Golf is one of the world’s most popular sports, and boasts a passionate global fan base. But how many people actually play golf around the world? From professional players to amateur enthusiasts, this game draws in millions of devotees from every corner of the globe. In this blog post, we’ll explore just how many golfers there are in our modern society – and take a look at some numbers that might surprise you! So grab your clubs and let’s tee off – it’s time to find out more about golfing participation rates across the planet.
How Many Golf Players In The World?
Golf is a popular sport and there are an estimated 60 million golfers worldwide. The majority of golfers are amateurs, with about 25 million playing in the United States alone. Professional golfers make up a small portion of all golfers, but they have a huge impact on the game. With some of the biggest names in sports belonging to this group, it’s no surprise that their influence has been far-reaching.
Many countries around the world have embraced the sport and seen significant growth in recent years as more people pick up clubs. In Europe, participation in golf increased by 6% between 2013 and 2018 while Asia saw an 11% increase in participation over the same time period. This surge has led to an overall increase in the number of golfers worldwide, with estimates ranging from 50 million to around 70 million.
Whatever the exact figure, it’s clear that golf is a popular pastime for many people around the world and continues to attract new players each year. The combination of its accessibility and challenge means that golf has something for everyone, making it one of the most beloved sports on Earth. Golfers come in all shapes sizes, ages and ethnicities, proving just how diverse this game can be.

No matter who you are or where you come from, anyone can enjoy a round of golf! With the increasing popularity of golf, it’s no surprise that the number of players continues to grow. Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced enthusiast, it’s never been easier to get involved in this amazing sport. So why not grab your clubs and give it a go? Who knows, you might even join the millions of people all over the world who love playing golf!
It goes without saying that golf is one of the most popular sports on the planet. With so many people enjoying its classic challenge and accessible nature, it’s easy to see why it appeals to so many different audiences. The exact figure may be debatable but ultimately there’s no denying how many avid golfers are out there today – and the number is growing.
Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 60 million golfers actively playing across the globe, with a further 80 million people claiming to be lifelong fans of the sport. This means that in total, approximately 140 million people have some kind of connection or interest in golf. That’s an incredible amount and goes to show why it has produced some of the biggest athletes on earth!
How many pro golfers are there in the world?
The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) is the largest association of professional golfers in the world, with over 8,000 members. This includes players from 80 countries across the globe, making it a truly international organisation. As such, these 8,000 PGA Members represent some of the best talent in professional golf from around the world.
The PGA also partners with one of the most prestigious events on the world’s golfing stage – The Ryder Cup. So when you consider just how many pro golfers there are in the world, it’s clear that this small selection is only a tiny fraction of those who take to greens worldwide every day.
With so many passionate and dedicated golfers out there, it’s not surprising that competitive tournaments and prestigious international events remain popular, even in the modern age. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just looking to develop your skills, there are plenty of opportunities for golfers from all over the world. So why not reach out and join this huge family by becoming a PGA Member! You never know what exciting challenges await.
From amateur tournaments to professional circuits and beyond, the PGA provides an inclusive platform for golfers of all levels to compete and hone their skills. The association is committed to growing its worldwide membership base and nurturing support for sport across every continent. With such vast numbers it’s no wonder that pro golfers continue to be some of the most recognizable athletes on the planet – inspiring millions of fans around the globe.
The PGA is proud to represent this rapidly growing sport and provide unrivaled opportunities for aspiring golfers. From leisurely day trips to competitive tournaments, the association prides itself on offering something for everyone. Whether you’re new to golf or an experienced player, the PGA can help you reach your goals.
With so much potential in this ever-expanding game, it’s no surprise that pro golfers remain a top priority for the PGA. By joining our global network of members, you can hone your skills and take your game to the next level – with support from some of the best coaches in the business.
How many golf players are in Europe?
According to the latest figures, there are approximately 14.3 million golf players in Europe. This represents a 5% increase since 2017 and Europe is now the world’s second-largest golf market after North America. The majority of European golfers (53%) reside in Germany, followed by the United Kingdom (15%), Italy (9%), France (7%), and Spain (5%).
While most of these countries have experienced growth in the number of golfers, there has been a decrease in countries such as Russia (-12%), Sweden (-8%), Denmark (-4%) and Austria (-2%). Although this decrease is relatively small compared to other continents, it does show that certain regions within Europe are seeing less participation in the sport.
In Europe, an estimated 4.6 million people are active golfers who play at least one round of golf per year. This is a significant increase from 2017 when the number was 4.2 million. The total number of European golf players is expected to continue to grow in the coming years due to improved access and availability of courses across the continent as well as positive economic indicators that show increased disposable income for citizens. Additionally, new technology such as GPS-equipped golf carts have made it easier and more enjoyable to play the sport, attracting new players to the game.
Overall, Europe has seen steady growth in its golfing population over recent years with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With nearly 5 million active players, Europe continues to be one of the main hubs for golfing enthusiasts and has become a major player in the global golf market. From country clubs and luxury resorts to public courses, Europe offers an endless array of options for players of all levels. With its stunning natural landscapes, cutting-edge technology, and welcoming culture, Europe is the perfect destination for any golfer looking to take their game to the next level.
Which country plays the most golf?
According to the World Golf Foundation, Japan has the most golfers relative to its population size. As of 2019, there were 24 million registered golfers in Japan. That’s nearly 10% of the entire Japanese population! The United States is a close second with 23 million golfers or about 8% of their population. South Korea rounds out the top three countries for golf participation with 11 million players, or almost 18% of their population.
It appears that Asian countries have embraced this sport more than any other region in the world. This could be attributed to popular cultural events like the annual Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship and corporate sponsorships from major brands such as Samsung and Mitsubishi Electric. These events and sponsorships have helped bring awareness to the sport and make it more accessible to Asian golfers.
The popularity of golf in Japan is also helped by the fact that there are over 2,000 courses available for play. This number is expected to increase due to the government’s recent initiatives aimed at encouraging more people to pick up the game. Japanese citizens are also known for their dedication to the sport, often spending long hours perfecting their technique on driving ranges and practice facilities.
Overall, it’s clear that Asia has embraced golf as a popular leisure activity, with Japan leading the way in terms of participation rates. With more and more corporate sponsorships coming into play, expect this trend to continue well into the future!
Which country has the best golfers?
It is difficult to say definitively which country has the best golfers, as there are many countries with incredibly talented players. However, some of the top contenders for this title include the United States, Australia, South Africa, and Great Britain.
The United States boasts a long tradition of successful professional golfers, from Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus in the 1960s to Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth today. Australia’s golfing legacy includes Greg Norman and Adam Scott. South Africa can boast Gary Player and Ernie Els as two of its all-time greats.
And Britain has seen several major wins by Rory McIlroy over the years. Ultimately, it is impossible to pinpoint one single country as having the ‘best’ golfers—it is a matter of opinion. However, when it comes to international success and the number of major championships won in recent years, these four countries stand out as having an impressive record.

For amateur golfers, the same countries can be considered some of the best in terms of player development and training. All four have dedicated academies which provide top-notch instruction to aspiring players, while also offering elite competition opportunities.
These academies are extremely beneficial for those hoping to progress their game and perhaps even make a career out of golf. In addition, each country has numerous world-class courses where amateur players can test their skills against the pros.
The bottom line is that there is no single ‘best’ country when it comes to golf—instead, each country brings something special to the table. Whether you’re looking for a place to hone your skills, or just enjoy some vacation golfing, each of these four countries has plenty to offer. So pick one and get swinging!
What percentage of men play golf?
According to data from the National Golf Foundation (NGF), in 2014, 93.79% of golf professionals were male and 6.21% were female. This percentage slightly increased over the next three years with 93.93% of those employed as golf professionals being male and 6.07% being female in 2015, 93.30% being male and 6.70% being female in 2016, and then finally 93.48% being male and 6.52% being female in 2017.
These figures suggest that men are still dominating the game of golf at a professional level despite improvements in recent years for gender parity on the course. The NGF also reported that during this same period, around 9 million women played golf at least once per year, which is roughly 24% of all golfers. This figure suggests that while there is still a significant gender gap in the game, more women are taking up golf than ever before.
Clearly, men dominate the professional level of play, but with increasing numbers of women enjoying golf as an amateur activity there is hope for progress towards greater inclusion and diversity in the sport.
To truly understand why there is such a disparity between men and women playing professionally, further research must be done to identify underlying factors at play such as accessibility to resources or cultural stereotypes associated with the game.
Until then, it’s important to continue supporting initiatives like the NGF’s Girls Golf program which encourages young girls to take up the game and compete on the same field as their male counterparts. With increased representation, we can move closer to equalizing the playing field for golfers of all genders.
Overall, year after year a vast majority of professional golfers are men. As seen in the table above, in 2014 93.79% of professional golfers were men and only 6.21% were women. In 2015 this percentage rose slightly with 93.93% men and 6.07% women while 2016 saw a slight dip with 93.30% men and 6.70% women according to data from the National Golf Foundation (NGF). The 2017 figures show that slightly more than 93 percent of professional golfers are still male – 93.48%, compared to just 6.52% female.
However, the numbers are slowly moving in the right direction with an increasing number of women taking up golf as a professional sport. With more women joining the ranks and an emphasis on increased representation, we can move closer to equalizing the playing field for golfers of all genders. This is an encouraging sign that could bring about meaningful change in terms of gender diversity both within and around the game.
In addition to increased representation, there are other steps that need to be taken in order to increase gender equity in golf such as raising awareness about Equal Pay for Equal Play initiatives through marketing campaigns or providing financial assistance for those looking to pursue a career in professional golf.
Percentage of golfers by age
Offers insight into the composition of the golfing population. The largest percentage of golfers, at 33%, are aged between 40 and 49 years old. This is followed closely by those aged between 30 and 39 at 30%. Golf participation declines sharply after age 50, with only 14% of golfers falling in this category. Furthermore, a mere 4% of all golfers are over 70 years old. It appears that golf participation reduces significantly with each decade past the age of 50.
The above data demonstrates that much of the golfing population lies within the middle-aged demographic. Therefore it is important for marketers to consider this group when developing marketing campaigns in order to achieve maximum reach within their target audience. Taking into account specific interests as well as age can help marketers ensure that their efforts are well-targeted and better enable them to interact with potential customers in a meaningful way.
By understanding the age makeup of golfers, businesses can create more tailored campaigns that will resonate with each respective demographic. Golf courses and other related businesses should focus on creating targeted marketing campaigns that cater specifically to the needs of each group to better engage with potential customers. Doing so will not only help drive sales but also foster long-term relationships between brands and their customers.

Furthermore, understanding the age breakdown of golfers is important for clubs and tournament organizers as it helps them plan tournaments accordingly by ensuring they have a balanced distribution of players across all different ages. This allows clubs to provide a great experience to golfers of all levels and ages and ensure that everyone enjoys the game regardless of their age.
The age breakdown of golfers also provides a unique opportunity for clubs and tournament organizers to offer specialized services that cater directly to different age groups. For example, they can host events specifically tailored towards seniors or junior players which could help drive more engagement with the sport and encourage people from different generations to participate in golf-related activities. It could also help clubs foster stronger relationships with their customers as it shows them that they are taking an active interest in providing services for different demographics.
Is golf losing popularity?
Recent surveys suggest that the answer is yes. Research conducted by the National Golf Foundation (NGF) reveals that golf participation has been steadily declining over the past two decades in North America. The NGF’s survey indicates that between 2000 and 2018, the total number of golfers fell from 30 million to 20 million, a 33% decrease in just 18 years.
The reasons for this decline are varied but many point to increasingly popular sports such as soccer and lacrosse which have gained considerable traction among young people. Furthermore, rising costs associated with playing golf may also be contributing to its declining popularity since it is considered an elitist sport. Additionally, time constraints due to busy lifestyles are also cited as a factor; many simply don’t have the time to commit to an 18-hole course.
Many traditional golf courses are struggling as a result of these trends, with some having to close down entirely. This is leading to a decrease in overall participation in the sport and threatens its long-term sustainability. To counter this decline, some organizations are taking proactive steps such as introducing new short formats for play, providing more affordable rates, and launching initiatives like “Golf 2.0″ that seek to make the sport more accessible and attractive for younger generations.
Conclusion
Overall, there is no doubt that golf is facing significant challenges in remaining popular among the general public in North America. Nevertheless, by implementing effective strategies such as those mentioned above, there may yet be hope for this beloved sport’s future. By providing more accessible, affordable options and engaging with the younger generation through initiatives like Golf 2.0, golf has a chance at restoring its popularity and fostering a new era of avid players across North America. Only time will tell if these efforts are enough to prevent the disappearance of golf from our public consciousness and save it from becoming a forgotten relic of the past.