Photo @ Sarapon | Dreamstime.com
Golfers are packing up their clubs (never mind the fact that airlines are charging extra baggage fees to haul them) and heading out – not just to their local courses but to destination spots that offer great scenery and new challenges, as well as a whole lot more.
These and other insights are popping up in a few key pieces of research that could be valuable to event owners when choosing sites.
In early May, the National Golf Foundation noted that over the past three years, there have been record or near-record numbers of U.S. golfers traveling to play the game.
“Whether buddy trips, couples’ weekends, short getaways or destination golf experiences, more than 12 million Americans have traveled to play golf each year since 2022, up from an estimated 8.2 million in 2018,” states NGF. “This appetite not only highlights golf’s popularity but mirrors a broader societal trend toward experiential pursuits. And it’s being driven especially by the allure of aspirational courses and bucket-list destinations.”
In fact, NGF adds, across the past five years, “more than 40 percent of new golf course openings have had resort ties or can be considered “destination” locations where golf is the prime focus.
The former category includes recent debuts at high profile resorts like Bandon Dunes in Oregon (Shorty’s), Streamsong in Florida (The Chain), Sand Valley in Wisconsin (Sedge Valley), and Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina (No. 10), while the latter encompasses private or public getaway destinations such as Broomsedge, Old Barnwell and The Tree Farm in South Carolina, or GrayBull and Landmand in Nebraska.”
(Note to other destinations: We’re not leaving you out. We’re quoting the report.)
Little more than a month later, golf management company Troon released its own report that appears to back up those findings, stating (among other things) that golf getaways are a key focus for enthusiasts.
Troon points out that according to its research, more than half of U.S. players (a group of approximately 23 million in total) take at least one golf trip per year with 31 percent taking two or more.
With an average length of 3.33 days, these trips are common to either Florida and California or to overseas destinations such as Scotland, Ireland and the Iberian Peninsula.
Additionally, the Troon research reveals that players ranked dining and retail as two of the most important factors when selecting a destination. According to results, offering a diverse range of high-quality food, beverage and shopping options increased customer spending and made them more likely to visit a venue.
In other words, they’re not just coming for the course.
Something else the Troon research picked up on was the digital engagement of the average golfer. More than one-third of golfers book their rounds online, underlining the importance of an efficient and user-friendly booking platform for clubs. Notably, 57 percent of players used their smartphones for booking.
And it’s really just the beginning. A report by Technavio predicts the golf tourism market will grow by $10.1 billion from 2025 to 2029 because of factors like world-class golf courses, attractive travel packages and the increasing popularity of the sport. That includes not just travel to pro tournaments (and the associated expenses, such as restaurants, shopping and entertainment, but travel to participate in pro-am and amateur tournaments.
Grandview Research, meanwhile, notes the increased number of tournaments, a greater number of players and better golf infrastructure as prime drivers of the golf economy. Grandview also pointed out that Canada and the U.S. have invested substantially in golf tournaments, adding to the already robust ecosystem.
Another segment of the market is that of golfing vacation, which is driven largely by the businesses that package tours and accommodations, ensuring a smooth experience for golf enthusiasts.
A fast-growing segment of that is corporate golf, says Future Market Insights, whose report notes that company retreats, incentive programs and business meetings that incorporate golf outings provide unique opportunities for networking and relaxation for employees. Other segments of the golf travel market are packages and events for families and couples.
Another great piece of information is already showing the golf industry is in great shape. As reported in the SDM Blitz, racquet and golf equipment manufacturer Yonex, for example, reported revenues with nearly 20 percent growth in its most recent fiscal year. All indicators point to the success of athletes at the most recent Summer Olympics.
“The global sporting event held in Paris and other international tournaments held around the world, and the successes of athletes at these competitions, helped to stimulate the sports market and increase attention paid to Yonex, leading to record-high net sales,” Yonex said. “We strengthened our efforts to expand our global fan base by proactively communicating the achievements of athletes at these events, while also reinforcing grassroots activities in each region.”
Additionally, Dick’s Sporting Goods reported the largest sales quarter in company history. Dick’s stock jumped too.
It’s an across-the-board phenomenon, says the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), which recorded that product sales in the sporting goods fitness, and related recreation markets grew 4.2 percent between 2023 and 2024.
All these factors paint a robust picture of golf travel for the future, notes Future Market Insights, whose research sees growth in the global golf tourism market, citing increasing disposable income, government backing, and evolving consumer preferences toward luxury travel. Additionally, golf resorts and championship courses will remain accessible to both seasoned and amateur golfers, thus continuing to attract them.
“With the rise of digital booking platforms and personalized golf experiences, the market is set to expand rapidly. Moreover, sustainability initiatives in golf tourism will further shape the industry's future,” concluded Sudip Saha Managing Director and Co-Founder at Future Market Insights.
On the event front, golf also continues to broaden its appeal. The recent announcement of the Sapphire Tour, set to elevate Black female golfer, is one example.
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