While many believe the stereotype about golf being a sport for insanely rich people, recent golf industry statistics indicate that this couldn’t be further from reality. Although golf originated in the 15th century, it still attracts people worldwide. This is especially true now, when isolation and social distancing seem to motivate a lot of people to take on golf as a hobby.
So, let’s find out more about this industry, its trends, news, as well as the people inside it!
Top Ten Golf Industry Statistics to Know in 2021
- Golf was officially invented as a sport in 15th century Scotland.
- The title of the best golfer belongs to Jack Nicklaus.
- There were 3 million new golf players in 2020, according to golf industry stats.
- The first female golf club was founded in 1867.
- The number of female juniors jumped from 15% in 2000 to 34% in 2020.
- As of 2018, the global golf course industry includes 209 countries.
- In June 2020, golfers played 7–8 million rounds more than in June 2019.
- The average US golfer is a 54-year-old male.
- In the US, around two million jobs are created by the golf industry.
- South and North America together account for 50% of all golf courses.
General Golf Industry Statistics
Before we move on to more specific stats, let’s take a look at some general facts and numbers about golf and golfers on courses around the world.
1. As of 2018, the global golf course industry includes 209 countries.
(National Golf Foundation)
More specifically, the latest data tells us there are 38,864 golf courses worldwide. However, the sport isn’t popular everywhere, at least not for now. Golf hasn’t reached glory yet in 16% of the countries in the world. In the remaining 84% of them, there’s at least one golf course.
2. According to golf industry facts, the title of the best golfer belongs to Jack Nicklaus.
(Golf News) (Golf News Net)
Nicklaus, a.k.a. The Golden Bear has won 18 Major Championships, is among the first people in the Golf Hall of Fame (1974), and the first one to win around $2 million in golf prizes. Before retiring from golf, he went on to write books and start a company that produces gold equipment.
For many, however, Tiger Woods may easily be the logical choice. He’s won 41 European tours and 82 PGA tours in total. He’s also very rich, famous and has been receiving quite a bit of media attention for years. But, sources reveal that most of his money comes from advertising.
3. Statistics for the golf course industry reveal that South and North America together account for 50% of all courses.
(National Golf Foundation)
With 16,500 courses at about 14,500 facilities, America alone holds 43% of all courses. These numbers make it the world’s best-supplied golf course market. Europe comes in second on the regional-share list with 23%, followed by Asia with 16%, as golf course industry statistics show.
4. Golf was officially invented as a sport in 15th century Scotland.
(Historic UK)
Interestingly, golf was banned on multiple occasions because Scottish people frequently played it out in the streets, which was creating problems. They were so enthused about the game that it interfered with their military training, which is what led to it being banned in 1457.
This view changed several decades later, thanks to King James IV of Scotland. In 1502, he became the first monarch to play this game. His royal approval then contributed to golf being introduced to different parts of Europe.
5. Golf course industry trends are becoming geographically more inclusive: there’s even a golf course in Antarctica.
(Golfshake)
Many golfers would travel to the farthest corners of the planet for a truly memorable round of golf. Even to mind-boggling places where nobody would ever expect to see a game of golf, like areas dominated by ice and cold, or which can only be accessed by helicopters.
Among the strangest courses are extremely hot areas like California’s Furnace Creek, safari resorts, volcano sites, prison grounds, and (the vicinity of) minefields! Speaking of unordinary, France has a course with a natural—and a naturist setting. The only one of its kind in the world.
6. The first female golf club was founded in 1867.
(Panther Run Golf)
Gender-wise, golf industry demographics indicate that women are underrepresented in this sport. They’re also rarely treated or paid the same as male golfers. Though golf was officially created in the 15th century, it wasn’t until 1811 that the first round of women’s golf took place.
US Golf Industry Statistics
We’ve seen how golf works globally, and now we’re taking a closer look at American golf. No, it’s not a specific kind of golf, but the sport seems to be so big in the US that it’s only fair to give this topic more attention.
7. In the US, around two million jobs are created by the golf industry, as statistics reveal.
(We Are Golf)
The golf industry in America is so great that it surpasses both the motion picture and the performing arts industries. It includes some 15,000 facilities and is worth approximately $84.1 billion.
8. In 2020, 101 million Americans engaged in golf-related activities.
(National Golf Foundation)
This means that one out of three US citizens either played golf (professionally or as a form of recreation), watched tournaments, or read the latest golf industry news regularly. Additionally, almost 37 million Americans aged six or older played the sport (on and off course).
9. Golf course industry statistics indicate that compared to 2019, there were 20 million fewer rounds played in March and April 2020…
(Golf)
The coronavirus pandemic shook the entire global economy, and countless industries suffered a major blow. Recent statistics indicate that there was a flabbergasting 42.2% drop in the number of rounds played in April 2020 compared to April 2019 due to tournament cancellations.
10. … while in June 2020, golfers played 7–8 million rounds more than in June 2019.
(Golf)
Golf industry statistics’ year-over-year comparison shows that May and June 2020 witnessed a significant increase compared to the same months in 2019—6.2% and 14%, respectively. Moreover, the industry earned cca. $400 million more despite the pandemic.
11. The average US golfer is a 54-year-old male.
(River’s Edge)
Since 77% of US golfers are male, this information doesn’t seem surprising. Furthermore, although golf industry demographics clearly reflect a rise in the number of younger participants, senior citizens remain the most common golfers.
12. There were 3 million new golf players in 2020, according to recent golf industry stats.
(National Golf Foundation)
This was an all-time record. During the previous seven years, the number of new players remained above 2 million. While this is great news for the golf industry, it still needs to ensure their engagement continues in the future.
13. The number of female juniors jumped from 15% in 2000 to 34% in 2020.
(National Golf Foundation)
Golf industry growth is also reflected in the number of female players and participants. Last year, there were around 3.1 million junior golfers, over a million of whom were girls. However, golf is still a long way from providing all its players with the same opportunities.
14. Trends in the golf industry show a 35% decrease in golf-related travel.
(Golf)
This is, of course, a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak and the restrictions it imposed on travelers. A great number of people decided to keep playing on courses within driving range or in their own backyards, rather than to travel and risk exposure to the virus.
Statistics About Global Golf Industry Trends
Now that we know more about how things inside the golf industry work and who its players are, let’s learn more about the latest trends among professionals and golf enthusiasts.
15. Recent data on popular Google searches show a 20% rise in searches related to golf clubs and golf balls.
(Golf) (National Golf Foundation)
Stats on golf industry sales show that, before the coronavirus outbreak, approximately 37% of golf players in America purchased their equipment online. Furthermore, almost 6 out of every 10 golfers turned to e-commerce giants like Amazon to find the necessary merchandise.
However, the pandemic changed a lot in the world of golf. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the previously mentioned increase in the Google-search rate is actually higher than it was in the preceding five years.
16. In 2018, the global golf equipment industry was worth $6.51 billion.
(Grand View Research)
According to golf equipment industry statistics, its sales are expected to maintain their boost at a 2.2% CAGR by 2025. Compared to golf balls, gear, and footwear, golf club sales made up the largest share of the industry’s size—45%.
Product innovations and significant marketing investments and activities to reach a new customer base have a crucial impact on the market. They attract new customers, who need new or upgraded equipment.
17. Judging by current golf equipment industry trends, golf club sales will likely increase by 2.5% by 2027.
(Grand View Research)
Globally, the golf club market was worth an incredible $3.66 billion two years ago. The market growth is primarily triggered by the growing popularity and adoption of golf as an active sport.
Moreover, numerous resorts and hotels are incorporating sporting activities into their offer, golf being one of them. Including miniature golf courses to increase the inflow of patrons and endorsing the sport as a healthy leisure activity is contributing to the rising sales of golf clubs.
18. Golf apparel industry statistics forecast a $1.12 billion growth by 2025.
(GlobeNewswire)
The sales of clothes, footwear, and different accessories are expected to witness a significant boost in the next four years. The industry’s growth will reach a 5% CAGR and will most likely be driven by the growing number of golf enthusiasts and pros, as well as new product launches.
FAQ
How much is the golf industry worth?
The golf industry in the States is roughly worth $84 billion. According to a 2019 report, around 36% of the US population is involved with the golf industry one way or another. It’s also estimated that there are 24 million golfers who play on courses around the States.
(Forbes) (National Golf Foundation)
Is the golf industry growing?
Golf is one of the rare sports which witnessed a rise in the number of players and rounds played during the coronavirus pandemic. This is mostly because it’s an outdoor sport. It allows participants to maintain physical distance and demands very little close communication, if any.
Let’s not forget to mention that due to last year’s increase in popularity, the golf industry in the States earned approximately $400 million more than in 2019.
(Golf) (Golf Digest)
Is the number of golfers increasing?
Data tells us that last year in America, there were half a million more golfers in total compared to 2019. Furthermore, the US golf industry had 3 million new golf players in 2020.
(National Golf Foundation) (Golf Digest)
Conclusion
Despite the popular belief that this is a sport strictly reserved for the wealthy or for certain age groups, the given golf industry statistics prove this isn’t true.
So, are you a passionate golfer or aspiring to become a pro one day? You’ve got your own predictions about what golf industry statistics will show in 2021? Share them with us in the comment section below!
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