In real terms, the supply of golf courses grew 2,350 including a rate of 392 courses per year from 1991-96. In 1999, the NGF updated its study and found golf facilities continued to be grow at impressive rates. In 1997 there were 16,010 golf courses and that figure grew to 16,743 in 1999. Annual golf course openings topped 500 for the first time in 1999. There are approximately 78 million baby boomers, and this group was responsible for the biggest growth in the game when it reached 20-30 years of age.
Research indicates that golfers spend more and play more as they age.
Thus the boomers should fuel growth. The recent success of younger players and minorities on the professional tours will likely spur participation as well. For the superintendent profession, the expansion in golf courses and other golf facilities such as driving ranges, pitch and putts, etc., plus a probable increase in golfer demand is likely to result in good career opportunities for some time to come. Read our privacy statement .