A Decade of Growth: From Virtual Greens to Global Getaways
The golf industry’s revival began around 2015, when virtual golf experiences like simulators and entertainment venues such as Topgolf started drawing new players to the game. These off-course activities made golf accessible, fun, and social, attracting a younger and more diverse crowd. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), off-course participation grew to over 20 million by 2017, with 8.2 million of those players never having set foot on a traditional course. This influx of newcomers laid the groundwork for what was to come.
Then, in 2020, COVID-19 turned the world upside down—but it gave golf a historic boost. As people sought safe, outdoor activities, golf courses became a haven. The NGF reports that 24.8 million Americans played on-course golf in 2020, a 2% increase over 2019, marking the largest net gain in 17 years. Rounds played soared to 502 million, a 14% jump from the previous year. Fast forward to 2024, and the momentum hasn’t slowed: a record 545 million rounds were played, with 28.1 million on-course golfers, the highest since 2008.
Among these players, the traveling golfer has emerged as a key driver of the industry’s growth. Golf tourism, once considered a niche sector on the decline, is now a $20 billion industry in the U.S. alone, with more than two-thirds of core golfers planning golf-specific trips. The global golf tourism market, valued at $25.34 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a 9.1% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030, fueled by rising interest in domestic and international tournaments and increased spending on golf infrastructure.
Who’s Driving the Golf Travel Boom?
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Younger Players Are Hitting the Road: The 18- to 34-year-old cohort is the largest group of on-course golfers, with 6.3 million players in 2024, making up a significant portion of the traveling golfer demographic. This millennial and Gen Z crowd is drawn to golf through social media, influencer content, and off-course venues, with 5.4 million participating in off-course activities like simulators in 2023. These younger players are also investing in golf travel, with 30% of new private golf club memberships coming from this age group post-pandemic. They’re planning buddy trips, exploring bucket-list courses, and sharing their experiences online, making golf travel a trendy, social adventure.
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Women Are Teeing Up in Record Numbers: Female golfers are a major force in the travel boom. In 2024, nearly 8 million women and girls played on-course golf, a 41% increase since 2019, with women comprising 28% of all on-course players—the highest proportion ever recorded. Among newcomers, 40% are women, with the 18- to 34-year-old female segment (1.6 million) leading the charge. Women are also driving golf tourism, with initiatives like female-focused tours and events boosting participation. Whether it’s a girls’ golf getaway or a family vacation with rounds included, women are embracing the travel aspect of the game.
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Diverse Communities Are Joining the Journey: Golf is becoming more inclusive, with 25% of on-course golfers in 2024 identifying as Black, Asian, or Hispanic—a record 7 million players. This 43% increase in participation among people of color since the pandemic mirrors the U.S.’s growing diversity and outpaces demographic shifts in the broader population. These players are also hitting the road, seeking out destinations that offer cultural resonance and welcoming environments, from historic courses to modern resorts.
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Juniors Are the Future of Golf Travel: Junior golfers (ages 6–17) have seen a 40% participation increase over the past five years, with 35% of juniors being girls and 29% identifying as people of color. These young players are growing up with golf as a family activity, often accompanying parents on golf vacations. As they mature, they’re likely to continue seeking out travel experiences, ensuring the longevity of the golf tourism market.
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Affluent and Committed Golfers Fuel Demand: The NGF notes that 20.1 million “committed golfers” (those who consider golf a favorite or key recreational activity) are driving much of the travel demand. With 26% of golfers reporting household incomes over $125,000, and nearly 4 in 10 under $75,000, golf travel appeals to a broad socioeconomic range. These players are willing to invest in premium experiences, from resort stays to international tournaments, making them a lucrative segment for the industry.
Why Golf Travel Is Here to Stay
The resurgence of the traveling golfer isn’t just a post-pandemic fluke—it’s a trend built on accessibility, diversity, and innovation. Off-course venues like Topgolf and Five Iron Golf have introduced millions to the game, with many transitioning to on-course play and dreaming of golf getaways. Social media and content creators have made golf “cooler” and more visible, inspiring younger players to plan trips to iconic destinations. Meanwhile, government and industry investments—like Scotland’s Golfing Tourism Development and Canada’s $4.4 million commitment to professional tournaments—are attracting tourists and boosting local economies.
The data also shows sustained interest among non-golfers, with 24 million Americans in 2024 expressing a strong desire to play on-course golf. This untapped potential, combined with 3 million or more beginners joining the game annually since 2020, ensures a steady pipeline of future travelers. Domestic golf travel dominates, accounting for over 62% of golf tourism revenue in 2024, but international travel is growing at a 9.7% CAGR, signaling a global appetite for golf adventures.
