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Why is golf not popular?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 16, 2026

The golden age of golf appears to have come and gone and the demographics population in general is getting older. The decline in golf is surely in part due to those who love the game getting too old to play it and dying off, leaving the numbers of golfers continuing to dwindle.

Is golf Losing Popularity?

Since 2003, there has been a consistent annual decline in the number of golf players. There were 6.8 million fewer golfers in 2018 compared to 2003 — a loss of 22 percent.

Is golf a sport in decline?

However, the popularity of golf was on the decline in the new millennium; between 2003 and 2018, golf saw a decline of over 6.8 million players and more than 1,200 course closures. Hopes for a turnaround in the golfing industry were shattered in March of 2020 with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

Is golf still dying?

Golf is not a dying sport. The increase in rounds played in 2021 from 2020 during the pandemic, and increased numbers of people going to golf facilities like Topgolf is a clear sign that interest and participation in the game is far from waning, especially with ladies and juniors.

Why people think golf is not a sport?

The fact that golf can be difficult and requires practice and skill to achieve proficiency does not mean it qualifies as a sport. Brain surgery, chess, and computer programming are difficult tasks that also require practice and mental acuity, but they are clearly not sports.

41 related questions found

Is golf a lazy sport?

Golf is undoubtedly an incredibly difficult and technical sport to grasp, and we're not trying to offend any keen golfers by calling them lazy! But it's definitely one of the least physically-taxing sports you can play.

Is golf boring to play?

The main reason people find the game of golf boring is that it takes too long. Most of the time, a round of golf is going to be about five hours long. To play a five-hour round, you will also need to show up to the course before your round, and chances are there is some travel time to and from the course.

Is golf a waste of money?

Remembering that the average round of golf takes 4 hours we can safely assume that 1.824 billion hours or 76 million days are wasted playing golf every year . The average golfer wastes around 76 hours or 3.2 days playing golf every year.

Is golf popular with Millennials?

As the economy reopened this spring, 60% of respondents to the fifth annual Millennial Golf Industry Study also said golf has become more important to them during the past year.

Do golfers live longer?

As golf can provide moderate-intensity physical activity – you can reap the rewards and outpace the grim reaper. A Swedish study found a 40% lower mortality rate amongst golfers, relative to non-golfers. That means a potential extra 5-years of life – regardless of age, or gender! Golfers live longer than non-golfers.

Which country is golf most popular?

Countries Where Golf Is Most Popular

  • IRELAND. Despite the fact that golf was invented in Scotland, their next door neighbor, Ireland, is the most popular country for the sport. ...
  • CANADA. ...
  • UNITED KINGDOM. ...
  • UNITED STATES. ...
  • SOUTH AFRICA. ...
  • JAPAN.

Who is the most unpopular golfer?

Consider this, via Golf Today: "Rory Sabbatini is the most hated man in golf. So says the result of a survey by Sports Illustrated in which 25 percent of pros polled named the 32-year-old South African as their least favorite playing partner."

Is golf popular in USA?

Golf is a popular pastime in the US for many reasons with more than 24 million Americans playing the game. Five of the top 10 professional players in the world are American and this has definitely helped boost the viewing stats for many of the big golf tournaments.

How many golfers can break 80?

Only about 2 percent of all golfers ever break 80, which generally is considered the Holy Grail of scoring. To legitimately break 80 — no improved lies; no 3-foot gimmes; no free drop from out of bounds — is to breathe the rarefied air of good, if not great golf.

Is golf declining in Canada?

Golf executives in Canada like to talk about how it's the country's No. 1 participation sport, played by about 5.7 million people. But that figure masks a decades-long stagnation during which the number of rounds played dropped to 57 million in 2019 from 67 million in 1996.

Is there a golf boom?

In 2020, golf boomed after coronavirus-related shutdowns were lifted, with a net increase of 60 million+ rounds that was the biggest since 1997 – the year a 21-year-old Tiger Woods spurred the game to new heights with his breakthrough major win at the Masters Tournament.

Do younger people play golf?

The National Golf Foundation's annual study of golf participation in the United States found that 36 percent of the nearly 24 million golfers in the United States are young adults aged 18 to 39, and over 15 million additional millennials expressed interest in taking up the game.

Is golf popular with youth?

Youth on Course has seen a 76% increase in rounds played compared to last year.

What do Millennial golfers want?

There are two things that golf must focus on to attract Millennials to the game: Community and Technology. These two factors are keystones for Millennials in every buying decision they make. Millennials want to feel as though they are part of something bigger than themselves.

Why does golf suck so much?

1. Practice more often, and with intent. One of the likely reasons you suck at golf is simply because you don't practice enough – and when you do, it's not quality practice.

Why is golf so popular?

Many people choose golf because it offers an excellent overall package. They can enjoy the sport itself, but the setting gives the opportunity to make it so much more. Golfers will often take their families on holiday, take trips with their buddies, or take some time away with colleagues or business associates.

Why is golf dying out?

The golden age of golf appears to have come and gone and the demographics population in general is getting older. The decline in golf is surely in part due to those who love the game getting too old to play it and dying off, leaving the numbers of golfers continuing to dwindle.

What is the most boring sport?

Golf is Britain's most boring sport

Golf holds a long lead over the next most boring sports. American Football is the second most snooze-worthy sport, being branded boring by 59% of people who have ever watched it, followed closely by cricket (58%), darts (also 58%) and snooker (57%).

Why golf is for rich?

Rich people play golf because they can afford the financial costs necessary to overcome its entry barriers. In addition, besides being an enjoyable activity, golf provides a certain social status, and it allows them to network with other wealthy individuals.

Why is golf so expensive?

Golf is costly due to the high cost of quality golf clubs, accessories, course fees, memberships, and the amount of golf that is played. Golf clubs are made from quality materials meant to last a lifetime, and courses often require membership, the cost of which reflects the club's exclusivity.