Statistics about Women and Girl Golfers

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Most Recent Statistics

This summer 2007, the National Golf Foundation released the 2006 golf participation numbers.  The methodology for the 2006 study is new which means that the numbers are not comparable to previous years.  The new study reports that there are 5,466,000 adult women golfers (age 18 or older who report playing at least one round in the last 12 months).  That represents 22.8% of the total 23,925,000 adult golfers.  The percentage of women golfers has in fact slipped a little.  Of course, this is only a measure of "golfers" -- not those who only visit practice ranges or play short courses.  Those numbers are hard to come by.

1998-2005 Statistics (This is a different methodolgy than 2006.)

These numbers do not include men and women who practice and play only at ranges and short courses.   

                        1998   1999   2000   2001   2002   2003   2004  2005

Total (mm)     25.0    25.2    25.4    25.8    26.2    27.4    27.2   28.0

Men              19.4    20.1    19.8    19.6    20.4    20.8    20.3   21.4

Women           5.6      5.1     5.6      6.2      5.8      6.6     6.9     6.6

Women now represent 24% of all golfers over 18.  That's down from 2004.

 Source: National Golf Foundation Golf Industry Report -- www.ngf.org

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More Numbers:  

• The fastest growing segment of women golfers are those between the ages of 18 and 29.   They represent almost one-quarter of all female golfers.   Young female golfers golf "lite" and average only about three rounds per year.  

• But, the average score of young women golfers (even when they play only a few times a year) is not much different from older women golfers and those who play frequently.  The average 18-hole scores range from 104 to 109.  (Source:  NGF) 

• Why do young women who don't play golf often play golf as well as avid, older women golfers?  I think it's because today's younger golfers benefit from better sports education and athletic programs in school -- thanks to Title IX.   Today, there are little girls' soccer teams, baseball teams, lacrosse teams, tennis teams to just name a few.  Contrast that with the dumpy gym uniforms women in their sixties wore in gym classes where the most vigorous sport may have been volleyball. 

• Older women, however, may be a better golf customer today.  Looking at averages, the older the woman golfer, the more golf she plays. Female golfers over the age of 60 average about 30 rounds per year.  They have more time for the game because they are less likely to be working or raising children. 

• The fact that older women play lots more golf -- and play at the same skill level for years confirms that golf is a social activity for many women.  Nothing beats several hours on the golf course with good friends -- even if you don't break 100.

See the Following Sections for additional information:

The Numbers! section includes current statistics on women golfers including the rounds played and other attributes of women golfers.  The source for much of the statistical information comes from the National Golf Foundation with help from research director Jim Kass.  The NGF website and its publications www.ngf.org are a good source of further information.  Another good source for current information is the research gathered by Golf 20/20 strategic industry organization found at www.golf2020.com.

Industry Trends is a summary compiled by Nancy Berkley of why the women's segment is considered so important in the industry and challenges that remain. 

The History Timeline is a 400 year history of highlights in women's golf. 

Market and Database information.  to be added:  This section will identify resources that supply database information about women golfers.

For any immediate questions about the women's golf market, contact Nancy using the FREE HELP LINE tab.