GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Golf Participation Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Golf Participation Statistics

  • As of 2021, there are approximately 24.8 million golfers in the United States.
  • In 2020, the number of adults who play golf in England approximately reached 2.16 million.
  • In Canada, 5.7 million people play golf annually.
  • An estimated 3.7% of Asian populations in the US participated in golf as of 2019.
  • Twenty-five percent of golf participants in 2019 were female.
  • In New Zealand, 7.3% of adults participated in golf in 2020, making it the 6th most popular sport and recreation activity.
  • In 2019, Africa had a total of over 38 thousand registered golfers.
  • The age group between 30 and 39 years had the highest number of golf participants in the UK in 2016, at around 679,300 people.
  • About 15% of the Netherlands population aged 18 years or older played golf in 2019.
  • In Scotland, the country where golf originated, around 212,000 adults are golf club members.
  • In Japan, there were nearly 6.5 million golf participants in 2016.
  • Youth participation in golf, defined as on-course play by golfers age 6-17 in the US, stood at 2.5 million in 2019.
  • In the US, overall participation in golf (on- and off-course combined) grew to over 36 million players in 2020.
  • Approximately 11.8% of South Korean adults participated in golf in 2019.
  • The number of registered golfers in Germany as of 2020 is nearly 651,417.
  • In Spain, golf participation has risen by nearly 20% over the last 5 years.
  • More than 5.5 million Canadian women and men golf at least once a year.
  • In 2019, 56% of the total golf rounds played in the US were by golfers aged 50 and above.

Table of Contents

Grasping the intricacies of golf participation may seem daunting to some yet wholly riveting to others. This blog post delves deep into the captivating realm of golf participation statistics, offering comprehensive insights on various aspects such as demographic trends, gender ratios, global patterns, and the influence of professional golf events. Our mission is to decode these numbers and provide a clear representation of the role golf plays on an individual level to international scale. Regardless of whether you are an ardent golfer, an enthusiast, or simply intrigued by statistical analyses, understanding these figures signifies a broader comprehension of the sport’s standing and impact across the world.

The Latest Golf Participation Statistics Unveiled

As of 2021, there are approximately 24.8 million golfers in the United States.

Highlighting the fact that there are approximately 24.8 million golfers in the United States as of 2021 offers a powerful portrayal of the widespread participation and popularity of golf across the nation. In the sphere of Golf Participation Statistics, this number not only conveys the demanding presence of golf as a favored sport but also hints at the extensive market for golf-related products, services, and facilities. Additionally, this statistic potentially signifies the intriguing dynamics of golf demographics, signaling diversity and inclusivity in the sport while also laying a foundation for trend analysis on how golf participation in the U.S. fluctuates over the years.

In 2020, the number of adults who play golf in England approximately reached 2.16 million.

Highlighting the statistic, ‘In 2020, the number of adults who play golf in England approximately reached 2.16 million’, offers a compelling insight into the popularity and growth of golf in the region. This number provides valuable context for the blog post about Golf Participation Statistics by demonstrating the significant size of the adult golf playing population. Furthermore, it can prompt further content discussion on issues like the demographic make-up of the golfing community, the change in golf participation rates over time, or correlations between other sociological factors and golf playing. Thus, this statistic essentially forms a centerpiece around which related golf participation factors can be discussed, thereby enriching the content and the readers’ understanding of the subject.

In Canada, 5.7 million people play golf annually.

Illuminating the vast expanse of Canada’s golfing landscape, our numerical spotlight reveals a staggering 5.7 million individuals engaging in the sport annually. In a blog centered around Golf Participation Statistics, such a figure isn’t just a mere digit, but a testament to the immense popularity and widespread acceptance of golf in the Canadian culture. This reverberates the immense potential for stakeholders within the industry such as sponsors, market strategists, equipment suppliers, and training institutions who thrive on these participation numbers. Furthermore, it sets a firm grounding for professionals and enthusiasts alike, to appreciate and evaluate the driving elements of participation, consequently envisioning the evolving face of golf in Canada.

An estimated 3.7% of Asian populations in the US participated in golf as of 2019.

Slicing through the greens of data, the intriguing tidbit that 3.7% of the Asian population in the US participated in golf as of 2019 stands as a significant piece of the puzzle. Such a figure serves as a beacon, shedding light on golf participation rates among diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, and gives an inclusive perspective. This is an interesting gauge, as it not only informs marketing strategies for the golf industry to potentially tap into a broader demographic but also provides insight into cultural trends and sporting preferences within the Asian community. Through this golf participation statistic, we’re able to monitor demographic shifts in the sport over time in our multicultural society.

Twenty-five percent of golf participants in 2019 were female.

Peering through the lens of diversity and inclusion within the realm of golf, the statistic emphasized that in 2019, females constituted one-fourth of the golf participants. This pivotal detail cultivates a profound understanding of the gradual evolution in the traditionally male-dominated sport, and the expanding place of women therein. It serves as a meaningful barometer to gauge the effective inclusion efforts made in this sector, and it may stimulate ongoing conversations about future strategies to promote equal and increased participation among both genders in golf. Hence, it presents an intriguing angle for our analysis of golf participation, while also enabling us to track the sport’s trajectory towards equality and inclusivity.

In New Zealand, 7.3% of adults participated in golf in 2020, making it the 6th most popular sport and recreation activity.

Emphasizing golf’s firm foothold in New Zealand’s sports culture, the fact that 7.3% of adults engaged in the sport in 2020, ranking as the 6th most popular recreational activity, paves the way for a robust discussion. In the sphere of Golf Participation Statistics, this presents a testament to the sport’s enduring presence and its appealing charm that engages a significant portion of the population. The statistic not only underlines the sport’s popularity, but it also provides potential insights into understanding demographics, attitudes, trends and the potential for growth in New Zealand’s golfing realm.

In 2019, Africa had a total of over 38 thousand registered golfers.

Highlighting the 38 thousand registered golfers in Africa in 2019 showcases an intriguing aspect of global golf participation and trend. This figure not only underscores Africa’s growing interest and engagement in golf but also suggests untapped potential for the sport’s future development and expansion on the continent. Such a statistic, when weaved into a blog post on golf participation, enhances the readers’ understanding of the worldwide golf demographic — a testament to golf’s truly global reach and the dynamic nature of its growth across different geographical boundaries.

The age group between 30 and 39 years had the highest number of golf participants in the UK in 2016, at around 679,300 people.

In threads of our narrative around golf participation statistics, the observation that the age group between 30 and 39 years boasted the highest number of golfers in the UK in 2016, accounting for roughly 679,300 individuals, serves as the keynote. This datum not only mirrors the torchbearers of the sport during that period, but also underpins the potential target market for golf-related businesses and events. This critical piece of information also offers insights into the age demographic predominantly engaging in golf, assisting in tailoring strategies for golf-promotion and developments in this region.

About 15% of the Netherlands population aged 18 years or older played golf in 2019.

Highlighting the fact that about 15% of the adult population in the Netherlands participated in golf in 2019 serves as a pivotal touchstone in our discussion around Golf Participation Statistics. This impressive figure underscores the widespread popularity and traction that golf continues to gain in the country, making the Netherlands an interesting case for examining the global growth trends of the sport. Moreover, these data weave a narrative about the demographic shift in golf engagements, hinting at the broader social dynamics that may shape the future direction of the game. The figure accentuates the importance of drilling deeper into such participation rates in order to develop a more nuanced understanding of the sport’s appeal, its reach among different age groups, and its potential path in the onwards years.

In Scotland, the country where golf originated, around 212,000 adults are golf club members.

Highlighting the figure of 212,000 adult golf club members in Scotland, the birthplace of golf, lends a remarkable testament to the lingering traction and popularity of the sport in its homeland. Demonstrating this figure in a blog post centered around Golf Participation Statistics offers an intriguing historical reference point that underscores the sustained and enduring appeal of the sport. It also sets a captivating groundwork for comparison with global participation trends, making the analysis of golf’s growth and popularity even more interesting and contextual for readers.

In Japan, there were nearly 6.5 million golf participants in 2016.

Spotlighting the figure of nearly 6.5 million golf participants in Japan in 2016 paints an impressive backdrop of the overwhelming popularity and large-scale involvement in the sport within the country. In a blog post exploring golf participation statistics, this number integrates a compelling insight, lending perspective on global engagement in golf, clarifying Japan’s position amongst top nations in the golfing world, and providing a reference point for comparing participation rates. This data not only reinforces the universality of golf but also draws attention to the potential market for golf-related businesses and the opportunities for growth and expansion in the Japanese golf industry.

Youth participation in golf, defined as on-course play by golfers age 6-17 in the US, stood at 2.5 million in 2019.

Highlighting that “Youth participation in golf, defined as on-course play by golfers age 6-17 in the US, stood at 2.5 million in 2019” serves as a clear indicator of the emerging trends in golfing. The robust thrust of young blood in this sporting arena not only points to the sustained future of the sport but also provides cues to potential areas of focus such as junior equipment, youth golfing programs, and the shifts needed in marketing strategies. This lively mélange of young golfers paints a promising picture, full of vigor and dynamism, for golf as a cultural pastime and competitive sport.

In the US, overall participation in golf (on- and off-course combined) grew to over 36 million players in 2020.

Highlighting the statistic reveals an intriguing upward trend in the popularity and acceptance of golf, an observation that speaks volumes within the context of our Golf Participation Statistics blog post. The surge to over 36 million players in 2020 is an affirmation of golf’s enduring allure in the US, signaling vested public interest and increased market potential. This pivotal figure serves as a draw for potential investors and businesses in the golf industry while also encouraging the sport’s enthusiasts about its future. Not only does it shape viewers’ understanding of golf as a sport, but it also sets the pace for further exploration of underlying factors that led to this record high participation.

Approximately 11.8% of South Korean adults participated in golf in 2019.

Painting a vivid portrait of golf’s popularity, the figure of nearly 11.8% of South Korean adults swinging their clubs in 2019 reflects the sport’s strong traction in the East Asian nation. The statistic is more than a mere number; it highlights golf’s burgeoning appeal and emergence as a favored pastime among mature individuals, implicating a rising trend with potential marketing and investment opportunities within the golf industry. Intriguingly, it underscores the increasing importance of South Korea as a key player on the global golf stage implying a shift in the demographics of golf enthusiasts. For anyone keen on understanding the landscape of global golf participation, this percentage underscores South Korea’s prominence in the narrative.

The number of registered golfers in Germany as of 2020 is nearly 651,417.

Unveiling a captivating saga in the realm of golf, the 2020 census highlighting over 651,417 registered golfers in Germany paints a vivid image of golf’s soaring popularity in the country. In the narrative of Golf Participation Statistics, this figure provides a strong testament to the sport’s growing audience, potentially attracting investment and imperatively shaping strategic decisions. Whether from golf equipment manufacturers seeking prospective markets, course developers eyeing growth areas, or tournament organizers scouting promising locales, this statistic draws a robust roadmap. It also signifies the rising trend of golf’s popularity in non-traditional regions, attesting to the sport’s global appeal and impact.

In Spain, golf participation has risen by nearly 20% over the last 5 years.

Highlighting the surprising surge of golf participation in Spain over the past five years underscores the dynamic nature of the sport’s popularity and its expansion in traditionally non-dominant golf regions. The 20% surge not only indicates an increasing popularity of the sport but also signals potential avenues for market expansion, infrastructural investments in golf courses, and opportunities for golf-related businesses in Spain. In a census of golfer numbers, this statistic gives a valuable angle, illuminating a developing golf culture outside the traditional hotspots and changing trends that could shape the landscape of golf sports and industry in the coming years.

More than 5.5 million Canadian women and men golf at least once a year.

Illuminating the fairways of golf participation in Canada, the noteworthy statistic of over 5.5 million citizen’s annual engagement paints a vibrant panorama of the sport’s widespread embrace. This significant figure not only underscores the sport’s ubiquity across gender lines but also highlights the potential magnitude of its socio-economic impact, exemplified in consumer purchasing patterns, golf course revenues, and sports-related tourism. Consequently, understanding this captivating figure is a key driver behind dissecting the multi-faceted narrative of golf participation statistics, its growth trends, demographic insights, and its future prospects in the Canadian sports landscape.

In 2019, 56% of the total golf rounds played in the US were by golfers aged 50 and above.

Unveiling a significant trend in the realm of golf, the statistic brings to light an intriguing age-centric dynamic shaping the game’s demographics. In 2019, golfers aged 50 and above accounted for 56% of the total golf rounds played in the US, a detail that cannot be overlooked. This notable tilt towards an older player base underscores the sport’s appeal among this age group, simultaneously highlighting a potential gap in engagement with younger demographics. For businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders in the golf industry, this insight becomes a cornerstone for informed decision making – guiding marketing strategies, amenity development, and initiatives designed to either better serve this dominant demographic or engage more effectively with untapped youth golfers.

Conclusion

The comprehensive examination of golf participation statistics underscores a dynamic and evolving relationship between golfers and the sport. The fluctuating numbers reflect various factors such as gender demographics, economic conditions, and the game’s popularity in different geographies. While the figures highlight a consistent core of ardent players, it also suggests potential growth areas, especially in promoting youth and female participation. To ensure golf’s sustainability and growth, strategies need to focus on capitalizing on these emerging trends while maintaining the sport’s inherent appeal to its loyal player base.

References

0. – https://www.www.ngf.org

1. – https://www.golfcanada.ca

2. – https://www.sportnz.org.nz

3. – https://www.www.golf.nl

4. – https://www.www.statista.com

5. – https://www.www.leadingcourses.com

6. – https://www.www.golflink.com

FAQs

What is the percentage of golf participation among adults in the United States?

According to the National Golf Foundation, 9.9% of the U.S. population aged 18 and older played at least one round of golf in 2020.

Are men or women more likely to participate in golf?

Although golf is enjoyed by both men and women, it is more popular among men. According to recent statistics, approximately 76% of all golfers in the United States are male.

Is golf a popular sport among the youth?

Yes, golf is gaining popularity among the youth. The National Golf Foundation data reveals that juniors (ages 6-17) accounted for approximately 17% of all golfers in the US in 2020.

Has golf participation increased or decreased over the past decade?

Golf participation has seen some ups and downs over the past decade. After a period of decline, the sport has seen a resurgence in recent years. The total number of golf participants in the U.S. increased by about 2 million from 2019 to 2020.

How often do golfers typically play?

The frequency of play can vary widely among golfers. According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2020, the average number of rounds per golfer was 19.7.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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