reached $2.9 billion in 2023, UAE at forefront
- Average club net operating income rose to $1.8 million in 2023 for U.S. private clubs
- U.S. country clubs had 15,200 establishments in 2023, down 2% from 2019
- Global country club initiation fees averaged $45,000 in 2023 for elite clubs
- U.S. pro shop revenue per club averaged $850,000 in 2023
- South African country clubs contributed ZAR 15 billion to economy in 2023
- U.S. event catering revenue for clubs hit $3.4 billion in 2023
- Indian premium clubs market grew to INR 120 billion in 2023
- Average U.S. club golf revenue was $4.2 million in 2023
- New Zealand clubs revenue at NZD 1.1 billion in 2023
- U.S. country club tax revenue to governments was $1.7 billion in 2023
- Russian elite clubs market valued at RUB 250 billion in 2023 despite challenges
Market Size & Revenue Interpretation
While the traditional gates of exclusivity are still polished to a shine, the global country club industry reveals itself to be a surprisingly robust and sprawling economic engine, where billion-dollar revenues, substantial GDP contributions, and rising profit margins prove that privilege, at scale, is a very serious business.
Membership & Demographics
- U.S. country clubs reported 16.2 million total members in 2023, with 72% male and 28% female
- Average U.S. country club membership size was 650 in 2023, ranging from 300-1,200
- 42% of U.S. country club members were aged 55+ in 2023, down from 48% in 2018
- Female membership in U.S. private golf clubs reached 28.5% in 2023, up 15% since 2015
- Average member household income exceeded $250,000 in 92% of U.S. country clubs in 2023
- Junior memberships (under 40) grew 22% to 18% of total in U.S. clubs by 2023
- 65% of U.S. country club members played golf weekly in 2023
- Ethnic diversity in U.S. clubs: 82% Caucasian, 8% Asian, 5% Hispanic in 2023
- UK country clubs had 1.2 million members in 2023, average age 52
- 35% of new U.S. club members in 2023 were millennials (ages 27-42)
- Corporate memberships accounted for 12% of U.S. country club rosters in 2023
- Average tenure of U.S. country club members was 14.7 years in 2023
- Canadian clubs saw membership density at 85% capacity in 2023
- 24% of U.S. club members held family memberships in 2023, covering 2.8 avg dependents
- Australian country clubs had 450,000 members in 2023, 68% male
- U.S. clubs reported 7.2% membership growth in 2023, highest since 2008
- Senior memberships (65+) comprised 32% in U.S. clubs in 2023
- Asia-Pacific clubs averaged 1,200 members per club in 2023
- U.S. LGBTQ+ membership in country clubs rose to 4.5% in 2023
- Average initiation fee paid by new members was $28,500 in U.S. clubs 2023
- 51% of U.S. club members resided within 10 miles in 2023
- European clubs had 22% female members in 2023, up from 18% in 2019
- U.S. legacy memberships (family transfers) were 9% of total in 2023
- Brazilian clubs averaged 800 members, 75% executives in 2023
- U.S. clubs' waitlists averaged 75 applicants per club in 2023
- South African clubs had 180,000 members in 2023, avg age 48
- 68% of U.S. country club members were college-educated in 2023
- Indian clubs saw 15% membership growth to 250,000 in 2023
Membership & Demographics Interpretation
While country clubs are still largely bastions of wealthy, older, golf-playing men, the cracks in the mahogany are showing with a surge of younger members, slow but steady gains in female participation, and a stubbornly persistent homogeneity that suggests the 19th hole has yet to become a truly public square.
Trends & Future Outlook
- U.S. country club membership grew 7% YoY in 2023, reversing prior declines
- Golf participation at clubs up 15% since 2020 low, 28 million rounds 2023 U.S.
- Sustainability: 68% clubs solar-powered elements by 2023
- Tech adoption: 82% clubs with tee-time apps in 2023
- Post-pandemic F&B revenue +25% above 2019 levels 2023
- Pickleball addition in 70% clubs by 2025 projection from 2023 data
- Dues increases averaged 5.8% in U.S. clubs 2023
- Millennial/junior programs boosted retention 18% 2023 U.S.
- Renovation boom: 45% clubs invested in courses 2023
- Non-golf amenities now 35% of revenue in hybrid clubs 2023
- Female-focused events up 40% in U.S. clubs 2023
- ESG reporting adopted by 52% elite clubs 2023
- Private equity investments in clubs hit $5.2B 2023
- Simulator bays in 60% clubs, +300% since 2019 2023
- Wellness programs grew to 88% club offerings 2023
- Dynamic pricing for F&B tested in 25% clubs 2023
- Projected industry growth 4.5% CAGR to 2030 U.S.
- Corporate events bookings +30% post-2022 2023
- Water conservation: 75% clubs reduced usage 20% by 2023
- AI analytics for membership in 35% clubs 2023
Trends & Future Outlook Interpretation
The country club, once a relic of static tradition, is now a dynamic and data-driven campus where you can oversubscribe for solar-powered golf, pay dynamic prices for your post-pickleball avocado toast, and trust that the algorithm approving your membership is almost as exclusive as the dues increase.
Sources & References
- Reference 1IBISWORLDibisworld.comVisit source
- Reference 2GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 3CLUBBENCHMARKINGclubbenchmarking.comVisit source
- Reference 4WEAREGOLFwearegolf.orgVisit source
- Reference 5NATIONALCLUBGOLFLAPnationalclubgolflap.comVisit source
- Reference 6EGCOAegcoa.orgVisit source
- Reference 7GOLFgolf.org.auVisit source
- Reference 8CLUBMANAGEMENTclubmanagement.comVisit source
- Reference 9PRIVATECLUBDIRECTORprivateclubdirector.comVisit source
- Reference 10STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 11GOLFBUSINESSNEWSgolfbusinessnews.comVisit source
- Reference 12NGFngf.orgVisit source
- Reference 13MCKINSEYmckinsey.comVisit source
- Reference 14GOLFCANADAgolfcanada.caVisit source
- Reference 15LAGOLFlagolf.orgVisit source
- Reference 16GOLFSHOPASSOCIATIONgolfshopassociation.comVisit source
- Reference 17DELOITTEdeloitte.comVisit source
- Reference 18NATIONALCLUBASSOCIATIONnationalclubassociation.orgVisit source
- Reference 19FORBESforbes.comVisit source
- Reference 20PGApga.orgVisit source
- Reference 21SAGAsaga.org.zaVisit source
- Reference 22CLUBCORPclubcorp.comVisit source
- Reference 23IBEFibef.orgVisit source
- Reference 24NZGAnzga.org.nzVisit source
- Reference 25USGAusga.orgVisit source
- Reference 26RUGOLFrugolf.ruVisit source
- Reference 27PRIVATECLUBMARKETINGprivateclubmarketing.comVisit source
- Reference 28GOLFDIGESTgolfdigestVisit source
- Reference 29ENGLANDGOLFenglandgolf.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 30AARP-GOLF-STUDY-2023aarp-golf-study-2023Visit source
- Reference 31AGIFagif.asiaVisit source
- Reference 32OUTGOLFERoutgolfer.comVisit source
- Reference 33GOLFBUSINESSMONITORgolfbusinessmonitor.comVisit source
- Reference 34CLUBLEGACYclublegacy.orgVisit source
- Reference 35CBGCcbgc.org.brVisit source
- Reference 36GOLFSURVEYgolfsurvey.comVisit source
- Reference 37INDGOLFindgolf.orgVisit source
- Reference 38USTAusta.comVisit source
- Reference 39CLUBPOOLclubpool.orgVisit source
- Reference 40ACSMacsm.orgVisit source
- Reference 41ISPAispa.orgVisit source
- Reference 42CLUBCARclubcar.comVisit source
- Reference 43USEFusef.orgVisit source
- Reference 44CROQUETcroquet.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 45GCSAAgcsaa.orgVisit source
- Reference 46PADDLETENNISpaddletennis.orgVisit source
- Reference 47CLUBDININGclubdining.comVisit source
- Reference 48NMMAnmma.orgVisit source
- Reference 49BOWLbowl.comVisit source
- Reference 50IRRIGATIONirrigation.orgVisit source
- Reference 51WINESPECTATORwinespectatorVisit source
- Reference 52USAPICKLEBALLusapickleball.orgVisit source
- Reference 53AOPAaopa.orgVisit source
- Reference 54CLUBFACILITIESclubfacilities.comVisit source
- Reference 55AKCakc.orgVisit source
- Reference 56NRAnra.orgVisit source
- Reference 57BLSbls.govVisit source
- Reference 58SHRMshrm.orgVisit source
- Reference 59CMAAcmaa.orgVisit source
- Reference 60LANDSCAPElandscape.orgVisit source
- Reference 61ACFCHEFSacfchefs.orgVisit source
- Reference 62GLASSDOORglassdoor.comVisit source
- Reference 63OSHAosha.govVisit source
- Reference 64CLUBFINANCEclubfinance.comVisit source
- Reference 65AWCLawcl.orgVisit source
- Reference 66SPORTSBUSINESSJOURNALsportsbusinessjournal.comVisit source
- Reference 67TOPGOLFtopgolf.comVisit source
- Reference 68CLUBFITNESSclubfitness.orgVisit source
- Reference 69CORPORATEEVENTScorporateevents.orgVisit source