According to the National Golf Foundation’s most recent study on US golf participation patterns, interest in the sport is still rising at historic rates, and 2024 is predicted to see more than 500 million rounds of golf played in all 50 states for the fifth year in a row.
In 2023, 26.6 million golfers played on a course, while 18.4 million more played at a simulator-equipped location or at an entertainment establishment like Topgolf, according to the NGF.
With an estimated 6.3 million players, the 18–34 age group is currently the largest group of golfers on the course.
These growing numbers are sometimes attributed to the fact that younger players are playing golf in novel ways as a result of social media, new fashion trends, YouTubers, and other content producers inspiring a new generation of players.
Younger players have also visited the course in record numbers thanks to Topgolf and other simulator sites. 5.4 million individuals between the ages of 18 and 34 engaged in only off-course golf activities in 2023.
According to the NGF, 3.4 million people played golf for the first time in 2023, setting a new record. Seven million young people who do not currently play golf are “very interested” in picking up the sport.
The game is also becoming more popular among women. Women made up 26% of golfers on the course in 2023. In 2023, there were almost 7 million women and girls who played golf, the greatest number since 2006.
Another important element influencing involvement among 18- 34-year-olds is the accessibility of golf courses. Since younger players are more inclined to play at public facilities than private ones, the fact that 75% of US golf courses are open to the public is significant, according to the NGF.
