As the weather warms up and more of us look to spend our free time outdoors, it’s not surprising that many people are turning their attention towards golf. But just how many courses are there worldwide? It might surprise you to learn that experts estimate that the number of golf courses globally is as high as 33,000 across some 200 countries!
From championship-level public courses run by renowned professionals to small-town clubs with rustic charm, golf is an international game with a long history. In this blog post, we’ll explore some interesting facts about the vast range of golfing options spread across the globe – from oldest course contenders to most ingenious designs – and everything else in between. Buckle up; let’s hit those tee boxes!
How Many Golf Courses In The World?
A total of 38,864 golf courses are spread across the globe! The USA has the highest number of golf courses in the world with 16,752 while Japan follows closely behind with 3,169. Canada takes third place on the leaderboard with 2,633 and England rounds out the top four most heavily populated countries for golf courses with 2,270.
In terms of regions, North America dominates when it comes to having the most number of golf courses. 51% of all golf courses in the world are located here! This is mainly due to the sheer size of United States alone – 43% of all global golf courses are found there.
Looking at Europe as a whole, there are 12,642 golf courses. Germany and France top the list with 1,050 and 804 respectively. Sweden comes in third place with 662 while Scotland falls just behind it at 614 courses.
Golf has exploded in popularity in Asia, especially China which now has 599 courses! South Korea and Japan follow closely behind with 798 and 3,169 respectively. Thailand rounds out the top four most popular countries for golf courses in Asia with 315.

Finally, Australia is home to 1,616 golf courses making it a great destination for all you avid golfers out there who want to explore some of the world’s best courses! New Zealand follows closely behind with 418 while Argentina takes third spot on the list with 349 courses.
In total, there are 38,864 golf courses in the world today! The USA is home to 16,752 of them – that’s 43% of the world’s total! As for Europe, England comes in second place with 2,270 courses followed by Germany and France respec-tively.
In Asia, Japan is the leader with 3,169 courses while South Korea and China follow closely behind with 798 and 599 courses respectively. Treading close behind is Thailand with 315 courses.
The data on the number of golf courses in the world is truly fascinating. It shows that North America has 51% of the world’s total, making it a great destination for all you avid golfers out there who want to explore some of the best courses around! So whether you’re looking for a challenge or a relaxing game, make sure to check out these amazing countries and their vast amount of golf courses. With so many from which to choose, you’ll never be bored!
Which country has the most golf courses in the world?
The United States is the clear leader when it comes to golf courses, with over 16,000 across the nation. This number is more than five times higher than Japan, which is ranked second with 3,169 courses. With such an abundance of facilities available for avid golfers, it’s no wonder that the US has become a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a round or two.
In addition to its impressive course count, the US also offers a vast selection of quality courses that cater to all skill levels. From championship-level layouts to family-friendly par-3s, you can find just about any type of golfing experience you’re looking for in America. In fact, many PGA TOUR tournaments take place in different cities across the US, allowing golfers to witness some of the world’s best players in action.
The United States has become a top destination for golfers around the world, thanks to its incredible variety and quality of courses. With so many options available, it’s no surprise that America continues to lead the way when it comes to golf!
Furthermore, with such a high number of golf courses – 16,752 in total – Americans are never too far away from hitting the green. Courses can be found throughout the nation, giving locals and visitors alike plenty of opportunities to enjoy a game or two wherever they may be. From forest-lined fairways to stunning views on lakeside courses; there is something for everyone in America.
The United States also boasts the world’s most famous golf course, Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. This exclusive golf club has been the home of The Masters Tournament since 1934 and is one of the most popular courses in the world. It features pristine greens, challenging fairways and stunning scenery – making it a must-visit for any golfer.
It’s no surprise that America is the leader when it comes to golf courses. With so many quality sites across the country, there is something for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re visiting America on vacation or an avid golfer looking for a challenge; there’s no better place to tee off than right here in the US!
How much of the world is golf courses?
The answer may surprise you. Approximately 1.5 million hectares or 5,800 square miles of the world’s total landmass is covered by golf courses. This may seem insignificant when compared to the overall size of the Earth, however it is actually quite a significant amount of space – equivalent to the area of Wales and Scotland combined!
Golf courses account for roughly 0.016503835 % of habitable land on our planet. Even more remarkable is that much of this area has been designed and constructed specifically for golfing purposes in relatively recent history; most golf courses were built after World War II with many more being built still today.
It goes without saying that having such a large proportion of land dedicated to golf course is both a blessing and a burden. On one hand, it is a great way to increase global access to the sport while at the same time preserving natural resources like trees and other flora that can be used as part of the course. On the other hand, this level of use of land has naturally raised some questions about golf courses’ impact on local ecosystems, water usage, emissions levels and more.
These concerns have led researchers to investigate the sustainability of golf courses around the world. Studies have found that when managed properly, golf courses can actually be quite beneficial for wildlife and ecosystems – providing habitats for native species, reducing pollution levels through turf maintenance practices, conserving water in arid climates and more.
Though still controversial in some circles, many golf courses are now implementing strategies to reduce their environmental impact, such as utilizing naturalized areas, integrated pest management and other practices.

Overall, the total area of golf courses around the world is a relatively small proportion of habitable land on Earth. However, given the importance of sustainability in today’s society it is essential that those who manage these golf courses take active steps to ensure they are doing their part for conservation efforts. With ongoing research into best practices and an increasing interest in sustainable development, golf courses can become important contributors to local ecosystems and habitats around the world.
The number of golf courses worldwide continues to increase each year – with estimates suggesting there are currently more than 35,000 golf courses in over 150 countries – and as such, it is important to consider the impact of their presence.
Golf courses can create important habitats for wildlife and an increased variety of flora. Golf courses are also beneficial to local economies; they provide job opportunities and attract visitors, boosting tourism income. Additionally, golf courses often require substantial amounts of water – so efficient management practices must be put in place to ensure that water resources are not being over-exploited.
It is clear that golf courses have the potential to bring a great deal of benefit to both people and wildlife alike. However, it is essential that active steps are taken by all those involved with golf course design, construction and maintenance to ensure sustainability is at the heart of their operations. By taking action in this area, we can ensure that golf courses remain a key part of our planet’s ecosystems and continue to be a source of enjoyment for generations to come.
In conclusion, while it cannot be denied that golf courses do occupy a large amount of land on earth, when managed properly they can bring positive benefits to both people and wildlife alike. With the right sustainable practices in place, golf courses can play an important role in helping to protect our natural environment and ensure that the game continues to be enjoyed by future generations.
Do any countries not have a golf course?
Surprisingly, the answer is yes. There are a few countries that don’t have any golf courses: Syria, North Korea, and Yemen are three examples of such countries. These countries generally have political or religious reasons for not wanting to promote the game of golf within their borders.
For instance, in North Korea, golf is considered an elitist activity that would be viewed as an affront to the government’s principles. Similarly, in Yemen and Syria, golf courses are seen as too expensive and impractical when facing other pressing needs such as poverty, sickness and lack of access to clean water or education. In addition to these countries without traditional courses, there are also places where it is difficult or impossible to build a course due to terrain features like mountains or desert.
This can be seen in Ethiopia and Afghanistan, where there are few open spaces that could accommodate a golf course without significant modifications to the existing landscape. Ultimately, it appears that for the most part, any country is capable of having golf courses should they choose to do so. However, there are certainly political or religious reasons that prevent some countries from investing in them.
Golf seems to be an activity primarily associated with leisure, but many places around the world prioritize other needs before this type of recreation. Therefore, while it is possible to find some countries without traditional courses, others simply have different priorities when determining how resources will be allocated. In such cases, golf may take on lower priority status than other pursuits.
How many countries in the world have a golf course?
The answer is 206 of the 251 countries in the world have at least one golf course. This means that almost 25,000 golf facilities are open to public play around the world. Golf is a game which has grown in popularity over the years, and it seems like no matter where you go, it’s quite likely there will be at least one course for you to enjoy.
Golf courses come in all shapes and sizes, from large championship-level layouts to small pitch and putt courses that can be completed in just an hour or two. Depending on your level of skill and experience as a golfer, it may be necessary for you to research beforehand which courses are best suited to your ability before booking your next round.
The good news is that no matter where you are in the world, there’s likely to be a course close by. Out of all 251 countries recognized by the United Nations, 206 of them have at least one golf course available to play. From metropolitan centers like Tokyo and London to far-flung places like Kazakhstan and Oman, golfers will find courses ready for their enjoyment.
With so many courses around the world available for public play, it’s easy to see why golf has become such a popular game across different cultures. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just want something fun to do on the weekend, consider booking a round at one of the almost 25,000 golf courses open to the public around the world.
Golf is a global game that knows no borders and can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere. So get out there and have some fun on one of the many beautiful courses around the globe! Who knows, you may just discover your new favorite course!
The worldwide golf landscape is ever-changing and adapting to suit players’ needs and desires. Whether it’s building new courses or renovating existing ones, golfers are sure to find something that appeals to them in every corner of the world. From well-known coastal courses to hidden gems tucked away in mountain valleys, there’s something for everyone when it comes to golf.
Golf is a great way to experience new cultures and meet people from all walks of life. With so many countries having at least one golf course, the opportunities are endless. And with an estimated 25,000 worldwide golf facilities open to public play, there’s something for everyone! So grab your clubs and hit the links – you never know where it may take you!

No matter where you choose to tee off, golf is sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. From breathtaking views to new friendships, the possibilities are endless when you hit the green. And with 206 countries now playing host to at least one golf course, there’s plenty of places for players of all skill levels to find the perfect course.
If you’re looking for a unique challenge, try seeking out courses in faraway lands. From the British Isles to Central America, there’s something for everyone on an international golfing getaway. Or maybe you want to stay closer to home – either way, the number of global golf options is remarkable!
So when you feel like taking your game abroad, don’t be afraid to step into the unknown–the possibilities are endless! With so many countries now offering top-notch golf facilities and breathtaking views, it’s no wonder that more people than ever before are finding their way onto the green.
What ethnicity plays the most golf?
Studies have found that the biggest demographic playing golf is white people. According to a 2017 survey, 59% of those who played golf in the United States were Caucasian. This was followed by African Americans at 18%, Asians at 11%, and Hispanics at 10%. The study also found that 85% of golfers had incomes over $50,000 per year, which could be part of why whites are so well-represented in the sport. Additionally, golf courses often cater to wealthier communities where most residents would be white. Golf may not be as accessible or affordable for non-white populations due to cost and location factors.

Despite the lack of diversity among players, there are efforts being made to make golf more inclusive with programs such as The First Tee, which aims to provide access to the game for underserved youth in communities across the United States. Other initiatives are aiming to make golf more inclusive and diverse by providing resources for minorities such as golf clubs and equipment donations.
Overall, it is clear that white individuals represent the majority of players in golf. However, there are efforts being made to make the sport more accessible and inviting for all people regardless of ethnicity or income level. With these ongoing efforts, we can hope that golf will become a more diverse and inclusive sport in the future.
Conclusion
The exact total number of golf courses in the world is not known. However, estimates of around 50,000 golf courses globally have been suggested. The vast majority of these are located in the United States and Canada, with roughly 35,000 to 40,000 Golf Courses concentrated in North America alone.
Outside of North America, Europe has an estimated 8,500 golf courses making it the second-largest region for course numbers. The United Kingdom has just over 2,200 golf courses while Germany has 1,200 and France 350. Australia is believed to have nearly 600 courses while South Africa has approximately 500 courses and Asia an estimated 4,500 golf courses.
Interestingly the high concentration of Golf Courses in North America is largely due to the fact that many courses are actually public courses, open to the general public. In comparison, golf clubs in Europe tend to have a more exclusive membership base and limited access.
With so many Golf Courses across the world, it’s difficult to know exactly how many there really are. The numbers above are based on estimates from various sources and reflect only those courses that are regularly maintained and still in operation today. There could be thousands of other abandoned or closed down courses around the world that no longer factor into these estimates.