A look at the latest golf stats. How many people play golf in the U.S.?

Golf is growing fast. Over the last several years it has attracted more people than ever. And today “playing golf” can mean many things — a full round on a course, a quick driving range session, or even a simulator visit. Because of that, the number of people connected to the game has soared.

In the U.S., golf remains the largest market in the world. Recent statistics show how many Americans now enjoy golf in one form or another — on a green course, at a driving range, or through off-course experiences.

How many people play golf in the U.S.? (Latest golf stats)

1. In 2024, about 47.2 million Americans aged 6 or older played golf in some form, either on a course or off-course.
2. Of those, 28.1 million played on a course during the year.
3. The rest — roughly 19.1 million — played only off-course (think driving ranges, simulators, golf entertainment venues).
4. That number of total participants is a record high. It reflects a 5 percent rise compared with 2023 and a 38 percent increase over 2019, before the pandemic.

Source.

So nearly one in seven Americans played golf in some form last year. That shows how wide the sport has spread — beyond traditional courses into entertainment, recreation, and casual play.

On-course golfers: who is actually playing rounds?

• In 2024, 28.1 million Americans played at least one round on a golf course — the most on-course golfers since 2008.
• In the same year, there were a total of 545 million rounds played across the country — showing that many golfers are playing more than once.
• This broad participation includes all kinds of players: newcomers, occasional weekend golfers, regulars, and serious players.
  
  

Source.

That tells us the traditional side of golf — real courses, real rounds — is healthy and growing again.

Off-course golf: the fastest-growing side of the game

Golf today isn’t confined to courses. Driving ranges, indoor simulators, and golf entertainment venues are introducing the game to many new people — and helping broaden golf’s appeal.

• Among the 47.2 million Americans who played golf in 2024, 19.1 million did so only off-course (Source).
• Off-course golf often has lower cost and less time commitment than a full round. That helps people who want to try golf, learn basics, or enjoy the sport casually.
• This growth outside the course helps bring in younger players, more women, and a more diverse group overall. It creates what the industry calls a “dual participant” base — some people choose real course play, some do off-course, and some do both.

Together, off-course and on-course golf show a broad and growing interest in the game across America.

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Latest golf statistics: key demographic trends

Golf in America is changing — not just in numbers, but in who plays.

• Women now make up a high share of on-course golfers. In 2024 about 28 percent of course golfers were women — a record high (Source).
• People of color (Black, Hispanic, Asian) also reached about 25 percent of course golfers — also a record high (Source).
• The sport is attracting many beginners. In 2024 there were about 3.3 million newcomers who tried golf on a course for the first time (Source).
• Youth golfers, younger adults, women, and people of color all saw rising numbers. This is helping golf evolve into a more inclusive sport (Source).

The demographics show that golf is no longer just for a narrow group. It’s expanding — in age, gender, and background.

Latent demand: how many people want to start playing?

Even among people who did not play golf last year, many are interested. The industry tracks “latent demand”: those who are not currently playing but say they are very interested in trying golf.

This group is large — representing millions. It signals huge potential growth ahead. If just a fraction of those take up golf, the sport will keep growing for years to come.

Regional trends and climate: where people play the most

Climate and location matter. In warmer states and regions with mild weather there is more year-round golf. In colder or mountainous regions, seasons are shorter and many players turn to off-course options in the winter.

States with strong golf traditions — or easy access to courses and off-course facilities — tend to have higher participation. For many players, local availability matters more than national trends.

What these statistics mean for players and courses

The growth in participation — on and off course — brings several effects:

• Tee times get busier during peak hours.
• Courses and clubs may invest more in maintenance, upgrades, and more flexible access to serve a growing, more diverse audience.
• Off-course options make golf more accessible and less intimidating for newcomers.
• More players overall means a stronger sense of community, more social games, and more opportunities for everyone — casual golfers, serious players, young people, seniors.
  
  

Golf today is broader than ever. And that’s good for the game.

Where Great Gorge fits into today’s golf landscape

At Great Gorge, we understand the game has changed. With 27 holes designed by George Fazio, we offer flexibility, variety, and options — whether you want a quiet weekday round, a social weekend game, or to bring your family along for a casual outing.

Our passes and memberships are built for this new landscape: variety of play, different schedules, and welcoming access. We want to be part of golf’s growth in America by making the game enjoyable, inclusive, and easy to reach.

Final thoughts: golf in the U.S. is growing, and there is room for everyone

Golf in America is no longer a niche sport for a few passionate fans. It is growing fast, becoming more welcoming, and offering more ways to play than ever before.

With nearly 50 million Americans playing in some form last year, and millions more interested, the future of golf looks bright. Whether you are new to the sport or have been playing for years, there is a place for you — and many ways to enjoy the game. If you’re ready to join in, the fairways are waiting.

Written by Great Gorge Golf Club

We believe the best rounds aren’t measured by scorecard alone, but by the conversations that happen between shots, the friendships that develop over seasons, and that feeling driving home when you’re already thinking about your next visit.

We’ll see you on the course.