Jun 9, 2025 - Sports
Golf's new look: Younger and more diverse
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More than half (57%) of on-course golfers are under the age of 50, according to data from the National Golf Foundation.
The big picture: Golf has become younger, "cooler" and more diverse this decade.
- On-course participation overall has spiked over the last seven years.
By the numbers: The number of junior golfers (ages 6–17) has risen 48% since 2019.
- More than 50 million Americans are engaged with golf today on social media at varying levels, with about 80% of them being non-golfers, per NGF.
Representation for women and girls and Asian, Black and Hispanic golfers is at all-time highs with participants being 28% female and 25% Asian, Black and Hispanic golfers.
- Fun fact: Basketball superstar Caitlin Clark uses golf to calm her mind.
State of play: Top Golf and tech-enabled driving ranges have also created new entry points to the sport.
- These accessible experiences have helped to build players' confidence to play on real courses.
The bottom line: Golf is attracting a whole new crowd.
