Traditional, on-course participation was up again in 2022, with a net increase of 500,000 golfers to 25.6 million in total.

While there’s been a net gain of 1.3 million on-course golfers over the past three years, 2022 marked the fifth straight year overall of green grass participation increases. That hadn’t happened in two decades.

And yet gains away from the golf course are more significant, with a 13% year-over-year jump compared to the 2% rise in on-course participation. As anticipated, total off-course engagement (27.9 million) has for the first time eclipsed those who play on the course.

Overall, golf’s U.S. consumer base is now a record 41.1 million, with three distinct participant groups (see graphic).

Golf participation is one of the core measures of golf’s vitality and a central component to the new state-of-industry Graffis Report, which is now available to members. Beyond participation, engagement and rounds played, you can find key data, research and insights on golf course supply and development, retail supply, golf’s reach, and much more here.

And for members who want a hard copy, there’s a one-page overview available for download here.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing more information on rounds, supply and many of the game’s key segments, like beginners, women and juniors. Stay tuned.