How Many Golfers in the World? Global Participation and Country Rankings Explained
According to the latest data from The R&A and the National Golf Foundation (NGF), there are approximately 68 million on-course golfers in the world, while more than 106 million people engage with the sport through off-course activities like simulators and driving ranges. This guide breaks down the exact participation numbers by country, the demographic shifts driving the game’s growth, and what these global trends mean for the future of golf facilities, equipment, and everyday players.
Defining the Global Golf Population: On-Course vs. Off-Course
Answering the question of how many golfers exist requires defining what it means to "play golf." Governing bodies and industry researchers separate the global golf population into two distinct categories: on-course players and off-course participants.
If counting only those who play 9- or 18-hole rounds on a traditional golf course, the worldwide figure sits at approximately 68 million on-course golfers. However, the figure of more than 106 million includes those who have hit a golf ball with a club whether on or off course.
The R&A governs the game in 146 countries outside the United States and Mexico. Their 2023 Global Golf Participation Report found that 39.6 million adults play 9- or 18-hole golf across these affiliated nations, while 61.2 million adults engage with the sport in some format.
In the United States, the NGF tracks industry health using similar metrics. For 2025, the NGF reported that 48.1 million Americans age 6 and older played golf. This total combines 29.1 million on-course players and 19 million off-course participants, demonstrating that non-traditional formats are now a core pillar of the sport’s ecosystem.
Which Countries Have the Most Golfers?
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The United States leads the world in total golfers by a significant margin, but Asian nations dominate the landscape outside of North America. The following table ranks the top countries based on available on-course participation data, synthesizing figures from national governing bodies and global reports.
| Country | Estimated On-Course Golfers | Data Year | Source of Figure |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 29.1 million | 2025 | National Golf Foundation (NGF) |
| Japan | 8.143 million | 2023 | The R&A Global Golf Participation Report |
| Canada | 5.588 million | 2023 | The R&A Global Golf Participation Report |
| South Korea | 5.350 million | 2023 | The R&A Global Golf Participation Report |
| England | 3.407 million | 2023 | The R&A Global Golf Participation Report |
| Germany | 2.117 million | 2023 | The R&A Global Golf Participation Report |
| Australia | Over 4 million adults | Recent | Fairways of Eden Global Golf Boom Report |
Note: The R&A figures for England represent total golfers, which includes unregistered players. In contrast, England Golf reports that affiliated club membership in England specifically stands at 737,021 players.
The data highlights a clear geographic trend: Asia is the largest R&A region for adult golf participation. Countries like Japan and South Korea have deeply ingrained golf cultures, while emerging markets in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, are combining substantial golf infrastructure with an established golf-travel industry to attract international players.
How Has Golf Participation Changed in Recent Years?
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Golf has experienced a sustained period of growth, moving past the static participation numbers seen in the early 2010s. The R&A’s 2025 Global Golf Participation Report shows a 3% increase in total 9- and 18-hole golfers since 2024, building on a 34% rise in on-course players since 2016.
In the United States, on-course participation exceeded 29 million players in 2025, marking an eighth consecutive year of growth. Total US participation, combining on-course and off-course formats, reached an all-time high of 48.1 million.
While the pandemic initially triggered a massive surge in recreational outdoor activities, industry data indicates this is not a temporary spike. The NGF notes that participation has stabilised at an elevated baseline rather than reverting to pre-2017 levels. Globally, outside the USA and Mexico, “108 million people are now playing golf” in various formats, representing a rise of nearly three million participants in a single year.
"While factors outside anyone’s control have had an impact, the surge in popularity that golf has enjoyed – and is now sustaining – has not just happened." — Martin Slumbers, CEO, The R&A
Who Is Playing? Demographics and the Growth of Women’s and Junior Golf
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The demographic makeup of the global golf population is shifting, driven by targeted inclusion programs and the rise of accessible, off-course formats.
Globally, there are roughly 15 million female golfers worldwide compared to 51.6 million male golfers. However, the rate of female participation is accelerating. In the US, while women make up 26% of on-course golfers, they account for 45% of all beginners and 41% of off-course participants. In Europe, Germany leads the way with “33% of adult registered golfers being women”, followed by the Netherlands at 30%, and Denmark and Vietnam at 26% each.
Junior golf is also seeing robust expansion. The R&A’s 2025 report highlights a 6% increase in juniors playing golf since 2024. This growth is attributed to increased exposure in schools, flexible formats like pitch and putt, and more inclusive pathways into the game that do not require immediate access to a full-length 18-hole course. In the US alone, the NGF tracks over 3.3 million beginners taking up the game annually.
What This Growth Means for Your Game and the Golf Industry
Understanding these global participation numbers provides practical insights for everyday golfers, equipment buyers, and amateur competitors.
For the recreational golfer, this sustained participation boom means tee times at popular municipal and daily-fee courses will remain highly competitive. To secure preferred playing times, golfers should utilize advanced tee-time booking apps and consider playing during off-peak weekday hours.
For beginners and juniors entering the game, the data shows that you no longer need to start on a traditional 18-hole course. The 19 million off-course participants in the US prove that technology-enabled ranges and indoor simulators are now primary entry points. If you are learning the game, starting at a simulator or a short-game facility allows you to build fundamental swing mechanics in a low-pressure, gamified environment before transitioning to the course.
For equipment buyers, this demographic shift is directly influencing club design. As the influx of female and junior golfers grows, manufacturers are prioritizing the development of more forgiving, lightweight, and adaptable club specifications. Game-improvement irons and drivers with adjustable weighting are becoming more accessible, ensuring that new players can find custom-fitted equipment that matches their swing speed and physical profile from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is golf a growing or dying sport?
Golf is definitively a growing sport. The R&A reports a 34% rise in 9- and 18-hole golfers since 2016, and the NGF reports eight consecutive years of on-course growth in the US. Furthermore, total engagement, including off-course simulators and ranges, has reached all-time highs globally.
How many professional golfers are there in the world?
While exact numbers fluctuate based on global tours, the Official World Golf Ranking tracks professionals across roughly 24 tours worldwide. However, only a tiny fraction of the 68 million global golfers play at the professional level; the vast majority are amateur, recreational, and junior players.
What percentage of people play golf in the world?
With a global population of over 8 billion, the approximately 68 million on-course golfers represent less than 1% of the total global population. However, this percentage is significantly higher in specific nations with strong golf infrastructure, such as the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
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