The National Golf Federation has reported that on-course participation in the United States was up again in 2022, with a net increase of 500,000 golfers to 25.6 million in total.
While there has been a net gain of 1.3 million on-course golfers over the past three years, 2022 marked the fifth straight year of overall of green grass participation increases – a figure that has not been achieved in over two decades.
Gains away from the traditional golf course market were even more significant, with a 13% year-over-year jump in driving range and golf entertainment venues usage compared to the 2% rise in on-course participation. As anticipated, total off-course engagement (27.9 million) has for the first time eclipsed those who play on the course.
Overall, golf’s US consumer base is now a record 41.1 million, with three distinct participant groups (see graphic).
Golf participation is one of the core measures of golf’s vitality and a central component to the annual state-of-industry Graffis Report, which is now available to National Golf Federation members. Beyond participation, engagement and rounds played, members can find key data, research and insights on golf course supply and development, retail supply, golf’s reach, and much more here.