Much is discussed, or spun, about the game of golf, whether it is attracting new members, recapturing the magic of the Tiger Woods’ boom, renovations, Topgolf, twists on the game or a litany of other topics. Here are a few statistics to aid your discussions about the game.
Participation
23.8 million people played golf in 2016
- 3.7 million are fringe/unengaged players
- 11.3 million are casual/recreational players
- 8.8 million are avid golfers
Source: National Golf Foundation
Golfers by Age
Juniors ages 6-17: 2.9 million
Young adults ages 18-34: 6.2 million
Middle-aged ages 35-49: 6.0 million
Mature Adults ages 50-64: 5.5 million
Seniors ages 65 or more: 3.2 million
Source: National Golf Foundation
Demographics
Women Represent 24 percent of all golfers, totaling 5.8 million players.
Non-caucasians represent 19 percent of all golfers, totaling 4.6 million players.
Source: National Golf Foundation
Golf Leaders
3/4ths of golf executives anticipate revenue growth this year and 90 percent are confident that they will achieve the financial projections for which they have budgeted.
62% have increased investment this year and 76 percent expect to increase their investment in the near future.
Source: National Golf Foundation
Benefits of the Game
Health
Walking 18 holes is the equivalent of a 3.5-mile run or a 5-mile walk.
Up to 2,000 calories are burned in a full round of golf.
Source: WE ARE GOLF
Economy
2 million jobs are supported by golf
$55 billion in combined income for industry workers
Environment
2 million acres of green space created by golf
77% of courses have taken steps to conserve energy
Source: WE ARE GOLF