Who is the Average Golfer?

Golf companies spend a lot of time creating products for the “average” golfer, but have you ever wondered who that golfer is? How old are they? Do you know how much money they make? How often do they play golf? We are going to dive in and bring you the facts and figures to reveal the “average” golfer – how close do you measure up?

How old is the average golfer?

It may not surprise you that golf is predominantely composed of men and that there are more senior players than younger ones. The average age for a golfer in the United States is 54.

However, there are many programs around the United States that are introducing children to the game of golf. The First Tee program has over 1,200 locations in the U.S. and several other countries and teaches golf to juniors ages 5 to 18. Thousands of kids have been introduced into the game through The First Tee’s programs.

Women are also increasing their numbers on the links. Several golf courses, including the Haggin Oaks Golf Complex in Sacramento, CA, have started mentor programs for women players to encourage them to get on the course. These groups pair mentors with new and returning women golfers and assist them with the transition from lessons to playing on the golf course. Golf is the fastest growing sport for women with nearly one out of every four golfers (23%) being women out on the course.

How long has the average golfer been playing golf? What is the average golfer’s handicap?

According to an article published by Golf Monthly in 2015, “the average golfer has a handicap between 16 and 20, has been golfing for 1-5 years.” (Source: https://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/news/the-average-golfer-revealed-70641) The average golfer is therefore a bogey golfer and is relatively new to the game. I will point out that the average USGA handicap for male golfers has remained fairly consistent between 14.0 and 15.0 for a number of years, but not all golfers have a USGA handicap which is one of the reasons our average is higher.

How much does money does the average golfer make? What is the net worth of the average golfer?

On average, golfers are typically high earners with an average household income of $100,950. The U.S. Census Bureau reported the average household income in 2017 was $61,372. The net worth of the average golfer is $768, 400 and 14% of golfers have a net worth over 1 million dollars. According to demographics reported by benchcraftcompany.com, 1 in 4 golfers own their own business and 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs are golfers. Perhaps the golf course is a good place to conduct your next business deal.

How often do you vacation? The average golfer takes an average of 12.4 vacation days and 32% own at least 3 vehicles.

Let’s dive into the golf now!

How many rounds does the average golfer play?

In 2019, according to the National Golf Foundation, golfers played an average of 18.2 rounds. This number varies greatly by age however. Golfers over the age of 65 played an average of 36 rounds a year while those ages 18-34 only play an average of 12 rounds.

How much does the average round of golf cost?

If you want to play a round of golf, the average round at a public golf course will set you back $36 including your golf cart. That price will go up significantly if you are thinking of joining a private club, and you can plan to spend approximately 4 hours on the course playing your round of golf. Of course, this time is going to vary depending on how crowded the golf course is, how skilled you and your playing partners are and how you are getting around the golf course (riding or walking). And if you are walking, you can plan on walking between 3-6 miles during your 18-hole round and a good average to consider is 5 miles.

How much time does the average golfer spend at the golf course? How often does the average golfer practice?

The average golfer spends about 4 1/2 hours each week playing golf and 1.2 hours practicing their game. (Source: https://www.benchcraftcompany.com/demographics/)

How far does the average golfer hit their driver? What is their average club speed?

Many golfers may talk about hitting their driver 300 yards, but for most golfers, that’s all it is… talk! The average golfer based strictly on statistics is going to hit their driver based on their handicap and their age. Since we already determined the average golfer is a 54 years old male with a handicap between 16 and 20, his average drive should be between 211.93-215.65 yards. (Source: https://golfpracticeguides.com/average-golfer-statistics-above-average-golf/)

TracMan Golf published a blog where reviewed the collective data for over 10,000 amateur male golfers and determined an average distance of 214 yards which is right in line with the data we reported above. The average club speed is 93.4 mph. (Source: https://blog.trackmangolf.com/performance-of-the-average-male-amateur/)

How many birdies and putts will the the average golfer make in a round of golf?

If the average golfer is shooting in the high 80’s/low 90’s every round, then they can expect to make 0 to 1.5 birdies per round.

The quickest way to improve your golf game may be to work on your short game, but did you know how many putts per round the average golfer makes? A good rule of thumb is 2 putts per hole, so for 18 holes, this would equate to 36 putts. How many are you averaging?

Now that you have seen the averages, my question for you is…how do you measure up?