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The youth movement gets the headlines, but Baby Boomers are still punching above their weight, and the data tells the story.
Golfers 65 and older represent 22% of on-course participants but account for 27% of spending. With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day through 2030, NGF President & CEO Greg Nathan explains why the Boomer generation remains one of golf's most important economic forces, and why a post-Boomer cliff is far less likely than many assume.
The Disproportionate Impact of Senior Golfers
More play, spend and engagement for 65+ golfers, except for one notable category
Senior golfers, those 65 and older, represent nearly 22% of the game’s traditional participant base but have a disproportionate impact on rounds played and spending. This member research update provides a high-level overview.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Green-Grass Facility, Media & Marketing, Retail
‘Okay Boomer’
While there’s been a lot of understandable excitement around NGF’s reporting on golf’s youth movement, the other end of the age spectrum is seeing considerable participation momentum as well – a trend that is a byproduct of broader U.S. demographics.
Topics: Associations, Course Operations, Equipment & Gear, Events & Tourism, Green-Grass Facility, Instruction, Media & Marketing, Real Estate & Investment, Retail
Summary of Age 65+ Golf Participation – 2026
Summary of Golf Participation in the U.S. – 2026
Beginners, Juniors, Female, Young Adults, Seniors, and People of Color
Concise and comprehensive one-page summary reports on various participation-related topics among the U.S. golfer population.
The Differentiation in Golfer Age Groups
How the unique characteristics of age cohorts groups pertain to consumer engagement
The meaningful differences between age cohorts can be of particular relevance and importance for those in the golf business, helping to understand the wants, needs and motivations of customers.
