Female Golfers Fueling Sport’s Growth

The total number of golfers worldwide has reached 66.6 million — up from 61 million five years ago — and the game shows no signs of slowing down as it gains popularity with women.

No segment has seen as much growth since the pandemic began in March 2020 than female golfers, according to the National Golf Foundation. 

• The percentage of women on courses hit 25% in 2021, up from 19% 10 years ago. 
• In 2021, girls made up 35%, or 1.1 million, of junior golfers compared to 15% in 2000.
• More than a quarter of girl golfers are non-Caucasian, up from just 6% 20 years ago. 

Golf’s growing popularity among women is partly due to the emergence of entertainment venues such as Topgolf, where women now account for roughly 45% of all off-course golfers. Women’s organizations such as Fore the Ladies Inc. have also stepped in to help golf gain traction with emerging demographics.

Great for Business 

Callaway Golf generated a quarterly record $712 million in revenue in Q4 2021, a 90% increase compared to the same period the year prior. Full-year revenue reached $3.1 billion, a 97% increase compared to FY2020.

The PGA Tour Superstore — owned by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank — reported record sales growth in fiscal 2021. The golf industry’s largest retailer saw its sales jump 21% in October 2021 and 19% a month later.