Equipment & Gear

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.

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.

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.

Women and girls have outpaced their male counterparts and accounted for a greater share of growth when it comes to post-pandemic participation gains in recreational golf. The recent momentum has more than reversed the declines seen in the female participation ranks following the Great Recession.

At a time when more people are playing more golf in more ways than at any time in history, NGF President and CEO Greg Nathan shares a few observations about the game's momentum and growth, and expresses immense gratitude for the tens of thousands of friends and members throughout the industry.