Survey Finds More Golfers are Playing More Often

The American Society of Golf Course Architects leads their June 2017 issue with highlights from SLRG’s Survey of the American Golfer, conducted for Golf.com.

A study conducted for GOLF.com by Sports & Leisure Research Group shows positive signs for the golf industry. More committed golfers are playing more often, and they plan to increase play throughout 2017. Survey results follow…

Those surveyed were golfers who played at least 10 times in the past year, and just over half of respondents had a 10-20 handicap.

Other survey results of note:

  • 76% played mostly on public courses
  • 81% played as much or more golf over the previous year
  • 96% expected to play as much or more golf this year than last year
  • 41% find the idea of a nine-hole round appealing
  • 49% favor stroke play when playing a casual match with friends (39% favor Match play [best ball])
  • 73% do not enjoy playing golf alone
  • 56% use golf carts
  • 55% arrive at the course 30 minutes before tee time
  • 36% find golf more inclusive and welcoming than it was a generation ago
  • 23% say the putter is their favorite club in the bag

Additional survey questions included equipment purchase and use, what makes the game enjoyable and what may encourage greater participation.

The complete survey may be seen here.