US-based golf industry analysts Pellucid Corp have reported a significant expansion in the country’s golfer base, with participation accelerating in 2025.
According to the company’s latest annual ‘scorecard’, the total number of golfers in the United States increased by more than 1.5 million over the past year, representing a 5% rise on 2024 figures.
The data forms part of Pellucid’s long-running partnership with the National Sporting Goods Association, drawing on insights from its comprehensive all-sports survey.
The report highlights notable shifts in the composition of the golfer base. While male participation continued to deliver the largest overall gains, female participation grew at a faster rate, pointing to ongoing diversification within the sport.
From an age perspective, the 35–44 demographic recorded the strongest growth, offering encouragement for the game’s medium-term sustainability. In contrast, the 65–74 age group was the only segment to experience a decline.
However, the findings suggest a slowdown in the sport’s accessibility across income levels. Growth was concentrated entirely among individuals earning over $75,000, indicating a reversal in recent ‘democratisation’ trends.
In terms of engagement, the biggest increase came from casual golfers playing between two and nine rounds annually, while the number of highly committed players – those exceeding 40 rounds per year – fell.
Despite rising participation, overall playing frequency declined, leaving total rounds per capita broadly unchanged.
The full report is available as part of the Pellucid Publications Membership, which costs $495 per year. For more details www.pellucidcorp.com
