3-Minute Business Insights
There was a time not so long ago when the question was “Why doesn’t golf grow?” Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.
Member Participation Update: Record Momentum Continues
This member research complements NGF's annual Golf Participation in the U.S. Report, providing the latest data on golf participation — from changes in traditional green-grass participation to detailed information on key segments such as females, people of color and juniors. Also highlighted is the annual golfer "churn," the regular inflow and outflow within the game that impacts participation levels.
Summary of Golf Participation in the U.S. – 2026
Total U.S. Golf Participation
Evolution of U.S. Golf Participation
10-year change in type of engagement
Total U.S. Golf Participation Venn
Female Golf Participation Trend
10-year, overall engagement
People of Color Participation Trend
10-year, overall engagement
Junior Golf Participation Trend
10-year, overall engagement
Annual Golfer “Churn” – Inflow & Outflow
On-Course Participation by Frequency of Play
