THE DATA
United States in 2025:
The state of golf
A fascinating new survey from Troon International dives deep into how American golfers play, spend and travel
Make America Great Again? When it comes to golf, there is nowhere on the planet that compares with the United States and new figures have only emphasised the enormous reach of our fellow players across the pond.
A Troon International survey has provided insights into US golfers – looking at their playing, spending and travel habits – and the results are eye-opening.
While it will hardly surprise you that the US golf market is the world’s largest, you might want to spend a second considering its scale.
The 50 states are home to more than 15,000 courses and an estimated 25 to 27 million players, of which some seven million are considered core golfers.
Drawing on the results of a Troon Golfer Survey in 2024, as well as statistics from the National Golf Foundation (NGF), NBC Sports Next Golf Insights, Bench Craft Company, The Arcadia Online, Global Newswire, and Golf Business News, the survey also reveals the huge costs associated with being a member of a private club, the six figure average salaries of many golfers, and the sums of money they are spending on the sport and holidays.
Clinton Norris, Troon International Director of Sales and Marketing, said: “As the world’s largest golf market, the US leads both in terms of course supply and participation. We continue to observe increasing interest from destinations around the globe, whether in Europe, Asia, or beyond, in the US golf market.”
He added: “US golfers are travelling abroad for golf vacations more than ever, presenting a growing opportunity for international destinations.”
Private vs public
70-75% play at public courses
25-30% play at private clubs
KEY FINDINGS
Most US golfers come from households earning $75,000 or more a year, with around 23% of those who filled out the Troon Golfer Survey saying they had household incomes in excess of $300,000
Joining fees for private members clubs are steep, with the average weighing in at $48,000 this year. The average yearly subscription was $12,000 in 2025. Some initiation fees were said to be more than $200,000
65% per cent of US golfers had an official handicap through the GHIN system, but 23% did not officially have an indexaps for Nigeria
The numbers of golfers watching the sport on TV in the United States is astonishing – with 98% saying they watched professional golf tournaments on the box
The report said: “These insights from the Troon Golfer Survey illustrate a highly engaged and affluent golfer demographic, presenting significant opportunities for targeting US golfers who are passionate about their sport and related lifestyle activities.”
WHAT ABOUT TRAVEL?
The Troon International survey reveals Americans like to get on the road to play golf, whether that’s domestically or internationally.
Informally, of course, we all know how popular our prestige courses in Great Britain & Ireland are with American visitors – a simple stroll through St Andrews in peak season is enough to reveal that.
But the report reveals that more than half of US golfers take at least one golf-related trip every year and nearly a third are taking two. When it comes to golf holidays “85% of golfers take at least 1-3 golf holidays per year, with a significant proportion travelling multiple times annually”.
Domestically, Florida, California and Arizona are popular, with Scotland, Ireland and Caribbean favourites for international travel.
DASHBOARD
18-20
The average number of rounds played each year by a US golfer
35-50
The age of the largest group of US golfers
20-23%
The levels of female participation
82%
The number of Troon Golfer Survey respondents who earned $100,000 or more a year
HOW MUCH DO US GOLFERS SPEND?
A lot. Troon International said: “US golfers demonstrate strong purchasing power, both on and off the course. Their spending habits reflect a combination of consistent spending on golf-related activities and a growing inclination towards luxury experiences”.
While membership dues and initiations are high-cost items, golfers spend on average between “$1,500 - $2,500 annually on golf-related activities, including green fees, equipment, and memberships”.
Beloved brands were Titleist (46%), Callaway (21%) and TaylorMade (11%) in the golf ball market, while Peter Millar (26%) topped the leaderboard for men’s apparel with Adidas (25%) narrowly behind.
Popular women’s apparel brands were Adidas and Lululemon.
WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?
The report stressed that US golfers were high-spending consumers and highlighted the importance of food, beverage and retail – arguing that “offering diverse, high-quality food options (including health-conscious choices) and a strong beverage menu will enhance their experience and increase spending”.
It revealed more than a third of golfers booked their rounds online, with 57% of those using smartphones for bookings. “Clubs should leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase their facilities”, while “video content which allows the user to feel immersed in the club experience is crucial”.
$48,000
The average initiation fees for Private Clubs
$12,000
The average yearly subscriptions – up by an average of 6% in 2024 and 2025
85%
Of golfers take at 1-3 golf holidays a year
20%
The number of private clubs that have waiting lists
It added the condition of the course played a “significant” role in the decision making of US golfers and the report concluded: “The US golfer is an affluent and tech-savvy consumer who values quality, service, convenience, and unique experiences.
“Golf industry professionals must meet these evolving demands by offering top-tier golf courses, luxury amenities, seamless digital engagement, and tailored travel experiences.
“By understanding and addressing these key expectations of the US golfer, golf clubs can position themselves for success in the growing and competitive golf tourism market.”
WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT FOR GOLFERS?
Course Conditions: 74%
Pace of Play: 57%
Course Layout/Style: 46%
