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Summary of Junior Golfers in the U.S. – 2026


Golf’s Growth Era – The Road to 50 Million Golfers

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.

Total U.S. Golf Participation


On-Course Golfer ‘Post-Covid’ Participation Trend
Rate and Volume


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


On-Course Participation Trend by Gender


On-Course Participation by Frequency of Play





