GITNUXREPORT 2025

Golf Course Industry Statistics

Golf industry valued at $35 billion; over 38,000 courses globally.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The United States has about 15,000 golf courses, accounting for nearly 40% of global courses

Statistic 2

The average golf course length in the United States is approximately 6,600 yards

Statistic 3

About 70% of golf facilities in the U.S. are privately owned

Statistic 4

The average green fee in the U.S. is around $50

Statistic 5

Artificial turf is increasingly used on golf courses, accounting for about 25% of playing surfaces worldwide

Statistic 6

Golf courses are responsible for roughly 2% of the total U.S. land use

Statistic 7

The number of golf courses in Africa is growing by approximately 4% annually

Statistic 8

About 10% of golf courses worldwide are located in Asia, with the majority in Japan and South Korea

Statistic 9

More than 60% of golf courses offer at least one eco-friendly certification, such as Audubon or GEO certifications

Statistic 10

Approximately 65% of golf courses in the U.S. have implemented water conservation measures

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The average number of holes per golf course worldwide is 18, but some courses feature up to 27 holes

Statistic 12

The average size of a golf driving range is about 10 acres, with some ranges extending over 50 acres

Statistic 13

The proportion of golf courses offering lessons has increased to 85% in the U.S.

Statistic 14

About 15% of golf courses worldwide have implemented renewable energy solutions such as solar panels

Statistic 15

About 45% of golf courses worldwide are located in North America, predominantly in the U.S. and Mexico

Statistic 16

The percentage of golf courses adopting LED lighting has increased to 65% in the past five years, enhancing efficiency and sustainability

Statistic 17

The average cost to build a new 18-hole golf course ranges between $1.5 million and $3 million, depending on location and design

Statistic 18

The global demand for golf equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 19

The global golf equipment market is expected to reach $11 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Statistic 20

The recycling rate of golf course grass clippings is over 80% in most golf facilities

Statistic 21

The average per-round spending by golfers in the U.S. is approximately $75, including greens fees, food, and merchandise

Statistic 22

The number of golf courses with integrated technology (GPS, apps, etc.) has increased by 55% since 2018

Statistic 23

About 74% of golfers worldwide use golf GPS devices or applications

Statistic 24

The adoption rate of sustainable practices among golf courses has increased by 40% over the past five years

Statistic 25

Golf cart accidents account for approximately 10% of golf-related injuries

Statistic 26

The use of drought-tolerant grasses has increased in golf courses by 30% since 2015

Statistic 27

The percentage of golf courses utilizing sustainable water management practices exceeds 50% in the U.S.

Statistic 28

Golf apparel sales account for approximately 18% of total golf industry revenue

Statistic 29

The number of golf courses with solar energy installations has increased by 70% since 2018

Statistic 30

The average lifetime of a golf ball is about 5,000 hits, but high-performance balls can last less due to specialized materials

Statistic 31

The adoption of drought-resistant grasses has led to a 15% reduction in water consumption per course since 2010

Statistic 32

The popularity of golf simulators grew by 35% in the last three years, driven by technological advances and pandemic restrictions

Statistic 33

The use of drone technology for course monitoring and marketing has increased by 50% since 2019

Statistic 34

The average annual expenditure on golf course equipment and supplies by courses is approximately $400,000 per course

Statistic 35

About 24 million Americans played golf in 2022

Statistic 36

The number of women playing golf in the U.S. increased by 16% between 2015 and 2022

Statistic 37

The number of golf rounds played in the U.S. was approximately 453 million in 2022

Statistic 38

The average age of a golfer in the U.S. is approximately 45 years old

Statistic 39

The number of junior golfers in the U.S. increased by 20% from 2015 to 2022

Statistic 40

The total number of golf rounds played annually in Asia is estimated at over 180 million

Statistic 41

The average age of first-time golf players has decreased from 35 to 31 in the past decade

Statistic 42

Approximately 60% of golf courses in the U.S. are open to the public, providing affordable access

Statistic 43

The majority of golf course revenues come from green fees, representing about 60% of total income

Statistic 44

The number of active golf players globally is estimated at over 80 million, with steady growth in emerging markets

Statistic 45

The global golf industry is expected to see a growth rate of 4.5% annually through 2030, driven by increased participation and tourism

Statistic 46

Players aged 55 and older make up approximately 40% of golfers in the U.S., showing an aging demographic

Statistic 47

Golf tourism is worth approximately $12 billion globally

Statistic 48

The average green fee for a round of golf in Europe is about €35, significantly lower than in the U.S.

Statistic 49

Golf tourism accounts for roughly 20% of the global sports tourism market

Statistic 50

The global golf industry was valued at approximately $35 billion in 2023

Statistic 51

There are over 38,000 golf courses worldwide

Statistic 52

The golf industry in the U.S. generates over $84 billion annually

Statistic 53

The golf industry employs roughly 2 million people globally, including course staff, manufacturing, and retail

Statistic 54

The demand for electric golf carts is rising, with the global market expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027

Statistic 55

The majority of golf courses in the U.S. are community-owned, accounting for 55% of all courses

Statistic 56

The annual global expenditure on golf course maintenance is estimated at $10 billion

Statistic 57

In 2022, the PGA Tour's revenue was approximately $1.4 billion, making it a significant player in the golf industry

Statistic 58

The number of indoor golf simulators in commercial facilities has increased by 60% since 2019

Statistic 59

The U.S. golf industry’s contribution to GDP is estimated at over $84 billion annually

Statistic 60

The revenue from golf retail stores in the U.S. exceeds $2 billion annually

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Key Highlights

The global golf industry was valued at approximately $35 billion in 2023
There are over 38,000 golf courses worldwide
The United States has about 15,000 golf courses, accounting for nearly 40% of global courses
The average golf course length in the United States is approximately 6,600 yards
About 24 million Americans played golf in 2022
The golf industry in the U.S. generates over $84 billion annually
The number of women playing golf in the U.S. increased by 16% between 2015 and 2022
Golf tourism is worth approximately $12 billion globally
About 70% of golf facilities in the U.S. are privately owned
The average green fee in the U.S. is around $50
The number of golf rounds played in the U.S. was approximately 453 million in 2022
The global demand for golf equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030
Artificial turf is increasingly used on golf courses, accounting for about 25% of playing surfaces worldwide

The global golf industry, valued at $35 billion in 2023 and encompassing over 38,000 courses worldwide, is experiencing dynamic growth driven by rising participation, technological innovation, and a strong push toward sustainability.

Golf Course Infrastructure and Development

The United States has about 15,000 golf courses, accounting for nearly 40% of global courses
The average golf course length in the United States is approximately 6,600 yards
About 70% of golf facilities in the U.S. are privately owned
The average green fee in the U.S. is around $50
Artificial turf is increasingly used on golf courses, accounting for about 25% of playing surfaces worldwide
Golf courses are responsible for roughly 2% of the total U.S. land use
The number of golf courses in Africa is growing by approximately 4% annually
About 10% of golf courses worldwide are located in Asia, with the majority in Japan and South Korea
More than 60% of golf courses offer at least one eco-friendly certification, such as Audubon or GEO certifications
Approximately 65% of golf courses in the U.S. have implemented water conservation measures
The average number of holes per golf course worldwide is 18, but some courses feature up to 27 holes
The average size of a golf driving range is about 10 acres, with some ranges extending over 50 acres
The proportion of golf courses offering lessons has increased to 85% in the U.S.
About 15% of golf courses worldwide have implemented renewable energy solutions such as solar panels
About 45% of golf courses worldwide are located in North America, predominantly in the U.S. and Mexico
The percentage of golf courses adopting LED lighting has increased to 65% in the past five years, enhancing efficiency and sustainability
The average cost to build a new 18-hole golf course ranges between $1.5 million and $3 million, depending on location and design

Golf Course Infrastructure and Development Interpretation

While the U.S. commands nearly 40% of the world's golf courses—where they stretch over 6,600 yards each, cost millions to build, and increasingly turn green with eco-friendly initiatives—other nations like Africa and Asia are teeing up their own growth, proving golf's timeless penchant for both tradition and innovation beyond the fairway.

Golf Equipment

The global demand for golf equipment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030
The global golf equipment market is expected to reach $11 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.2%

Golf Equipment Interpretation

As the golf industry tees off toward an $11 billion future, a steady 3.8% to 4.2% growth rate suggests that both amateurs and pros are increasingly hooked on their swings, fueling a decade of fairway profits amid rising global interest.

Golf Equipment, Technology, and Sustainability

The recycling rate of golf course grass clippings is over 80% in most golf facilities
The average per-round spending by golfers in the U.S. is approximately $75, including greens fees, food, and merchandise
The number of golf courses with integrated technology (GPS, apps, etc.) has increased by 55% since 2018
About 74% of golfers worldwide use golf GPS devices or applications
The adoption rate of sustainable practices among golf courses has increased by 40% over the past five years
Golf cart accidents account for approximately 10% of golf-related injuries
The use of drought-tolerant grasses has increased in golf courses by 30% since 2015
The percentage of golf courses utilizing sustainable water management practices exceeds 50% in the U.S.
Golf apparel sales account for approximately 18% of total golf industry revenue
The number of golf courses with solar energy installations has increased by 70% since 2018
The average lifetime of a golf ball is about 5,000 hits, but high-performance balls can last less due to specialized materials
The adoption of drought-resistant grasses has led to a 15% reduction in water consumption per course since 2010
The popularity of golf simulators grew by 35% in the last three years, driven by technological advances and pandemic restrictions
The use of drone technology for course monitoring and marketing has increased by 50% since 2019
The average annual expenditure on golf course equipment and supplies by courses is approximately $400,000 per course

Golf Equipment, Technology, and Sustainability Interpretation

As golf courses increasingly recycle over 80% of grass clippings, embrace high-tech gear used by 74% of players, and pursue sustainable water and energy practices up by 40-70%, it’s clear that golf is driving not just birdies but also a greener, smarter future—though with a safety caution, as 10% of injuries involve carts and high-performance balls wear out faster than a round’s front nine.

Golf Participation and Demographics

About 24 million Americans played golf in 2022
The number of women playing golf in the U.S. increased by 16% between 2015 and 2022
The number of golf rounds played in the U.S. was approximately 453 million in 2022
The average age of a golfer in the U.S. is approximately 45 years old
The number of junior golfers in the U.S. increased by 20% from 2015 to 2022
The total number of golf rounds played annually in Asia is estimated at over 180 million
The average age of first-time golf players has decreased from 35 to 31 in the past decade
Approximately 60% of golf courses in the U.S. are open to the public, providing affordable access
The majority of golf course revenues come from green fees, representing about 60% of total income
The number of active golf players globally is estimated at over 80 million, with steady growth in emerging markets
The global golf industry is expected to see a growth rate of 4.5% annually through 2030, driven by increased participation and tourism
Players aged 55 and older make up approximately 40% of golfers in the U.S., showing an aging demographic

Golf Participation and Demographics Interpretation

With over 24 million Americans teeing up in 2022 and a rising tide of young and female golfers, the industry is less about just slicing the ball and more about slicing through stereotypes—though with an aging demographic still on the green, it’s clear that golf’s longevity depends on staying fresh and accessible.

Golf Tourism and Related Markets

Golf tourism is worth approximately $12 billion globally
The average green fee for a round of golf in Europe is about €35, significantly lower than in the U.S.
Golf tourism accounts for roughly 20% of the global sports tourism market

Golf Tourism and Related Markets Interpretation

With golf tourism reaping a $12 billion global haul and accounting for one-fifth of sports travel, it's clear that while Europeans enjoy budget-friendly rounds averaging €35, the industry’s true power lies in swinging worldwide economic and athletic influence—and perhaps encouraging us all to tee off on global exploration.

Industry Size and Economic Impact

The global golf industry was valued at approximately $35 billion in 2023
There are over 38,000 golf courses worldwide
The golf industry in the U.S. generates over $84 billion annually
The golf industry employs roughly 2 million people globally, including course staff, manufacturing, and retail
The demand for electric golf carts is rising, with the global market expected to reach $1.2 billion by 2027
The majority of golf courses in the U.S. are community-owned, accounting for 55% of all courses
The annual global expenditure on golf course maintenance is estimated at $10 billion
In 2022, the PGA Tour's revenue was approximately $1.4 billion, making it a significant player in the golf industry
The number of indoor golf simulators in commercial facilities has increased by 60% since 2019
The U.S. golf industry’s contribution to GDP is estimated at over $84 billion annually
The revenue from golf retail stores in the U.S. exceeds $2 billion annually

Industry Size and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a staggering $35 billion valuation globally and over 38,000 courses serving enthusiasts and communities alike, the golf industry is not just swinging for birdies but also shaping economies—spanning employment, retail, and innovation—while embracing modern gadgets like electric carts and indoor simulators to keep the game fresh, competitive, and solidly in the green.