The New Golden Age of Golf: How Inclusivity and Tech are Reshaping the Game

Golf is undergoing a significant transformation in the U.S., particularly in California, moving from an exclusive sport to an inclusive cultural phenomenon. New venues like Topgolf attract diverse players, while technology enhances the experience. Despite challenges like rising costs and environmental concerns, participation is booming, signaling a bright future for the sport.

A Game on the Rise: The Record Numbers

For decades, golf carried a reputation as a sport of exclusivity. But today, the game is being redefined, played everywhere from brightly lit Topgolf bays to quiet indoor simulators. The real heartbeat of the game lies in its embrace by new communities and generations.

The numbers tell a remarkable story of growth, driven by a sustained cultural shift:

• Total U.S. Participants: 47.2 million (Age 6+)—the highest ever recorded by the National Golf Foundation (NGF).

• On-Course Players: 28.1 million—traditional players driving rounds.

• Off-Course-Only Players: 19.1 million—engaged exclusively at ranges, simulators, and entertainment venues.

• Rounds Played: 545 million—continuing a five-year streak of over half a billion annual rounds.

California's Golf Boom

California is one of the largest golf markets in the country, second only to Florida, with nearly 1,000 facilities. The state’s activity mirrors the national surge:

• California Rounds: Estimated at 50–55 million in 2024, continuing strong post-pandemic momentum.

• Facility Count: California boasts around 982 golf courses, offering an incredibly diverse mix, from iconic coastal venues (Pebble Beach, Torrey Pines) to affordable urban municipal courses (Griffith Park, Balboa Park).

The Changing Face of the Golfer

Walk onto a California driving range today and you'll see a mosaic of players—college students, young women, and families. This unprecedented surge in diversity and youth is reshaping golf culture:

Women in Golf: The Biggest Driver of Growth

Women's participation accounts for 60% of the net growth in on-course play since 2019, fundamentally changing the game's demographics.

• On-Course Players: Nearly 8 million women played in 2024, representing 28% of all golfers—the highest proportion ever recorded.

• Off-Course Engagement: Women make up 43% of off-course-only golfers (Topgolf, simulators).

• Junior Girls: 35% of all junior golfers are girls, up from just 15% in 2000.

Diversity and Juniors: The Future of the Fairway

The game is rapidly becoming more inclusive, ensuring a strong talent pipeline for decades to come.

• Golfers of Color: Nearly 7 million golfers of color (Black, Asian, Hispanic) played on-course in 2024, accounting for 25% of all golfers—the highest proportion ever (up from 8% in 1990).

• Off-Course Diversity: Even more diverse, with 45% of off-course-only golfers being people of color.

• Junior On-Course: About 3.7 million juniors (Age 6–17) played on-course, the highest since 2006.

• Junior Off-Course: Jumped from 2.2 million in 2019 to 4 million in 2024 (an 82% increase).

Where the Game Lives Now: Technology and Social Spaces

The golf course is still sacred ground, but the rise of entertainment golf has been transformative, acting as a crucial gateway for new players.

• Entertainment Golf: Topgolf operates multiple venues across California (Los Angeles, San Jose, Sacramento), blending nightlife, technology, and social experience.

• Indoor Simulators: A growing number of facilities, including X-Golf and The Golf Bar, offer year-round, weather-proof play and training.

These venues are not competing with traditional golf; they are feeding it. A casual night at a simulator often sparks curiosity that leads to tee times on real grass.

Challenges and California’s Role

No golden age is without challenges. Rising equipment costs threaten to slow growth, and in California, drought remains a constant environmental challenge.

However, the industry is showing resilience. Courses are embracing reclaimed water and desert landscaping, while programs like Long Beach Jr Golf and SCGA Junior ensure the next generation has access. California’s diverse population and tech-driven culture make it the perfect testing ground for a sustainable, innovative golf future.

Where LBGN Fits In

This momentum is exactly why Long Beach Golf News (LBGN) is thriving. Our mission is to meet the needs of both new and experienced golfers in Southern California by celebrating the game in all its forms.

• New Players: We build bridges into the sport through coverage of accessible venues like Topgolf and simulators.

• Seasoned Golfers: We highlight the culture, tournaments, and unique personalities that define SoCal golf.

• Partners: We offer sponsors an opportunity to align with the game's fastest-growing, most diverse segment.

The future of golf isn't about preserving tradition for tradition’s sake—it’s about blending the old with the new. LBGN is positioned to be the storyteller and connector, ensuring Southern California remains at the forefront of golf’s new golden age.