Learn a little more about the game through some numbers, including average age of players, scoring averages, and more. Discover who the average golfer in the United States is and other relevant golf demographics.
The numbers
According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 25 million people played golf on a golf course in the United States in 2020. That’s around 8 percent of the total population of the U.S. which is a pretty large number all things considered. Here is some additional demographic information about these 25 million American golfers who played on a course in 2020:
- Around 77 percent are male, leaving female golfers to make up only a little more than 22 percent
- A little over 3 million of these people are junior golfers
- 3 million of these people are new golfers, playing on a golf course for the first time (a record-breaking number of amateur golfers)
- Almost 6 million playing are young people, the age group of 18-34 year olds
Younger players are slowly starting to grow within the sport, but they have yet to overtake the older demographic on the course. However, they make up a huge percentage of golf participation in off-course facilities such as, indoor golf simulators, driving ranges, and golf entertainment areas. While in recent years the popularity of golf among younger people has grown, the majority of players are still of an older age. The median age of a golfer in the U.S. is 54, continuing to draw in an older crowd.
A standard drive for a tour pro is 291 yards, while the average golfer comes in at 235 yards.
For most golfers, their favorite golf major to watch on television is the Masters, with the U.S. Open, the British Open, and the PGA Championship following in popularity. Popular golf news sites that many golfers enjoy are Golf Channel, Golf Business News, and Golf Digest.
The Pros
The demographics for pro golf players are very different from the general population. There are approximately 7,000 professional golf players currently employed in the United States, with 92% of them being men, and 8% being women.. Although there is a large disparity in the gender demographics for pros, professional women players earned 98% of what men did in 2022, a significant amount better than the average for other professional sports.
Although the game may seem very different, the rules are fairly similar as professional players also play on 18-hole courses, with the only difference being that the game is in a golf tournament format. For example, the PGA tour consists of four rounds played over 18 holes each, with a new course every time. Tour events and massive media coverage including the popular golf channel, creates a massive economic impact across the tournament locations.
According to the United States Golf Association, $250 million dollars are generated in local economic impact by USGA championships. This creates major opportunities not only playing, but also surrounding golf. Seeing the world-class skill level excites new and experienced players alike, creating a visible increase in the number of players who love golf.
Cutting loose
Professionals only make up a small part of the player population, most players look to sit back and enjoy a casual game of golf.
A surprising statistic is that nearly 67 percent of people do not drink while they play golf and 22 percent of people enjoy a modest 1-2 drinks while playing golf. Having a beer or two while playing a game of golf can help relax you and your game.
Some golfers are most content when they’re enjoying a round with a buddy or shooting a career low score. A majority of golfers are the happiest on the course when they feel that they’re hitting well, despite whether they’re scoring well or not. It’s about the love of the game, not the score, and how good they feel when they’re playing. Truly enjoying the game for what it is, is the healthiest way to play.
Most players aren’t professional golfers, they’re individuals enjoying the sport, whether they’re playing with a group of friends, co-workers, or family members. Golf isn’t a competition for most players, it’s a chance to get out and enjoy a game, work on your technique, and enjoy some company.
Take Away
These statistics from the past year represent an older male demographic, but the golf industry is changing. The number of new golfers including younger players and female players is on the rise. And the way the sport is played is changing. 90 percent of golf participants use the internet and feel that modern equipment is helping to improve their game. Whether you fit into these demographics or not, golf is still a great sport to get into. And one of the most beautiful 18-hole courses to kick off your first tee is here at River’s Edge – named a Golf Digest “Best Places to Play.” Book a tee time if you’re in the Bend area help change the numbers in your favor.