By: Patrick Stephenson

Over the last decade, the game of golf has experienced a dynamic shift. What was once considered a sport dominated by middle-aged men has rapidly become more inclusive, diverse, and youthful. Two of the most exciting and transformative trends in this evolution are the exponential growth in junior golf participation and the empowerment of women’s golf at all levels. From grassroots programs to professional tours, the sport is embracing a new era—one where young players and women are taking center stage.

A Youth Movement with Major Momentum

Ten years ago, junior golf was mostly a niche sport for kids whose parents already played the game. It wasn’t widely accessible, and the barriers to entry—cost, equipment, course access, and lack of instruction—made it difficult for many families to get involved. But today, thanks to coordinated efforts by golf organizations and a cultural shift around youth sports, junior golf is thriving like never before.

One of the biggest drivers of this growth is the PGA Jr. League, launched in 2011. The League created a fun, team-based environment that mimicked other youth sports like Little League baseball or youth soccer. With its scramble format, team jerseys, and emphasis on camaraderie over competition, it became a gateway into golf for tens of thousands of kids. By 2024, over 70,000 junior golfers were participating in PGA Jr. League nationwide, up from just a few thousand in its early years.

Another powerful influence has been First Tee, a youth development organization that uses golf as a tool to teach life skills and character. First Tee has reached over 10 million kids since its founding, and its curriculum has expanded to schools and community centers across the U.S. Over the past decade, the organization has made a concerted effort to reach more diverse communities and remove economic barriers.

In addition, the increased availability of junior-specific equipment, as well as junior-friendly practice facilities and forward tees, has made it easier for kids to learn the game in a more age-appropriate and fun way. Golf manufacturers have invested in high-quality junior clubs, while public and private courses alike have realized the long-term value of attracting young players.

COVID-19: An Unexpected Catalyst

While the pandemic wreaked havoc on many sports, golf—especially among juniors—experienced a surprising boom. With schools closed and other sports paused, golf became one of the few safe, outdoor activities families could do together. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), junior golf participation jumped by 25% from 2019 to 2021, the highest growth rate in modern history.

Suddenly, golf was cool. Kids weren’t just tagging along with their parents—they were driving the interest themselves. Social media also played a major role, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram showcasing young golfers, trick shots, and course vlogs that helped make golf feel more accessible and relatable to the next generation.

The Rise of Competitive Junior Golf

Beyond recreational play, the competitive junior golf scene has exploded. Tours like U.S. Kids Golf, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, and the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) have seen massive growth in participation. Events are now hosted nationwide nearly every weekend, with some drawing players from across the country and even internationally.

Colleges are taking notice. With increased visibility and access to player data, recruiting now starts earlier than ever, and college scholarships for both boys and girls are highly competitive. Junior golf has become a legitimate pathway to higher education, and for some, to the professional ranks.

Women’s Golf Steps Into the Spotlight

While junior golf is thriving, the evolution of women’s golf over the last 10 years may be even more impressive. Long underrepresented in both amateur and professional ranks, women are now gaining long-overdue respect, opportunities, and visibility in the sport.

Much of this momentum comes from increased media coverage and prize money in the professional game. The LPGA Tour has worked relentlessly to increase exposure, television contracts, and sponsorship dollars. In 2023, the LPGA Tour played for a record $100 million in total purse money, nearly double what it was just five years earlier.

Stars like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, Lilia Vu, and Rose Zhang have brought a new level of athleticism, charisma, and global appeal to the women’s game. Rose Zhang, in particular, captured headlines when she won her pro debut in 2023 after a dominant college and amateur career—a feat that hadn’t been done in decades. These young women are not just elite athletes; they’re inspiring role models for a generation of girls who now see golf as a viable and exciting sport to pursue.

College and Amateur Women’s Golf Surge

The surge isn’t limited to the pro ranks. Women’s college golf has seen a dramatic rise in competitiveness and talent depth. Schools across all divisions are investing more resources into their programs, and the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship is now televised and widely followed.

At the grassroots level, organizations like Girls Golf (a partnership between the LPGA and the USGA) have been instrumental in introducing the sport to girls. Girls Golf has grown from a few thousand participants to over 100,000 annually, with a strong focus on making golf fun, social, and empowering.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

One of the most encouraging aspects of this transformation is the intentional effort to make golf more inclusive and accessible. Both junior and women’s golf initiatives have emphasized diversity—racial, economic, and cultural.

Programs like Black Girls Golf, The Latina Golfers Association, and We Are Golf’s diversity initiatives have helped broaden the sport’s appeal and create welcoming environments for newcomers. Courses, instructors, and national organizations are realizing that the future of the game depends on creating a culture that reflects society as a whole.

Technology, Role Models, and the Power of Visibility

The rise in participation has been amplified by technology and social media. Young golfers are more connected than ever—sharing highlights, swing videos, and progress online. YouTube channels and Instagram pages dedicated to junior and women’s golf have given visibility to players who might have once gone unnoticed.

Meanwhile, role models are no longer just Tiger Woods or Annika Sörenstam. Today’s kids look up to a diverse roster of players like Lexi Thompson, Atthaya Thitikul, Tony Finau, and Collin Morikaw as well and many influencers like Grant Horvat and the Bryan Bros whom share their own junior golf stories and struggles. Seeing people who look like you succeed in golf makes all the difference.

The Future Looks Bright

The momentum behind junior and women’s golf isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. As the industry continues to invest in youth programs, increase coverage of the women’s game, and embrace diversity, golf’s future is not only secure but far more exciting, representative, and inspiring than ever before.

In many ways, this is the most hopeful era the sport has seen. Golf is becoming what it always should have been: a lifelong, inclusive, family-friendly sport where talent is nurtured, character is developed, and everyone—regardless of age or gender—has a chance to succeed.

And that’s something worth celebrating on every tee box, putting green, and fairway for years to come.