These statistics from last year represent a larger male demographic, but the sport is changing. The number of younger players and women's players is on the rise. And the way sports are played is changing. Whether you're in these demographics or not, golf is still a great sport to play.
And one of the most beautiful courses to try golf is here, at River's Edge, called Golf Digest “Best Places to Play”. Book a tee time if you're in the Bend area, help change the numbers in your favor. The NGF also counts the total number of golf participants by also taking into account off-course experiences, and that number increased the overall count to 36.9 million, up 8 percent from the previous year and a gain of about 20 percent over the past five years. That increase in new golfers has been a blessing for Acushnet, owner of golf brands such as Titleist and FootJoy.
Callaway, which owns several brands of golf clothing and equipment, including its namesake line of balls, clubs and other equipment, has also seen growth. Dick's Sporting Goods, which sells golf products in its stores, as well as golf retailer Golf Galaxy, has identified sport as one of its engines of growth in recent quarters. While the company does not detail the performance of Golf Galaxy stores in its earnings report, CEO Lauren Hobart said the golf business has been tremendous at both Dick's and Golf Galaxy. The company has invested in talent and elevated the in-store service model to become a trusted advisor to golf enthusiasts of all levels, Hobart said, and recently opened its first next-generation Golf Galaxy prototype store outside Boston.
At that location, the Golf Galaxy Performance Center, golfers can not only buy golf products, but they can also take classes, practice in the golf bays, and have personalized accessories for the club. Matt Powell, senior industry advisor at NPD Group, said more consumers are expected to adopt healthier lives after the pandemic, and that will include an increase in sports and outdoor activities, which should benefit golf. However, it is not yet clear how supply chain issues affecting other industries will affect golf equipment, which could limit growth. The rise of interactive golf experiences that go beyond the typical 18-hole course has also helped golf grow, especially for new audiences.
The growing popularity of TopGolf, which now has 70 locations in six countries following its launch in China earlier this month, has been a major driver. While the real golf experience reflects what can be found in a round of driving, TopGolf aims for a more social and playful experience along with drinks and food. Virtual coaches, both used for entertainment purposes and for high-level golf training, have also grown. The growing combination of the traditional sport of golf with technology and other forms of entertainment bodes well for the sport to advance, Abrutyn said.
Sport is also seeing coverage expand in new ways. The PGA Tour is working with Netflix to create an episodic documentary series, which will likely be based on Drive to Survive, the popular Formula 1 focused series that has brought new fans to motorsport. NBA star and passionate golfer Stephen Curry recently signed an agreement with Comcast NBCUniversal to work on a series of projects, one of which will include creating content around the Ryder Cup for the NBC Sports golf channel. Do you have a confidential information tip? We want to hear from you.
Get this in your inbox and learn more about our products and services. Golf is a game for professionals and beginners. Anyone, at any age, can start playing golf. Some of the best golfers started practicing when they were just 2 or 3 years old, while others didn't start taking golf seriously until they were teenagers.
Some professionals realized they were good at golf when they tried it in high school or went with their parents to play golf. Some people enjoy golf because it is a leisure sport that allows you to socialize and enjoy a sport at the same time. Since golfers like the game for different reasons, anyone can start playing golf regardless of their level of experience with the game. Several golf courses, including the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA, have initiated mentoring programs for women players to encourage them to enter the course.
Of course, this time will vary depending on how busy the golf course is, how skilled you and your playmates are, and how you move around the golf course (riding or walking). A surprising statistic is that nearly 67 percent of people don't drink while playing golf and 22 percent of people enjoy a modest 1 to 2 drinks while playing golf. . .
