In 2024, **** million people in the United States played golf, representing an increase of around six percent on the previous year. It also represented the highest participation figure since 2008.

About this dataset

Context

The dataset tabulates the Golf population distribution across 18 age groups. It lists the population in each age group along with the percentage population relative of the total population for Golf. The dataset can be utilized to understand the population distribution of Golf by age. For example, using this dataset, we can identify the largest age group in Golf.

Key observations

The largest age group in Golf, IL was for the group of age 55 to 59 years years with a population of 89 (16.24%), according to the ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. At the same time, the smallest age group in Golf, IL was the 80 to 84 years years with a population of 11 (2.01%). Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates

Age groups:

• Under 5 years
• 5 to 9 years
• 10 to 14 years
• 15 to 19 years
• 20 to 24 years
• 25 to 29 years
• 30 to 34 years
• 35 to 39 years
• 40 to 44 years
• 45 to 49 years
• 50 to 54 years
• 55 to 59 years
• 60 to 64 years
• 65 to 69 years
• 70 to 74 years
• 75 to 79 years
• 80 to 84 years
• 85 years and over

Variables / Data Columns

• Age Group: This column displays the age group in consideration
• Population: The population for the specific age group in the Golf is shown in this column.
• % of Total Population: This column displays the population of each age group as a proportion of Golf total population. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

Recommended for further research

This dataset is a part of the main dataset for Golf Population by Age. You can refer the same here

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Motivation

Disc golf is a sport where players throw discs from a teeing area and try to get them into a basket in a few strokes as possible. Similarly to ball golf, players compete with a bag of discs that include drivers, midranges, and putters, and try to achieve a score of par or better every hole. The Disc Golf Pro Tour is the main professional disc golf tour that holds tournaments across the United States and Europe where Disc Golfers from all around the world can compete. The DGPT tracks putting and driving statistics for each player across all of their events and the top 40% of finishers in each event receive cash for their performance.

Data

The DGPT data set contains 97 rows and 25 columns where each row is a disc golfer’s statistics from the first 11 events of 2024 Disc Golf Pro Tour season. Each row includes a players average scoring, throwing, and putting statistics, as well as cumulative and average placement and earning statistics. This data set include each player who finished above the cash line at least 1 tournament in the first 11 events of the DGPT season. The columns are as follows:

• player player name
• birdie_avg the average number of birdies from an 18 hole round
• bogey_avg the average number of bogeys from an 18 hole round
• PKD the percentage of shots a player has ‘parked’ (within 10 ft of the basket)
• C1R the percent of shots throw within ‘Circle 1’(0-33ft) in regulation
• C2R the percent of shots throw within ‘Circle 2’(33-66ft) in regulation
• FWY the percent fairways hit with drives
• SCR the percent of successful ‘scrambles’ the player achieves
• OB/18 the average total out of bounds shots for 18 holes
• C1X the percent of putts made from C1 excluding tap in putts(0-10ft)
• C2P the percent of putts made from C2 (33-66ft)
• tot_SG:TG the total ‘Strokes Gained’ on the rest of the field from the tee to the green
• tot_SG:P the total ‘Strokes Gained’ on the rest of the field putting
• events total events played for the 2024 DGPT season
• rounds total rounds played for the 2024 DGPT season
• wins wins from the 2024 DGPT season
• podiums total podium placements from the 2024 DGPT season
• top_10s total top 10 placements from the 2024 DGPT season
• top_20s total top 20 placements from the 2024 DGPT season
• avg_place average event placement from the 2024 DGPT season
• top_10% percent of events where the player placed in the top 10
• top_20% percent of events where the player placed in the top 20
• total_earnings the players total earnings from the 2024 DGPT season
• total_strokes the total number of shots the player has taken during the DGPT season

Important Disc Golf Terms

Parked(PKD): When a player throws their disc within 10 feet of the basket with a tee shot on par 3s or an approach shot on par 4s and 5s. A score of eagle or better also counts as a shot being parked.

Circle 1 in Regulation(C1R): When a player’s disc comes to rest within 10m(33ft) of the basket in the expected amount of shots. This is their tee shot on a par 3, 2nd shot on a par 4, and third shot on a par 5. C1 is defined by a 10m circle around the basket.

Circle 2 in Regulation(C2R): This has the same definition as Circle 1 in Regulation, but Circle 2 extends to within 20m(66ft) of the basket.

Fairways Hit(FWY): This is the percent of holes where the player lands on the fairway with their drive. This includes being inside Circle 1 or 2 on a drive.

Scramble(SCR): A scramble is when a player scores par or better on a hole after missing the fairway or being out-of-bounds. Scramble percentage is the percentage of holes where a player scored par or better after an errant drive.

Circle 1X putting(C1X): The putting percentage of the player from within Circle 1 (10m/66ft), excluding tap in putts within 10ft of the basket.

Circle 2 putting(C2P): The putting percentage of the player from Circle 2 (10m-20m/33ft-66ft).

Strokes Gained Tee to Green(SG:TG): This is the number of strokes by which the player has exceeded the average throwing performance of the field on drives and approaches.

Strokes Gained Putting(SG:P): This is the number of strokes by which the player has exceeded the average putting performance of the field in circle 1 and 2.

Questions

1. What statistics are most strongly correlated with successful performances (total_earnings, wins, avg_place)?
2. If a player were to improve in a specific statistic, how would you expect his scoring to change(average birdies or bogeys)?
3. Does the old golf saying “Drive for show, putt for dough” apply to disc golf? Are wins or total earnings more correlated with putting?

References

Profession Disc Golf Association via. StatMando, 2024, 2024 MPO DGPT Season Stats. https://statmando.com/stats/season-stats-main-dgpt-2024-mpo

Profession Disc Golf Association via. StatMando, 2024, Stats for Majors and Elite Events: 2024 (MPO). https://statmando.com/s...

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Golf Course Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the global golf course market size in 2024 stands at USD 21.3 billion, demonstrating robust industry activity and a steady expansion trajectory. The market is experiencing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033, driven by increased participation in golf, infrastructural investments, and the sport’s growing appeal across emerging economies. By 2033, the golf course market is forecasted to reach USD 32.1 billion, reflecting the sustained interest in both recreational and professional golfing activities worldwide. These findings are based on our comprehensive market analysis, leveraging the most recent data and industry trends.

Several growth factors are fueling the expansion of the golf course market. First and foremost, the global surge in sports tourism and recreational spending has significantly contributed to the proliferation of golf courses, particularly in regions where golf is evolving as a lifestyle sport. The increasing number of international tournaments and celebrity endorsements has heightened the sport’s visibility, attracting younger demographics and expanding its traditional audience base. Moreover, the integration of advanced technologies, such as GPS-enabled golf carts, smart irrigation systems, and digital scorekeeping, has enhanced the overall player experience, making golf courses more attractive to both seasoned players and newcomers. This technological adoption is not only improving operational efficiency but also enabling golf courses to offer differentiated services, further strengthening market growth.

Another key driver is the strategic investments by both private and public sector entities in golf course development and maintenance. Governments in emerging economies are recognizing the potential of golf tourism as a revenue generator and are actively supporting the construction of new courses and the renovation of existing ones. Private developers are also capitalizing on the rising demand for luxury leisure activities by integrating golf courses into residential and resort projects. This trend is particularly evident in Asia Pacific and the Middle East, where golf is increasingly seen as a symbol of prestige and exclusivity. Additionally, the introduction of eco-friendly maintenance practices and sustainable landscaping is resonating with environmentally conscious consumers, fostering a positive image for the industry and attracting new investment streams.

Demographic shifts and changing lifestyle preferences further underpin the market’s growth. The aging population in developed regions, coupled with the increasing health consciousness among middle-aged adults, is driving demand for low-impact, outdoor sports like golf. Simultaneously, initiatives aimed at making golf more accessible to women, juniors, and diverse ethnic groups are expanding the sport’s reach. Golf associations and clubs are investing in training programs, community outreach, and flexible membership options to lower entry barriers and cultivate a new generation of golfers. These inclusive strategies are not only broadening the market base but are also ensuring the long-term sustainability of the golf course industry.

Regionally, North America continues to dominate the global golf course market, accounting for the largest share due to its well-established golfing culture, high disposable incomes, and a dense network of premium courses. However, the Asia Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market, propelled by rising affluence, urbanization, and government initiatives to promote golf tourism. Europe maintains a strong presence, supported by a rich tradition of golf and a steady influx of international tournaments. Meanwhile, Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are witnessing gradual growth, driven by increasing investments in sports infrastructure and a growing interest in golf as a leisure activity. This dynamic regional landscape underscores the global appeal and adaptability of the golf course market.

Type Analysis

The golf course market is segmented by type into public, private, municipal, and resort courses, each catering to distinct demographics and usage patterns. Public golf courses are the most accessible, offering affordable options for the general population and serving as entry points for new golfers. These courses are typically funded by local governments or private entities aiming to promote community engagement and sports participation. Th

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