All About Women and Girls Golf --- Information and Educational Services

HOW MANY GOLFERS IN THE U.S.? As of June 2011

HERE ARE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE STATISTICS (as of June 2011) REGARDING THE NUMBER OF ADULT AND JUNIOR GOLFERS BASED ON DATA FROM THE NATIONAL GOLF FOUNDATION (NGF).

Based on the NGF survey methodology, these numbers reflect adults and juniors who responded in surveys to have played at least one round of golf during the previous year. Adults and juniors who are taking lessons, practicing at driving ranges and just playing a few holes are not included in these statistics nor are golfers that previously played but not in the last survey year. Because of the survey methodology, the number of adults and juniors in the U.S. who think that they have “played” golf or who consider themselves "golfers" is probably larger. In addition, recent surveys by the NGF and the PGA of America indicate that a large number of “non-golfers” express a strong interest in learning the game.

Some quick observations of the following table: (numbers in millions)

The number of total golfers in the U.S. (age 6 and older) has continued its decline since 2005 -- from 30 million to 26 million. There was a 3% decline in Total Golfers in 2010 compared to 2009
Adult female and male golfers segments have both declined.
Junior girls (ages 6-17) are holding steady and continue to be the “sweet spot” in the market.
The steady decline over the last five years of the number of junior boys playing golf is something to think about. What explains that decline?

HERE ARE THE LATEST STATISTICS

*numbers in millions	1998	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010

Adult Female 18+	4.7	4.4	4.9	6.3	5.6	6.4	6.1	6.3	6.5	6.0	5.2	4.8	4.7
Adult Male 18+	18.4	18.9	20.9	20.2	20.4	20.6	19.7	19.8	19.7	20.1	20.5	19.6	18.9
Total Adults	23.1	23.3	25.8	26.5	26	27	25.8	26.1	26.2	26.1	25.7	24.4	23.6

Girls 6-17	0.5	0.4	0.4	0.6	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.7	0.6	0.7	0.6	0.6	0.6
Boys 6-17	2.6	2.4	2.5	2.8	3.2	2.9	3.4	3.2	3.0	2.8	2.3	2.1	1.9
Total Juniors	3.1	2.8	2.9	3.4	3.9	3.6	4.2	3.9	3.6	3.5	2.9	2.7	2.5

Total Golfers	26.1	26.1	29	29.8	29.9	30.6	29.8	30.0	29.8	29.5	28.6	27.1	26.2

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Previous Statistics about Women and Girl Golfers:

Following are statistics from previous years that have been released by the National Golf Foundation. Although they are technically out-dated, they are interesting to look at.

2007 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 from previous surveys; Note, the "needle" doesn't move all that quickly. For example, the average score of female golfers from studies done a few years ago, probably isn't much different in 2011.

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 statistics from previous years 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.

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