U.S. golf participation stands at 26.7 million players with 537.8 million rounds played. The country maintains 15,243 facilities that produce 130.3 billion dollars in total economic impact. The sections below detail facility types, revenue figures, job counts, and operating costs.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, there were 15,243 golf facilities in the United States
- The United States had 12,900 public golf facilities in 2023
- The United States had 2,201 private golf facilities in 2023
- The U.S. golf industry generated $119.5 billion in total economic impact in 2023
- The U.S. golf industry generated $130.3 billion in total economic impact in 2024
- In 2023, the U.S. golf industry generated $53.0 billion in direct economic impact
- Golf course/club total revenue in the U.S. was $45.7 billion in 2023
- IBISWorld reports the Golf Courses & Clubs industry revenue (2024) as $49.0 billion
- IBISWorld reports Golf Courses & Clubs industry profit (2024) as $5.8 billion
- Average green fees in the U.S. were $38.44 in 2023 (rounds average)
- Average green fees in the U.S. were $41.00 in 2024
- Average daily fee rate in the U.S. in 2024 was $43.75
- GCSAA/USGA water use: golf courses use about 2.5% of developed water in U.S. (range 1–3%)
- USGA estimates turfgrass irrigation water applied to golf courses averages 48,000 gallons per acre per year
- USGA estimates golf courses use about 850–1,000 gallons per round for irrigation
U.S. golf grew in 2024 with 26.7 million participants, 537.8 million rounds, and $130.3 billion economic impact.
Related reading
01 · Category
Facilities & Participation20 stats
01
In 2023, there were 15,243 golf facilities in the United States
02
The United States had 12,900 public golf facilities in 2023
03
The United States had 2,201 private golf facilities in 2023
04
The United States had 142 resort golf facilities in 2023
05
Total U.S. golf facilities increased by 3% from 2022 to 2023 (from 14,814 to 15,243)
06
Golf participation in the U.S. in 2023 was 24.8 million people
07
Golf participation in the U.S. in 2024 was 26.7 million people
08
The share of U.S. adults who play golf in 2024 was 10.4%
09
Golf rounds played in the U.S. were 509.2 million in 2023
10
Golf rounds played in the U.S. were 537.8 million in 2024
11
U.S. golfing population ages 18–34 in 2024 was 7.9 million
12
U.S. golfing population ages 35–54 in 2024 was 12.1 million
13
U.S. golfing population ages 55+ in 2024 was 6.7 million
14
Among U.S. golf players in 2024, 22.8% were women
15
Average annual rounds per player in the U.S. in 2024 was 20.1
16
The number of golf courses in the U.S. (including private and public) was 15,200 in 2023
17
Golf is played most frequently in the U.S. between April and August (months with highest participation/rounds)
18
USGA estimates there are 14,000+ golf facilities in the U.S.
19
U.S. golf rounds for females were 98.0 million in 2023
20
U.S. golf rounds for males were 410.0 million in 2023
Interpretation
Facilities & Participation Interpretation
In 2023 the United States had 15,243 golf facilities and 509.2 million rounds, and by 2024 participation rose to 26.7 million players with 537.8 million rounds, yet the sport still runs on a familiar rhythm of spring to late summer while relying on a growing but uneven mix of ages, genders, and facility types, which is both a promising sign and a reminder that golf’s growth still depends on making more courses and experiences feel accessible.
02 · Category
Economic Impact20 stats
01
The U.S. golf industry generated $119.5 billion in total economic impact in 2023
02
The U.S. golf industry generated $130.3 billion in total economic impact in 2024
03
In 2023, the U.S. golf industry generated $53.0 billion in direct economic impact
04
In 2024, the U.S. golf industry generated $57.3 billion in direct economic impact
05
In 2023, the U.S. golf industry created 1.6 million jobs
06
In 2024, the U.S. golf industry created 1.7 million jobs
07
In 2023, golf generated $7.3 billion in federal tax revenue
08
In 2024, golf generated $7.8 billion in federal tax revenue
09
In 2023, golf generated $15.2 billion in state and local tax revenue
10
In 2024, golf generated $16.0 billion in state and local tax revenue
11
Total U.S. golf equipment (retail) sales were $9.9 billion in 2023
12
Total U.S. golf apparel and footwear sales were $3.9 billion in 2023
13
Total U.S. golf club sales were $1.8 billion in 2023
14
U.S. golf course spending was $27.7 billion in 2023
15
U.S. golf course spending was $31.0 billion in 2024
16
The PGA Golf Industry Overview estimated the 2023 U.S. golf industry economic impact at $119.5B
17
In 2019, the golf industry in the U.S. generated $124.3 billion in total economic impact
18
In 2021, the golf industry generated $82.1 billion in total economic impact
19
In 2022, the golf industry generated $104.5 billion in total economic impact
20
Golf’s total economic impact in 2020 was $81.7 billion
Interpretation
Economic Impact Interpretation
In 2024, the U.S. golf industry kept proving it is more than a pastime by boosting economic impact from $119.5 billion in 2023 to $130.3 billion, adding jobs from 1.6 million to 1.7 million, and increasing direct and tax contributions, while spending at the local level rose from $27.7 billion to $31.0 billion, and even retail essentials like clubs, apparel, and footwear quietly stayed in the swing at billions more.
03 · Category
Revenue & Costs25 stats
01
Golf course/club total revenue in the U.S. was $45.7 billion in 2023
02
IBISWorld reports the Golf Courses & Clubs industry revenue (2024) as $49.0 billion
03
IBISWorld reports Golf Courses & Clubs industry profit (2024) as $5.8 billion
04
The Golf Courses & Clubs industry has an average annual growth rate of 3.2% (2019–2024)
05
For Golf Courses & Clubs, IBISWorld lists direct employment (2024) at 485,000
06
IBISWorld lists the number of businesses in Golf Courses & Clubs (2024) as 14,828
07
Labor costs account for 24.7% of revenue for Golf Courses & Clubs (U.S., 2024 est.)
08
Materials costs account for 12.1% of revenue for Golf Courses & Clubs (U.S., 2024 est.)
09
Utilities and maintenance costs account for 6.4% of revenue for Golf Courses & Clubs (U.S., 2024 est.)
10
The industry’s average revenue per business in 2024 is $3.3 million
11
The U.S. golf equipment market size was $16.5 billion in 2023
12
Golf equipment store industry revenue was $7.6 billion in 2023
13
IBISWorld reports Golf Equipment Stores industry profit (2023) at $0.8 billion
14
Golf apparel and footwear industry revenue was $5.2 billion in 2023
15
IBISWorld reports Golf Balls industry revenue $1.8 billion in 2023
16
Golf Clubs industry revenue was $2.9 billion in 2023
17
United States golf course and club expenses (total) were $70.6 billion in 2023
18
United States golf course operating profit (total) was -$1.1 billion in 2023
19
U.S. golf course and club industry average hourly wage was $16.45in 2023
20
U.S. greenskeepers wage median (May 2023) was $16.90per hour
21
In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median pay for grounds maintenance workers was $16.14per hour
22
The National Golf Foundation estimates U.S. golf course labor costs were $28.0 billion in 2023
23
NGF estimated U.S. golf course operations spending at $63.5 billion in 2023
24
The average cost to maintain a round of golf for a public course was estimated at $52.70(2019)
25
The average cost to maintain a round of golf for a private course was estimated at $60.40(2019)
Interpretation
Revenue & Costs Interpretation
In 2023 and 2024 the golf course and club industry is raking in roughly $45.7 billion to $49.0 billion in revenue while only pulling about $5.8 billion in profit, and despite steady 3.2% growth it still spends so much on labor, utilities, and maintenance that total expenses hit $70.6 billion and operating profit turns negative, leaving the game to be played on a balance sheet where wages are stubbornly around $16 to $17 an hour and every round costs public and private golfers about $52.70 to $60.40 just to keep the greens alive.
More related reading
04 · Category
Pricing & Demand21 stats
01
Average green fees in the U.S. were $38.44in 2023 (rounds average)
02
Average green fees in the U.S. were $41.00in 2024
03
Average daily fee rate in the U.S. in 2024 was $43.75
04
The NGF “green fee” index in 2024 increased by 6.8% vs 2023
05
In 2024, private club initiation fees averaged $28,000(U.S.)
06
In 2024, private club annual dues averaged $6,400(U.S.)
07
The probability a golfer plays 1–2 times per month in 2024 was 34%
08
The probability a golfer plays 3–4 times per month in 2024 was 26%
09
The probability a golfer plays 5+ times per month in 2024 was 14%
10
In the US, 2024 golfers reported using a golf cart for 71% of rounds
11
In the U.S., 2024 golfers reported walking for 29% of rounds
12
The average number of holes played per round (U.S.) was 18.0 in 2024
13
Demand for tee times in the U.S. is highest on weekends (share of booked tee times), 62% in 2024
14
The U.S. had 2.1% growth in rounds from 2023 to 2024 for public courses
15
The U.S. had 1.0% growth in rounds from 2023 to 2024 for private clubs
16
NGF estimates U.S. golf spending per participant was $4,800in 2024
17
NGF estimates U.S. golf spending per round was $92.00in 2024
18
Private clubs report average membership retention of 88% (2023)
19
41% of golfers in the U.S. in 2024 indicated they increased frequency in 2024 vs 2023
20
33% of golfers in the U.S. in 2024 indicated they spend more on golf equipment than a year ago
21
46% of golfers reported tee time booking online in 2024
Interpretation
Pricing & Demand Interpretation
In 2024, American golfers paid more to play less often but more conveniently, with green fees climbing, weekend tee times dominating, carts outperforming walks, private clubs charging eye watering entry costs and dues while holding onto members at an 88 percent rate, and spending staying strong as golfers booked online more than ever and drove golf expenditure toward $4,800 per participant and $92 per round.
05 · Category
Sustainability & Operations30 stats
01
GCSAA/USGA water use: golf courses use about 2.5% of developed water in U.S. (range 1–3%)
02
USGA estimates turfgrass irrigation water applied to golf courses averages 48,000 gallons per acre per year
03
USGA estimates golf courses use about 850–1,000 gallons per round for irrigation
04
The GCSAA estimates that 85% of golf courses use some form of irrigation system
05
Audubon certified courses in the U.S. exceeded 600 in 2024
06
Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program has 5,000+ courses worldwide (including golf)
07
The Audubon International “Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary” program has a total of 3,200+ golf courses in the U.S. by 2023
08
The USGA Turfgrass and Environmental Research Program budget was $29 million in 2023
09
USGA research centers include 4 research facilities (as described on USGA site)
10
A 2021 Cornell study found that organic matter improvements can increase water holding capacity by 15–20% on golf fairways
11
Penn State Extension reports that soil health practices can reduce irrigation demand by 10–25%
12
The average nitrogen application on golf turf in the U.S. ranges 2.0–5.0 lbs N per 1,000 sq ft annually (reported by USGA)
13
The average pesticide use for golf turf in the U.S. declined substantially since 1992; one USGA report cites a 40% reduction
14
EPA’s data shows that about 68 million pounds of pesticides were used in the U.S. in 2017 (any use categories)
15
EPA’s pesticide active ingredient “Use for landscape” includes 2.7% share in 2017
16
Michigan State University reported that drought-tolerant turfgrass seed can reduce water use by 30% (case study)
17
University of California identifies smart irrigation controllers can reduce water use by 15–30%
18
USGA recommends integrated pest management (IPM) and cites that IPM can reduce pesticide application by 30%
19
Audubon International reports that member courses reduce water usage and improve biodiversity (impact metric: 20,000+ acres of habitat protected)
20
USGA’s “Golf and Climate Change” report estimates golf contributes a small fraction of total emissions; it cites 0.04% of global GHG emissions for golf operations (scenario estimate)
21
GHG protocol states that Scope 1 direct emissions are from sources owned/controlled, described in EPA fact sheet; golf industry can report for operations
22
U.S. National Weather Service reports average annual precipitation by climate zone affects irrigation needs, but for Phoenix is 8.3 inches in 2020 data
23
Golf course superintendents report 24-hour irrigation limits in drought areas (California regulation)
24
PGA’s “US Golf Report” includes a category “Golf Rounds by Type of Course” with public rounds at 382.1 million in 2023
25
PGA’s “US Golf Report” includes private rounds at 127.1 million in 2023
26
PGA’s “US Golf Report” includes resort rounds at 24.1 million in 2023
27
USGA/NGF reported that 2023 rounds were split 75% public, 25% private
28
Audubon reports that ACSP members include about 600 courses certified in 2024
29
USGA’s “Course Consulting” projects include soil moisture sensors as best practice, and cites percent adoption 35% (industry survey)
30
The number of golf course superintendents in the U.S. was 32,000 (BLS)
Interpretation
Sustainability & Operations Interpretation
Golf’s clubhouse math says the sport drinks only a sliver of developed U.S. water, but it also proves—through research budgets, soil and smart-irrigation gains, and certification programs—that when superintendents tune turf with healthier soils, integrated pest management, and water smarter controllers, they can cut irrigation demand and pesticide use while keeping millions of rounds (public and private) moving, all staffed by tens of thousands of essential grounds crews paid like “regular work” but doing remarkably high-stakes environmental balancing in drought-prone climates.
Reference
Cite This Report
This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.
APA
Lars Eriksen. (2026, February 13). Country Club Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/country-club-industry-statistics
MLA
Lars Eriksen. "Country Club Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/country-club-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Lars Eriksen. 2026. "Country Club Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/country-club-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
54 datasets cited across this report · attribution is report-level
+32 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)