[Kim Maengnyoung’s Golf English Conversation] "66.6 Million Golfers Worldwide, the USA Is a Golf Paradise"

The United States owns 43% of the world's golf courses.

"There are 66.6 million golfers worldwide, and 38,081 golf courses across 206 countries."

This data is as of 2021. Golf-related statistics are useful even in business conversations. Recently, golf has become even more popular due to the impact of COVID-19, and these statistics are now used as basic marketing materials by professionals in the golf industry, such as golf club operators. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) and the National Golf Foundation (NGF) in the United States have been releasing annual statistics since golf was adopted as an official Olympic sport in 2016.

The global golf population stands at 66.6 million (up from 61 million in 2015). This is the highest number ever recorded, driven by increased outdoor activities and a rise in the number of golf courses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The United States is by far the number one country, with nearly 25 million golfers (According to the National Golf Foundation, nearly 25 million people played golf on a golf course in the United States). Japan has 8.91 million golfers, South Korea has 6.3 million, and the United Kingdom has 5.23 million.

As for the number of golf courses, the United States leads with 16,000 courses (43%), followed by Japan with 3,140, the United Kingdom with 3,100, Canada with 2,500, Australia with 1,560, Germany with 1,054, France with 811, South Korea with 810, Sweden with 650, China with 617, Spain with 493, South Africa with 477, New Zealand with 416, and Thailand with 317. By continent, North America accounts for 50%, Europe 23%, Asia & Middle East 17%, South America 2%, and Africa just 2%.

A: How many golf courses are there in the world?

B: There are almost 38,000 golf courses in 206 of the world’s 251 countries as of year-end 2021.

A: Which country has the most number of golf courses in the world?

B: The USA has a total of 16,000 courses, which is 43% of the world’s supply.

A: How many golf courses are there in South Korea?

B: There are currently about 810 golf courses in the country.

Written and photographed by Kim Maengnyoung, golf columnist