Golf continues to grow in popularity across the globe, with participation hitting a new milestone in 2024. According to the latest R&A Global Golf Participation Report, 108 million people are now playing golf outside the USA and Mexico – a rise of nearly three million since 2023. This growth spans both traditional and emerging formats of the sport and highlights the game’s expanding accessibility and appeal.
A key driver of this surge is the evolution of golf formats. While 9- and 18-hole golf remains central – with over 43.3 million golfers playing on full-length courses – non-traditional formats such as pitch and putt, golf simulators, and adventure golf are playing a major role in attracting new audiences. Flexible, gamified experiences are helping the sport reach families, juniors, and those without access to full courses.
Adult participation rose by 3% over the past year, as did junior participation, reflecting a healthy pipeline for the sport’s future. The growing appeal among younger players is credited in part to increased exposure in schools and media, along with more inclusive pathways into the game.
One of the most notable trends is the rising representation of women in golf. Several countries are showing strong female participation rates, with Germany leading at 33% of adult registered golfers being women, followed by the Netherlands (30%), and Denmark and Vietnam (26% each).
This growing presence of women in the sport is supported by targeted efforts from national federations and clubs offering female-friendly programs and events. Furthermore, survey data from The R&A Golf Barometer reveals that in core markets like Australia and Great Britain & Ireland, over 25% of total adult golf participants now identify as women – underscoring a shift toward a more balanced and inclusive golfing community.
Looking ahead, The R&A emphasises the importance of nurturing both new and returning players through accessible entry points and sustained engagement. The sport’s governing bodies continue to invest in data-led development initiatives to ensure golf remains open to people of all backgrounds, ages, and skill levels.
With its mix of tradition and innovation, golf is well-positioned to build on this momentum, further broadening its reach while staying true to the core values that make it a unique and enduring global sport.
Download the report here.
