Quick Hits: Golf’s Popularity—Players vs. Spectators

By: Patrick Stephenson

Golf is having a moment—but is it being driven more by those picking up clubs or by those watching from the sidelines?

In 2024, a record 47.2 million Americans engaged with the game—28.1 million teed it up on courses, while 19.1 million played off-course at places like Topgolf and simulator lounges. The number of newcomers remains strong too, with over 3.3 million people trying traditional golf for the first time last year alone.

Participation is growing across nearly every demographic, especially among women, juniors, and people of color.

But golf isn’t just being played, it’s being watched, streamed, and celebrated across platforms. As tours experiment with new formats and creators draw millions of views online, the game’s reach is expanding beyond the fairways.

So, what’s fueling golf’s popularity more—those who play it, or those who follow it? Let’s take a closer look.

Participation – The Player Boom

Golf’s surge in participation isn’t just about numbers—it’s about who’s showing up and how they’re getting into the game.

While traditional course play remains strong, a major force behind the growth is the explosion of off-course golf—places like Topgolf, simulator lounges, and driving ranges. These settings offer a casual, social way to engage with golf, and they’re working: nearly two-thirds of new golfers start off-course before transitioning to the fairways.

That’s especially true for women and younger players. In 2024, 8.2 million women participated in off-course golf, helping drive a major demographic shift. Today, 28% of on-course players are female, a significant gain from just a few years ago. Juniors have also jumped in—youth participation is up 48% since 2020, and girls now make up over a third of junior golfers, up from just 15% in 2000.

The sport is also becoming more inclusive. People of color now represent 25% of on-course golfers, with more than 2 million new participants joining since the pandemic began. That’s not only good for the game’s image—it’s crucial for its long-term sustainability.

And perhaps most importantly: people are sticking with it. The rise in repeat players and year-over-year growth signals that golf isn’t a passing trend—it’s becoming a permanent part of more people’s lives.

Spectators – Who’s Watching?

As participation in golf surges, so does its spectator base—across television, live events, and digital platforms. On traditional broadcasts, the PGA Tour continues to draw strong numbers, averaging around 3.1 million viewers for final rounds on Sundays this season. In contrast, LIV Golf has struggled to establish a foothold in the TV space, drawing about 175,000 viewers for final rounds on The CW, with its most-watched event peaking at 484,000—a fraction of what the PGA commands.

Live attendance tells a similar story. The WM Phoenix Open has become golf’s biggest party, pulling in about 600,000 fans over tournament week, including more than 200,000 on Saturday alone. The Masters, by contrast, offers a more exclusive experience with approximately 40,000 patrons per day and a capped total of 175,000–200,000 for the week. Other tournaments like the Travelers Championship and major championships also draw strong crowds, typically ranging between 150,000 to 250,000.

Globally, golf maintains an enormous reach, with an estimated 450 million fans worldwide and particularly high engagement across Asia-Pacific markets. This international following is increasingly consuming content beyond television. PGA Tour efforts to engage younger and more diverse fans through influencers—such as Paige Spiranac—and content creators have led to growing visibility on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.

Golf’s spectator appeal is no longer confined to Sunday TV broadcasts or ticketed grandstands. It’s evolving across formats, time zones, and devices—bringing the game to millions who may never pick up a club but still want to be part of the experience.

A Game for All—On the Course and on the Screen

Whether it’s the crack of a driver on the first tee or the tension of a Sunday back nine on TV, golf is clearly winning with both players and spectators. On the ground, record numbers of people are picking up clubs—many for the first time—driven by more inclusive access, flexible formats, and off-course experiences that make the game more approachable than ever.

At the same time, millions are tuning in each week, packing grandstands at tournaments, and following creators and pros across digital channels. From traditional fans of The Masters to newcomers discovering golf through YouTube, the game is thriving in both its classic and modern forms.

So, is golf more popular for players or viewers? The real takeaway is that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. In 2025, golf’s strength lies in its ability to connect with people wherever they are—whether they’re lacing up spikes or streaming highlights between meetings. The fairways may be full, but so are the feeds. And that’s a win for the game as a whole.