Remember when golf was considered stuffy and boring? Yeah, those days are officially over. 2024 proved that golf isn't just surviving…It's actually thriving, and cooler than ever. Let's break down how the game evolved this year and what's coming in 2025.
Weather? What Weather?
Despite Mother Nature's best efforts (we're looking at you, Hurricane Helene), Americans just couldn't stay away from the links in 2024. National play was up 2% compared to 2023's record-setting pace1, even with major weather disruptions in the Southeast. That's right! Not even 140-mph winds could keep golfers off the course for long.
But here's the thing: indoor golf just kept rolling. While Hurricane Helene was forcing course closures across Florida and Georgia and Nor'easters were dumping snow from Jersey to Boston, indoor golfers never missed a beat. No rain checks, no frost delays, no freezing cold temperatures, no "cart path only" signs – just perfect conditions, every single time.
The Numbers Don't Lie: Golf Is Booming
And while the weather was unpredictable, one thing became crystal clear in 2024: golf's demographics are shifting in exciting new ways.
Golf isn't just growing; it's getting younger. The average golfer is now 43.5 years old2, down from 44.6 five years ago. While that might not sound like a massive shift, it's actually huge for a sport with 26 million players. The largest group of on-course golfers? It's the 18-34 crowd, with 6.3 million players.
Another trend we’re loving? Women now make up 26% of the golf market. That’s a big leap from just 19% a few years back. And here’s more to celebrate: girls account for over a third of junior players. So much for golf being an “old man’s game,” right?
Junior golfers are on the rise, too, with a 36% jump in the last three years. That’s nearly a million new young players eager to hit the greens and grow with the game.
The golf landscape is evolving rapidly. Streaming, social media, and shows like Full Swing have brought new energy to the game. Adding to the innovation, TGL, the new tech-focused indoor golf league founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, kicks off in January, showcasing how modern technology is transforming the game.
Golf's Image Makeover
Remember Bryson DeChambeau's viral backyard hole-in-one attempt? That single challenge racked up over 100 million views on TikTok. This wasn't your grandfather's golf content. It was pure entertainment that showed just how fun this game can be.
The stats back it up: over 70 million Americans have changed their minds about golf in the past decade3. Words like "boring" and "pretentious" are out. "Fun," "exciting," and dare we say it, "cool" are in. Golf's not just a game anymore. It's content, it's culture, and it's community.
The Future Is Bright (And Available 24/7)
Now that we’re kicking off 2025, we're seeing some clear trends:
- The casual-cool vibe is here to stay. Golf is shedding its uptight image.
- Weather won't be such a deal-breaker anymore. Between climate challenges and busy schedules, indoor golf facilities like GolfCave are becoming essential parts of the modern golfer's routine.
- The game is getting younger and more social. Those 6 million new players trying golf each year? They're looking for experiences that combine sport, social life, and entertainment.
1. https://www.ngf.org/americans-still-playing-more-golf/
2. https://www.ngf.org/a-new-age-in-golf/
3. https://www.ngf.org/70m-americans-changed-their-views-on-golf/
