The face of golf has changed more in the last five years than in the previous fifty.
The most recent participation figures reveal a unprecedented diversity in this traditionally perceived exclusive sport.
Closing data for 2024 show that more than a quarter of golfers on courses in the United States are women or racialised people. (African-American, Asian or Hispanic): two groups historically under-represented in golf, but today driving its renewal and growth.
Among the 28.1 million Americans playing golf on a course in 2024 -the highest figure since 2008, 28% were women and 25% were people of colour.The highest percentages recorded to date.
These figures, which are not mutually exclusive, reflect the continuous evolution of the player baseespecially when compared to the sport's historical benchmarks.
Sustained and diverse growth
The increase has been particularly marked in recent years.
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been a net increase in the number of people living with HIV. 2.3 million women y 2.1 million golfers of colour playing in fields.
Women and girls have been particularly influential in this resurgence of golf, accounting for approximately 60% of total player growth from 2019.
The female golfing population now reaches 7.9 milliona record number.
In 2012, women accounted for only 20% of on-course golfers. This lower proportion coincided with the effects of the Great Recession, when many families faced economic hardship, less leisure time and increased work demands.
The racial and ethnic diversity has grown even more steadily.
In 2024, there were almost 7 million African-American, Asian and Hispanic golfersalso a historic figure.
In 1990, people of colour accounted for only 8% of players; in 2000, thanks in part to the Tiger Woods phenomenon, that percentage rose to 16%.
This change reflects the general demographic trends in the United Statesincreasingly diverse. In 2000, people of colour made up 30% of the population over the age of six; today, they exceed 40%.
A more inclusive sport, also off the pitch
The diversity is even greater among those who play golf outside traditional courses - be it in simulators, technological facilities or sports leisure spaces.
Women represent the 43% of the more than 19 million Americans who only play golf in these modalities, whereas people of colour make up 45%.
These alternative forms of play are helping to get more people into traditional golf.
Many of the new players who arrive on the courses do so after gaining confidence by hitting balls in a driving range technological, a simulator or an entertainment space type Topgolf.
Beyond the figures, golf has established itself as an important ideal sport for physical and mental healthespecially in adults and people seeking active longevity.
Its practice in the open air, in contact with nature and with a low and controlled risk of injuryThe programme promotes constant movement, balance, coordination and mental concentration.
Walking between 6 and 10 kilometres a day, maintaining a conscious breathing, activating the circulation and training patience make golf a great way to improve your fitness. form of meditation in motion.
In addition, the social component of play contributes to reducing stress, improving mood and strengthening connection with others, key factors for a longer and healthier life.
Today's golf is a truer reflection of society: diverse, inclusive and open.
The industry is succeeding in attracting new profiles, breaking stereotypes and demonstrating that this sport, practised in the heart of the countryside, is one of the most powerful allies of wellness and longevity.
