Golf’s benefits were accentuated by the pandemic – physical, mental, and social – with many Americans discovering and rediscovering an interest in the game.
Golf provided a needed escape; an opportunity to get outdoors and in the fresh air, away from lockdowns, and connect with family and friends.
Lately, golf has a more favorable narrative going for it for a variety of reasons: social media, celebrities, the proliferation of many exciting off-course venues, charitable and community impact, and more. And that shift has a positive effect on perceptions of the game.
![](https://www.ngf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Perceptions-of-golf-responses-8_24_2023.png)
Consider that a decade ago, 57% of words or phrases that non-golfers used to describe golf were generally unfavorable. Today, about two-out-of-three non-golfers perceive golf positively or at least neutrally. The incidence of negative attitudes has dropped to 37%.
That’s not to say there won’t be detractors. There always will be, no different than other sports and activities.
![](https://www.ngf.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/perceptions-of-golf-8_24_2023.png)
Golf, while one of the nation’s most popular participation sports, is still played by less than 10% of the population. But it’s notable that even those who don’t play it – yet – are more likely to describe the game as “fun,” “relaxing,” and “outdoors” over “boring,” “expensive,” and “slow.”
Among golfers, almost 60% of young adults (ages 18-34) who play consider golf to be “cool.”
That’s especially interesting given that this age group counts the most on-course golfers – even if they don’t play or spend as much as others – as well as the most off-course participants, and the most total golfers. In addition, this age group is the most highly represented in the latent demand category. When another 6 million+ young adults are expressing an interest in taking up the traditional, green grass game, you don’t think it helps to have golf considered cool?
Perceptions matter.
Author
Joseph Beditz