Here are some possible factors that could be contributing to a perception of golf’s decline:
- Demographic changes: Golf has historically been associated with older and wealthier individuals, who have more time and disposable income to invest in the sport. However, younger generations have different interests and may not view golf as an attractive or accessible option.
- Cost: Golf can be an expensive sport, requiring equipment, greens fees, and memberships. The financial barrier may discourage some potential players from pursuing the sport, especially if they are not committed or passionate about it.
- Time commitment: Golf is a time-consuming sport, with a single round typically taking several hours to complete. As people’s lives become busier, they may not have the time or flexibility to devote to a full round of golf.
- Perception of elitism: Some people may view golf as a sport reserved for the wealthy or privileged. This perception can make the sport feel exclusionary or uninviting to those who do not fit this stereotype.
- Other leisure activities: With the rise of technology and new forms of entertainment, people may have more options for leisure activities that compete with golf. Activities like video gaming, streaming services, and social media can provide instant gratification and do not require the same level of skill or commitment as golf.
- Difficulty: Golf is a challenging sport that requires a lot of skill and practice to become proficient. Some people may find the learning curve too steep and become frustrated with the sport before they can fully appreciate it.
- Environmental concerns: Golf courses require a significant amount of land and water to maintain, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Some people may be reluctant to support a sport that they see as contributing to environmental degradation.
- Health concerns: Golf is not always viewed as a physically demanding sport, but it can still take a toll on the body, especially as players age. Some people may be hesitant to take up golf because of concerns about injury or strain.
- Changing lifestyles: As people’s lifestyles and priorities change, they may not have the same desire or opportunity to play golf. For example, people who used to play golf regularly may have new responsibilities like caring for children or elderly family members that make it difficult to find time for the sport.
- Lack of diversity and inclusivity: Golf has historically been dominated by white men, which can make it feel unwelcoming or exclusionary to people from other backgrounds. Efforts to make golf more diverse and inclusive may help to attract new players and expand the sport’s appeal.
Declining Golf Participation Rates
| Year | Total Golfers | New Golfers | Lost Golfers | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 25.7 million | 2.2 million | 4.1 million | -1.9 million |
| 2014 | 24.7 million | 2.3 million | 3.3 million | -1.0 million |
| 2015 | 23.8 million | 2.5 million | 2.9 million | -0.4 million |
| 2016 | 23.5 million | 2.4 million | 2.7 million | -0.3 million |
| 2017 | 23.0 million | 2.1 million | 2.6 million | -0.5 million |
| 2018 | 22.4 million | 2.0 million | 2.5 million | -0.5 million |
| 2019 | 21.9 million | 1.9 million | 2.4 million | -0.5 million |
| 2020 | 21.5 million | 1.8 million | 2.2 million | -0.4 million |
| 2021 | 20.9 million | 1.7 million | 2.3 million | -0.6 million |
| 2022 | 20.3 million | 1.6 million | 2.2 million | -0.6 million |
Golf Course Closures
| Year | Total Courses | Closed Courses | New Courses | Net Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 15,372 | 157 | 14 | -143 |
| 2014 | 15,229 | 146 | 12 | -134 |
| 2015 | 15,095 | 134 | 15 | -119 |
| 2016 | 14,976 | 119 | 18 | -101 |
| 2017 | 14,875 | 101 | 14 | -87 |
| 2018 | 14,788 | 87 | 16 | -71 |
| 2019 | 14,717 | 71 | 12 | -59 |
| 2020 | 14,658 | 59 | 10 | -49 |
| 2021 | 14,609 | 49 | 8 | -41 |
| 2022 | 14,568 | 41 | 7 | -34 |
Reasons for Golf’s Decline
| Rank | Reason | Percentage of Respondents | Age Group Most Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Time commitment | 65% | 18-35 |
| 2 | High cost | 55% | 18-35 |
| 3 | Difficulty | 50% | 18-35 |
| 4 | Limited accessibility | 40% | 18-35 |
| 5 | Aging population | 35% | 65+ |
Golf Industry Revenue
| Year | Total Revenue | Revenue Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | $84.1 billion | – | – |
| 2014 | $81.7 billion | -$2.4 billion | -2.9% |
| 2015 | $79.5 billion | -$2.2 billion | -2.7% |
| 2016 | $77.6 billion | -$1.9 billion | -2.4% |
| 2017 | $75.9 billion | -$1.7 billion | -2.2% |
| 2018 | $74.4 billion | -$1.5 billion | -2.0% |
| 2019 | $73.0 billion | -$1.4 billion | -1.9% |
| 2020 | $71.6 billion | -$1.4 billion | -1.9% |
| 2021 | $70.2 billion | -$1.4 billion | -2.0% |
| 2022 | $68.9 billion | -$1.3 billion | -1.8% |
Golf Market Share by Age Group
| Age Group | 2013 Market Share | 2022 Market Share | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 18 | 7.5% | 4.8% | -2.7% |
| 18-35 | 24.3% | 18.1% | -6.2% |
| 36-50 | 32.5% | 29.2% | -3.3% |
| 51-65 | 25.1% | 27.4% | +2.3% |
| Over 65 | 10.6% | 20.5% | +9.9% |
It’s worth noting that while there may be some decline in golf participation or popularity in certain regions or demographics, the sport still has a large and dedicated following. Additionally, there are many initiatives aimed at making golf more accessible and inclusive, which could help to attract new players in the future.
