Golf has often been known as an old man's game, the home of the retired and the rich, but the last few years has seen a surge in popularity for golf among the millennial and Gen Z generations.
A game that requires time, patience and comes at quite a cost should be enough to keep the younger generations well away, but particularly since the pandemic, the number of younger people picking up a golf club has soared. According to the National Golf Foundation, the number of 6-17 year olds playing golf is up over 35% since 2019, its highest levels since 2006 just before the recession.
Meanwhile, the perceptions of golf from millennials are changing. The influence of popular culture, celebrities and social media has led to a much greater appeal for the sport. The exposure for golf from A-list stars such as DJ Khaled, Gareth Bale, Snoop Dogg and Justin Timberlake, just to name a few, has had a big influence on the "old person" reputation for the game.
As with most things, the impact from social media on golf cannot be underestimated. Popular YouTube accounts like Bob Does Sports and F0reBr0thers demonstrate a different, more fun, side to golf to a younger audience. Even the Sidemen have started playing golf for their 20 million subscribers. Different fun rules and often drinking conditions shown in these videos show how golf doesn't have to be so serious.
An off-putting factor over the years for young people getting in to golf are the harsh rules imposed by golf clubs. Minimum handicaps, restrictions on clothing and no sharing golf clubs can make it difficult to get started.
Not to mention the huge cost of playing golf with memberships fetching hundreds, or usually thousands, of pounds for the year. Then the cost of golf clubs, a golf club membership, and the right golfing attire. Oh and golf balls which if you are just getting started, you will lose a lot of. I mean a lot a lot, which comes a fair price too. I recommend cheap second hand ones, not pro-V1's.
But these factors are beginning to subside as a new wave of golfers aim to play golf with a smile on their face, and maybe even a drink in their hand. Thinking less about handicaps, less about the archaic rules, and thinking more about the company of friends and a break from the outside world, will continue to bring younger people into the game.
The Accessibility Factor
Golf is now far more accessible than it ever used to be. Hand-in-hand with the positive impact from social media on golf's perception, is the ease of access to play golf for the first time. TopGolf, or similar golf simulators found on driving ranges such as TopTracer, are a huge reason why more young people are starting to play.
Turning up at a local golf centre and paying a few quid for some balls and to rent a couple clubs, or even share with some mates, means more people can play without committing to a huge expense. The social atmosphere of drinks and food, interactive games on the screens, and a casual environment has made the game far more appealing.
Golf is also gradually becoming more affordable. It goes without saying though, that at no point will golf be a cheap sport to play, no doubt about that, and there is still a lot to be done in breaking down class barriers within the game. Green fees remain incredibly high at most courses, and a day on the course will always be expensive. However, discounted green fees on sites such as GolfNow and second hand clubs available online does play its part in reducing some of the costs.
Golf as a lifestyle
Another appealing aspect linked to the resurgence of golf, is its lifestyle. Contemporary trends in golf fashion and apparel brands that collaborate with popular designers adds a fashionable and smart aspect to being out on the course, or even off it.
Golf also provides a platform for socialising and networking, being outdoors, competing whether that's socially or professionally, and improving mental and physical health. It has become a lifestyle choice that appeals to a younger generation who are turning their backs on drinking and clubbing.
The uptake in golf by the younger generations might come as a relief for the golfing purists who want to see the game thrive. However maintaining the momentum and continuing the positivity around the sport will require compromise. Inclusivity for all levels of golf should be paramount, rather than ensuring a level of exclusivity and privilege within golf clubs which continues to exist.
Nevertheless, golf can be great and there is no reason why younger people shouldn't be able to love it. Yes, its slower than more popular sports like football and rugby. Yes, it requires patience and can be expensive and frustrating to play.
But golf is an opportunity to spend a day with mates outdoors, losing a few golf balls into trees, water and overly long grass. It's a chance to get competitive but also have a drink before, during and especially after.
Its also a great time to laugh at your mates as they swing and miss out of the rough a dozen times or slice their drive off the first tee into the trees, never to be seen again. What's not to love?
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