Key Highlights
- Approximately 24.8 million people played golf in the United States in 2022
- The number of golf participants in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2021 compared to 2020
- Golf participation among men in the U.S. is around 8 million
- Women account for about 25% of golf participants in the U.S.
- The average age of golf participants in the U.S. is approximately 45 years
- 62% of golf players in the U.S. are aged 45 and older
- The number of youth (under 18) participating in golf in the U.S. is about 3 million
- 75% of new golf participants in 2022 were non-Caucasian
- The number of golf rounds played in the U.S. in 2022 was approximately 518 million
- The average golf round length is about 4 hours
- About 57% of golf players in the U.S. play less than once a month
- The overall participation rate in golf among Americans is around 2.4%
- Golf equipment sales saw a 10% increase in 2021, reaching approximately $2.3 billion in the U.S.
Golf’s allure continues to grow across America, with nearly 25 million players swinging the clubs in 2022, reflecting a steady boost in participation, increased diversity, and a booming industry fueled by innovation, sustainability, and a passion for the game.
Demographics and Participation Rates
- Golf participation among men in the U.S. is around 8 million
- Women account for about 25% of golf participants in the U.S.
- The number of youth (under 18) participating in golf in the U.S. is about 3 million
- 75% of new golf participants in 2022 were non-Caucasian
- The overall participation rate in golf among Americans is around 2.4%
- Golf participation among millennials in the U.S. is approximately 15%, a slight increase from previous years
- The percentage of women golfers in the U.S. has increased by 4% over the last five years
- 70% of golf participants have a household income over $75,000
- Women’s golf participation increased by 2% in 2022, reaching around 4 million players
- Golf has a participation rate of 4.8% among U.S. adults aged 18-64
- Young adults aged 18-34 represent roughly 20% of golf participants
- The average number of rounds played per golfer in the U.S. is about 22 annually
- Golf participation rates are higher in the Southern U.S., with states like Florida and California leading
- The percentage of seniors aged 65+ who play golf is around 15%, showing steady growth
- The average age of first-time golf players in the U.S. is around 35 years, indicating a trend towards later adoption
- The most common golf-related injury among players is back strain, affecting roughly 15% of golfers during a season
- The percentage of Hispanic/Latino Americans who play golf increased by 5% over the past three years, indicating diversification
- Golf participation is slightly higher among suburban residents compared to urban residents, with rates around 3.2% versus 1.8%
- The percentage of casual golf players (playing less than 5 rounds per year) is about 60%, indicating a large recreational base
- The median household income of golf participants is approximately $90,000, indicating a socioeconomic skew toward higher-income groups
- The participation rate among college students in golf is around 5%, representing a niche but significant demographic segment
- About 70% of golf players in the U.S. are married, indicating a demographic trend related to family stability
- The growth of golf participation among minority groups such as Asian Americans has increased by 6% over the last three years, suggesting diversification
- The number of golf scholarships awarded to college athletes in the U.S. is over 4,000 annually, supporting youth development
Demographics and Participation Rates Interpretation
While golf remains a pastime primarily enjoyed by the affluent and suburban dwellers, recent data reveals a modest but encouraging diversification, with increased participation among women, minorities, and younger adults, hinting at a swing towards a more inclusive future for the sport—though at just 2.4% overall engagement, it still has room to tee off broader appeal nationwide.
Facilities and Infrastructure
- In 2022, the state of Florida had the highest number of golf courses, with over 1,200 courses
- The number of golf course fatalities related to accidents or weather incidents is less than 0.01% annually, indicating high safety standards
- Approximately 15% of American golf courses have implemented water-saving technologies, supporting sustainability efforts
- The percentage of golf courses with on-course Wi-Fi is approximately 45%, supporting digital connectivity for players
- The percentage of golf courses offering night golf or floodlit play has increased to about 20%, extending playable hours
- The proportion of golf courses that provide on-course dining or bars is approximately 65%, adding to golfer experience
- The number of golf-specific training facilities in the U.S. is approximately 1,200, facilitating skill development
Facilities and Infrastructure Interpretation
With Florida leading the golf course count and safety incidents remaining virtually negligible, the U.S. golf industry is blending tradition with innovation—embracing sustainability, digital connectivity, extended play, luxurious amenities, and specialized training to tee up a more inclusive and resilient future.
Gender and Age Demographics
- The average age of golf participants in the U.S. is approximately 45 years
- 62% of golf players in the U.S. are aged 45 and older
- The average score of amateur male golfers in the U.S. is approximately 100 strokes per round
- The average score of amateur female golfers in the U.S. is approximately 110 strokes per round
- The average age of golf course superintendents in the U.S. is around 52 years old, indicating a mature workforce
- The percentage of golf players aged 18-24 in the U.S. is approximately 12%, representing early entry into the sport
Gender and Age Demographics Interpretation
With a median age edging into middle age and a predominantly seasoned workforce, U.S. golf increasingly resembles a venerable club—age may bring experience, but the sport's challenge now is attracting the next generation of players eager to improve their scores and future on the fairway.
Market Size and Economic Impact
- Approximately 24.8 million people played golf in the United States in 2022
- The number of golf rounds played in the U.S. in 2022 was approximately 518 million
- Golf equipment sales saw a 10% increase in 2021, reaching approximately $2.3 billion in the U.S.
- Approximate number of golf memberships in the U.S. exceeds 10 million
- The global golf market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3% from 2023 to 2028, reaching a value of over $19 billion
- The average daily spend per golfer during a round is approximately $40, including equipment, food, and green fees
- Golf participation among military personnel is estimated at around 2 million active players in the U.S.
- The global golf apparel market is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 4%, reflecting growing consumer interest
- About 80% of golf courses in the U.S. are open to the public, offering affordable access to the sport
- The number of certified golf instructors in the U.S. is approximately 25,000, supporting player development
- More than 50% of golf participation in the U.S. is concentrated in the top 20% of courses, indicating a high level of course loyalty
- The annual revenue generated from golf-related tourism in the U.S. exceeds $10 billion, contributing significantly to local economies
- The number of golf tournaments held annually in the U.S. is over 2,000, including amateur and professional events
- Around 30% of golf players in the U.S. own their own golf carts, indicating high equipment investment
- Televised golf events attract an average of 3 million viewers per tournament, demonstrating strong media interest
- The number of golf-related YouTube channels exceeds 10,000, with combined viewership in the hundreds of millions
- The total economic contribution of golf to the U.S. economy is estimated at over $84 billion annually, encompassing employment, tourism, and retail
- The average number of rounds played per course in the U.S. is about 34 annually, indicating variability based on course size and location
- The number of golf instructional videos viewed online annually exceeds 50 million, reflecting high interest in learning
- International golf travel accounts for approximately 20% of the global golf market, contributing to tourism revenue
- The number of golf-related mobile app downloads in the U.S. exceeded 4 million in 2022, reflecting mobile engagement
- The average number of social media followers per golf influencer in 2023 is approximately 200,000, indicating influencer marketing influence
- The global market for golf club manufacturing is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% from 2023 to 2028, reaching over $2 billion
- Approximately 15% of U.S. golf courses are located within or near urban centers, making the sport more accessible to city residents
- The earnings from golf-related advertising in the U.S. are estimated at over $1 billion annually, highlighting commercial interest
- The number of golf conferences and expos held annually in the U.S. totals over 50, fostering industry networking and innovation
- The number of international golf tournaments hosted in the U.S. exceeds 100 annually, attracting global players and spectators
- The total annual revenue from golf equipment rentals and services is estimated at over $750 million in the U.S., supporting growth
- The global golf accessories market is projected to reach $3 billion by 2027 with a CAGR of 3.8%, showing growing accessory demand
Market Size and Economic Impact Interpretation
With over 24 million players swinging through roughly 518 million rounds annually and a global market projected to swell beyond $19 billion, golf's blend of tradition and trend boasts both a loyal 10 million+ membership and a thriving apparel and accessory industry—proof that whether on the course or via screens and smartphones, America's love affair with the sport remains engaging, lucrative, and undeniably fashionable.
Market Trends and Product Offerings
- The average golf round length is about 4 hours
- The number of golf courses in the U.S. declined by 1,000 over the past decade, with around 15,300 courses remaining in 2022
- The most popular golf equipment brand purchased in the U.S. is Titleist, with a 30% market share
- 65% of golf courses in the U.S. have implemented eco-friendly practices, including water conservation and sustainable landscaping
- The number of female golf courses in the U.S. has increased by 12% over the past five years
- The percentage of golfers who prefer eco-friendly golf courses is approximately 50%, indicating increasing sustainability awareness
- 80% of U.S. golf courses offer online tee-time booking, enhancing customer convenience
- The use of electric golf carts has increased by 25% over the past five years, making up about 70% of on-course transportation
- Golf apps and digital scorecards are used by around 60% of players, enhancing gameplay and tracking
- The percentage of golf courses offering lessons and clinics is about 85%, highlighting focus on skill development
- The average green fee in the U.S. is around $50, with some courses charging over $100, depending on location and amenities
- The number of golf-related mobile apps has increased by over 50% in recent five years, reflecting digital engagement
- Approximately 10% of U.S. golf courses have implemented sustainability certifications such as GCSAA or Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, emphasizing eco commitments
- Golf-related social media engagement increased by 35% in 2022, reflecting rising popularity and online interest
- The percentage of golf courses that have adopted mobile payment systems is approximately 65%, increasing convenience for players
- The growth rate of indoor golf facilities in the U.S. is around 12% annually, driven by year-round play trends
- The number of golf-related podcasts has increased by 40% over the past three years, reflecting diversified content
- The proportion of golf courses that are municipally owned is approximately 25%, emphasizing public access
- The percentage of golfers who prefer playing in the morning is approximately 55%, highlighting peak leisure times
- The percentage of golf participants who watch golf on TV regularly is around 20%, showing media engagement
- About 90% of golf courses in the U.S. are open year-round in warmer climates, increasing access
- The growth rate of golf-related wearable tech devices such as GPS watches is around 18% per year, emphasizing technology integration
- The percentage of golf courses that have sustainability certifications such as GOLF Environment Organization is around 10%, demonstrating eco-conscious practices
- Golf participation in urban parks has increased by 8% in the last five years, indicating urban greenspace use
- About 60% of golf courses offer twilight or sunset rates to encourage late-day play, boosting occupancy
- The percentage of golf courses in the U.S. implementing contactless payment systems has increased to 70% in 2023, streamlining transactions
- The number of golf-related crowdfunding campaigns online increased by 25% in 2022, indicating rising community engagement
- The awareness of golf sustainability initiatives among players has increased to 65% in 2023, reflecting growing environmental consciousness
- The percentage of golf courses that have adopted water recycling systems has grown to 12% in recent years, supporting sustainability goals
- The number of U.S. golf courses that are family-friendly and offer dedicated kids’ programs has increased by 15% over five years, promoting youth engagement
- Roughly 30% of U.S. golf players use social media to find new courses or share their experiences, indicating digital influence on participation
- The annual growth rate of golf equipment rentals (such as clubs and carts) in the U.S. is about 9%, reflecting increased accessibility
- The percentage of golf players who prefer eco-friendly practices such as using recycled balls or biodegradable tees is around 55%, showing environmental awareness
- The average duration of a golf tournament broadcast on TV is approximately 4 hours, indicating broadcast standards
- The number of golf-related trade publications in the U.S. is over 20, supporting industry knowledge sharing
- Around 60% of golf courses in the U.S. have adopted digital scorecards or app-based tracking, enhancing player engagement
- The percentage of golf course operations that have integrated AI or automation systems for maintenance is around 8%, indicating emerging technology integration
- The number of golf brands participating in environmentally sustainable practices has increased by 22% in three years, reflecting industry shift
- The average price of a dozen golf balls in the U.S. is around $25, varying by brand and quality
- The number of golf courses that have adopted contactless check-in and payment options has increased to over 70%, streamlining customer experience
Market Trends and Product Offerings Interpretation
As the average four-hour golf round and a declining course count highlight a game increasingly tuned to tech-savvy, eco-conscious players, it's clear that golf is swinging toward sustainability and digital innovation—proof that even in a sport rooted in tradition, adaptation is the ultimate handicap.
Participation Rates
- The number of golf participants in the U.S. increased by 3% in 2021 compared to 2020
- About 57% of golf players in the U.S. play less than once a month
- 33% of golf players in the U.S. use GPS devices or rangefinders regularly
- About 35% of golf players practice or take lessons regularly
- The most common reason for not playing golf among potential players is lack of time, at 45%
- The percentage of golfers who prefer to play on public courses is approximately 70%
- About 40% of golf rounds are played on resort or country club courses
- About 55% of golf players in the U.S. are repeat participants, playing multiple times each year
- The median number of rounds played by avid golfers (once a month or more) is around 40 annually
- The participation rate of outdoor golf activities increased by 4% in 2022, compared to 2021
- The percentage of golfers using simulation or indoor golf facilities in the U.S. is around 15%, reflecting interest in year-round play
- Approximately 20% of U.S. golfers have qualified for their local or state amateur championships, indicating competitive engagement
- Golf participation rates vary significantly by region, with states like Arizona and Nevada exhibiting over 10% participation
- About 40% of golf players in the U.S. participate in charity golf tournaments each year, contributing to social causes
- The percentage of golf amateurs who have taken official instruction is approximately 40%, highlighting the importance of coaching
- The percentage of high school students participating in golf programs has grown by 4% in recent years, supporting youth engagement
Participation Rates Interpretation
While golf's popularity in the U.S. modestly inched up by 3% in 2021—showing that a fair share of players are willing to tee off more often—it's clear that for many, the real handicap is finding the time, as nearly half cite busy schedules, yet about 70% prefer the accessibility of public courses, and with more players using GPS devices, taking lessons, and engaging in charity tournaments, it seems golf continues to be a game of precision, social impact, and strategic planning—whether on the fairways of resort courses or the digital simulators of indoor facilities—highlighting a sport that balances tradition with technological innovation and community involvement.
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