The Generational Gap in Golf Grows (And What This Means for Golf Managers)
Make The Trend Your Friend
You as a golf manager - General Manager, Golf Pro, F&B Manager, Pro Shop Manager, Event Manager, etc. - must know the trends that are transforming your industry daily in 2025 and beyond.
These are not trends where you will begin to see change in 10-20 years.
These are trends that are starting to exponentially take off in the next 1-2, 2-3, and 3-5 years.
These are trends that the innovators and early adopters have already been taking advantage of.
And if you don’t get in front of it now, in some way, you will watch the industry transform and your future in it become very uncertain, depending on how much longer you have in it.
Regardless of how much longer you have in golf management, we recommend you get ahead of it now with the simplest and smallest step(s) that you can.
A step that will get you disproportionate and certain success for you, your members, your staff, and club owners - Voice AI Receptionist(s) for your Front Desk, Pro Shop and/or your Restaurant.
If you have not done so already, call our Demo Receptionist at +1 (866) 838-8581 to have a test conversation and see how it works. You will be amazed!
Contact us today to discuss how AceCall.ai can help your golf club.
Introduction - What Used To Bridge Generations Now Divides
Golf has always been a game that bridges generations, with traditions passed down from grandparents to parents and children.
However, in recent years, a generational gap has grown in golf participation, engagement, and expectations.
It's not that the younger generations don't play golf,
It's that younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, golf very differently from Baby Boomers and Gen X.
This shift has profound implications for golf course managers and industry professionals.
The expectations of younger players are reshaping how golf is played, marketed, and experienced.
If golf managers fail to adapt, they risk losing an entire demographic and limiting the long-term sustainability of their courses.
So, what’s driving this generational gap, and how can golf managers respond to future-proof their business?
Lets dig into a study of the biggest trends impacting and influencing the present and future golf and golf club industry.
SIDE NOTE:
SWOT Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) is a foundational tool for business strategy, helping companies assess internal capabilities and external market forces.
However, some strategists have recently tweaked it to become SWT Analysis—where the T now stands for Trends instead of Threats.
This shift recognizes that in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, trends—whether technological, social, economic, or regulatory—are more actionable and forward-thinking than simply identifying static opportunities or threats.
By focusing on trends, golf club managers can anticipate market shifts, proactively adapt, and position themselves ahead of competitors, rather than reacting to challenges and/or opportunities as they arise.
This approach fosters agility and innovation, making golf club managers and the clubs they run more resilient in the long run.
Section 1: The Generational Divide in Golf Participation
1.1 The Traditional Golf Audience (Boomers & Gen X)
For decades, Baby Boomers and Gen X have been the majority of golf’s customer base.
They value the sport for its competitive nature, exclusivity, and networking opportunities.
They have been at it the longest, and know what they like and don't like.
Membership-driven loyalty: Many Boomers and Gen X golfers are lifelong members of private clubs and view golf as an investment in their social and business networks.
Traditional golf etiquette: They expect and adhere to dress codes, enjoy rigid course rules, and the traditional pace of play.
Willingness to spend: They typically invest in high-end golf equipment, club memberships, and travel golf experiences.
Structured schedules: Many Boomers and Gen Xers plan their golf outings well in advance, often organizing their schedules around golf rather than fitting golf into a busy lifestyle.
However, as this demographic ages, their numbers are declining, and younger golfers are not joining traditional clubs at the same rate.
This slow generational turnover is a major concern for golf course sustainability.
If clubs do not attract younger golfers now, they risk long-term financial difficulties as their core membership base dwindles.
📌Reflection Questions:
How much of your club's revenue is dependent on Baby Boomers and Gen X members?
Are you seeing a decline in younger golfers joining long-term memberships?
Have you adapted any of your club's traditional policies to be more welcoming to younger players?
1.2 The Rise of Millennials & Gen Z in Golf
While golf participation among younger generations has grown, their approach is vastly different from their predecessors.
Casual and social appeal: Younger players see golf as a recreational activity rather than a strictly competitive sport. They prefer experiences like Topgolf, simulator golf, and shorter rounds.
Technology-driven engagement: Apps, online tee-time booking, virtual coaching, and gamified experiences attract these players.
Lack of commitment to memberships: The traditional private club model is less appealing due to its high cost and exclusivity. Many younger players prefer pay-as-you-play models or public courses.
Time constraints: Millennials and Gen Z often have busier schedules with work, side hustles, and social commitments. They seek flexible golf options that fit into their fast-paced lives.
Alternative entertainment options: Golf competes with various recreational activities, including eSports, social gaming, and immersive digital experiences. To capture their interest, golf must offer engagement that aligns with their existing hobbies.
If golf clubs don’t modernize their offerings, they will lose a massive audience that prefers more flexible and dynamic golf experiences.
📌Reflection Questions:
Do you currently offer a variety of membership models, including flexible or social memberships?
How can your club use technology to better engage Millennials and Gen Z golfers?
Have you explored entertainment-based golf offerings, such as simulator golf or Topgolf-style experiences?
Section 2: What’s Driving the Growing Gap?
2.1 Cost and Accessibility Barriers
The financial burden of golf is a significant deterrent for younger generations.
High cost of entry: Equipment, apparel, and club memberships create an upfront investment that many younger golfers find excessive.
Pay-per-round affordability: Many younger players seek affordability but find even public courses expensive compared to other entertainment options.
Geographic accessibility: Urbanization has limited access to golf courses, making it harder for younger people living in cities to play regularly.
Economic uncertainty: Millennials and Gen Z have faced economic instability, making long-term commitments to golf clubs less feasible.
If clubs fail to address cost and accessibility, they risk losing a generation of golfers who see the sport as out of reach.
📌Reflection Questions:
Does your club offer affordable entry-level golf experiences for younger players?
Have you explored partnerships with local businesses or schools to make golf more accessible?
Are there financial incentives (such as payment plans or discounts) that could help ease the cost burden for younger members?
2.2 Time Commitment vs. Shorter, More Engaging Experiences
One of the biggest barriers to younger golfers is the time commitment.
4-5 hour rounds are a major deterrent for Millennials and Gen Z. Many younger golfers prefer quick, fun experiences rather than day-long outings.
Alternative golf formats: 9-hole rounds, Par 3 courses, and Speedgolf are gaining popularity among younger players.
Entertainment venues: Topgolf and similar experiences are more appealing to social golfers who may not have time for traditional play.
Golf managers who cater to these time-conscious players will have a better chance of attracting them to their courses.
📌Reflection Questions:
Do you offer short-form play options to accommodate younger golfers' schedules?
How can you create a more time-efficient golfing experience without sacrificing quality?
Are your club’s facilities designed to support social and quick-play experiences?
2.3 The Digital & Social Media Influence on Golf
Younger generations consume golf differently than previous generations.
Social media influence: TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have popularized golf content, making the sport more appealing.
Technology integration: Golf apps, online booking systems, and virtual coaching are increasingly expected features.
Gamified golf experiences: Virtual leaderboards, digital stat tracking, and interactive play formats enhance engagement.
To stay competitive, golf course managers need to embrace digital engagement strategies.
📌Reflection Questions:
Is your club actively engaging with younger golfers through social media?
Do you have an easy-to-use online booking system?
Could your club introduce gamification features to attract digital-savvy golfers?
Conclusion - Close The Gap
The generational gap in golf is growing, and golf course managers must adapt to survive.
Younger players demand affordability, convenience, social engagement, and digital integration.
Traditional golf business models are no longer enough to sustain long-term success.
To bridge this gap, golf managers must modernize their clubs, courses, embrace technology, and create a culture that welcomes the next generation of golfers.
Those who innovate will thrive, while those who resist change risk losing relevance in an evolving industry.
