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50+ Golf tourism/travel statistics and trends

Updated on January 27, 2024 by Axel Hernborg

Golf travel is considered a major activity both as a direct form of special interest travel and as an adjunct to other forms of travel. The golf tourism industry had experienced consistent growth Y-on-Y just before the COVID-19 pandemic. The industry took a hit from the pandemic just like every other sector, but that negative impact hasn’t been felt that much by golf travel tour operators as the industry is currently witnessing a sharp resurgence to its position just before the pandemic.

The year 2023 was a banner year for golf tourism. After a few years of pandemic-related setbacks, golfers around the world were finally free to dust off their clubs and hit the links in exotic locales. From sun-drenched Caribbean islands to the rolling hills of Scotland, golf courses were buzzing with activity.

But just how big was the golf tourism boom in 2023? And what were the hottest destinations for golf enthusiasts? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the latest golf tourism stats and trends, revealing the most popular destinations, spending habits, and emerging player demographics. So, whether you’re a seasoned golf globetrotter or a weekend warrior planning your next escape, buckle up and get ready to tee off on some fascinating travel insights.

Explained below are some of the top trends in the golf travel industry.

Table of contents

• 1 Locations
• 2 Industry Insight
• 3 Motives & Habits of Golf Tourists
• 4 Demography
• 5 Other Industry Trends
• 6.1 REFERENCES

• As golf rises in popularity with the ageing population of many Western nations, more markets are emerging. The golf industry is more a global market than it has ever been.
• The majority of the golf courses are in North America (49%) , while Europe holds second place (22%) , Asia (16%) and South America (5%) .
• The US is the largest market with a total participation of 25.6 million golfers in 2023 .
• The competition in golf tourism is increasing and prominent players in traditional markets are being challenged by emerging golf destinations such as Mexico, Egypt, China, Malaysia, and Thailand.
• A recent survey revealed that 36% of golfers prioritize high-quality facilities when choosing a golf holiday location.
• South Africa: +28% year-on-year growth.
• Turkey: +25% year-on-year growth.
• Abu Dhabi: +22% year-on-year growth.
• Dubai: +20% year-on-year growth.
• Mauritius: +18% year-on-year growth
• Spain : Launched a national golf tourism strategy focused on sustainability and diversification.
• Portugal : Introduced tax incentives for international golfers and invested in new courses.
• Vietnam : Developed a master plan to position itself as a premier golf tourism destination in Southeast Asia

Industry Insight

• Golf tourism is enjoying sustained growth, driven by increasing interest in recreational sports and declining participation in competitive golf.
• North America has the largest market for golf tourism with 49% of global golf tourism revenue due to rising disposable income and leisure spending.
• 78% of golfers now consider golf primarily a leisure activity, compared to 62% in 2019.
• Golf tourism represents the high-end segment of the tourism industry, with golfers spending 30-50% more than average tourists.
• The global tours and travel market is projected to reach $1,063.00 billion by 2028, with golf playing a significant role.
• Various countries have recognized that golf tourists tend to spend more than average tourists.
• Recognizing the economic benefits, 62% of countries with significant golf tourism offerings have increased investment in infrastructure and marketing.
• Spain, Portugal, and Vietnam are prime examples of countries implementing dedicated golf tourism strategies.
• In Europe, there were about 1 million golf players registered in 2023 and about 6800 registered golf clubs.
• England leads Europe in registered golfers, with 692,500 players , followed by Germany’s 651,417 . Scotland’s 188 thousand golfers showcase the country’s enduring love for the sport.
• While Ireland and Wales may not boast the same numbers as England and Germany, their 183 thousand and 45 thousand registered golfers respectively demonstrate the passion for golf across the UK.
• Golf attracts thousands of new travellers every year, both as the primary motivation for travel and as a secondary activity.
• 87% of consumers use their phones to book travel activities, including restaurant reservations and sightseeing tours.
• Online platforms and travel apps are increasingly popular for booking golf vacations and tee times.
• The golf tourism market size overall in the United States is $27.24 billion
• The global golf tourism market is expected to reach $46.05 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period 2024-2032.
• 9.5 million golfers are estimated to play 62.3 million rounds while travelling for leisure or business in 2023, indicating a rising number of participants.

Motives & Habits of Golf Tourists

• Golf has become a strategic tool of governments in many emerging key markets to give them a competitive edge – aiming to modify seasonal visitation and extend the tourism season for golf lovers.
• 72% of emerging markets with significant golf tourism potential are actively leveraging golf as a strategic tool to boost tourism and extend seasons.
• Examples include Morocco, Thailand, and Vietnam, implementing dedicated golf tourism strategies and attracting new players.
• 81% of golf tourists prioritize experiential activities beyond the course, seeking to create lasting memories, away from the fairways
• About 68% of golf tourists have absorbed the so-called ‘snacking’ culture and they want to collect as many experiences as possible during multiple short trips instead of one longer trip.
• Hotels are the most preferred accommodation for 54% of golf tourists.
• 47% of the 6 million golfers worldwide travel internationally with golf as a primary vacation motivation.
• Active and frequent golfers are 23% more likely to travel for golf than casual players, both domestically and internationally.
• Baby Boomers are increasingly seeking multigenerational travel experiences, incorporating non-golfing family members and diverse activities.
• 76% of today’s golf tourists are willing to spend more on their ideal golf trip, prioritizing flexibility, variety, and unique experiences.
• Personalized itineraries, curated activities, and exclusive access are becoming increasingly important for high-spending golf travellers.

• Baby Boomers are still driving most of the travel trends. However, younger golfers are beginning to face changes in resort amenities and golf package itineraries.
• Around 40% of all golfers in the U.S. are now millennials, a significant jump from earlier estimates.
• While Baby Boomers still hold the largest share, Gen Z is rapidly entering the scene, with 14 million expressing interest in playing on-course golf.
• Approximately 6 million people play golf worldwide with 25.6 million of these residing in the United States, 10.6 million in Europe, 5.7 million in Canada, 10 million in Japan, and 4.2 million in the United Kingdom.
• Around 4 million golfers in the U.S. are now millennials .
• Juniors and young adults (6-34 years old) now comprise roughly 38% of on-course golfers in the U.S., with 6 million women playing golf on a course, representing 22% of all golfers and 40% of off-course participants.
• 39% of adult golfers in 2023 took a trip for business or leisure with an overnight stay during which they played at least one round of golf.
• Golf package itineraries are becoming more flexible and customizable, catering to individual interests and preferences beyond just the golf course itself.

Other Industry Trends

• Road trips are popular among golf travellers, with nearly 32% willing to drive over eight hours one way for a golf vacation, and 76% open to journeys exceeding four hours.
• About 5 to 10% travel worldwide with the sole purpose of playing golf. This number has been steadily increasing over the years as more countries embrace golf tourism as a key source of foreign exchange.
• The nature of jobs has already changed and people are getting an increased amount of leisure time available for activities such as golf tourism.
• Due to the ease of transport that comes with cheaper international travel, travellers can move to various locations to take part in golf events more often.
• A golf course has become a very lucrative attraction for many new tourist destinations. New venues in host locations are creating promising opportunities in the golf tourism sector.
• Remote working has invented a new trend in the tourism industry where people travel and work from their vacation spots.
• European golfers on week-long golf holidays spend an average of €250 per day , with only 26% going directly towards golf. The remaining 74% covers travel, accommodation, food, and other expenses.
• People are spending more time than ever researching trips before booking with an average of 42 days between research initiation and booking.
• Tour package vendors are coming up with offers such as individual low-price or even zero-price overnight stays to attract customers.
• Baby Boomers are still driving most golf travel trends, however, younger golfers are beginning to impact changes in resort amenities and golf package itineraries.
• The incidence of golf travel increases with income — 54% of golfers with a household income of $100,000 are likely to take a golf trip in any given year, compared to 38% of those with lower incomes.
• The Golf Tourism industry is highly competitive and comprises numerous regional and international players.
• Social media isn’t just a tool for tour operators to drive engagement, it has also become a customer service platform.
• Golf events such as the PGA TOUR playoffs and the U.S. Open have been encouraging recreational golfers to get out and play. Live streaming, social media coverage, and amateur tournaments create a buzz that translates into increased participation.

Golf Tourism Market Growth – A Closer Look

Recent golf travel statistics consistently show that the golf tourism market is experiencing growth worldwide. A recent research report has also indicated that these trends are expected to continue – in the domestic segment, North America, and across many Western nations, the Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Australia.

Golf resorts and tour operators are eager to fight for their market share during this growth phase and to persuade as many new travellers as possible to end up on their golf courses.

As the golf tourism market report from Stratview Research indicated, high standards of living increase the adoption of golf as a leisure activity among the high-income population. It also found that the strong presence of golf-playing areas drives the golf tourism market.

• https://www.statista.com/topics/3199/golf-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/golf-club-market
• https://www.ngf.org/golf-industry-research/https://assets-us-01.kc-usercontent.com/c42c7bf4-dca7-00ea-4f2e-373223f80f76/50ff4344-b576-4e2e-a9e2-8411712954ac/2021%20Golf%20Around%20The%20World%20Fourth%20Edition.pdf
• https://www.iagto.com/
• https://www.tourismupdate.co.za/article/sas-golf-tourism-offering-largely-untapped
• https://www.tgf.org.tr/
• https://dct.gov.ae/
• https://www.dubaitourism.gov.ae/en/
• https://www.tourspain.org/
• https://twitter.com/visitportugal?lang=en
• https://www.unwto.org/
• https://wttc.org/
• https://twitter.com/visitportugal?lang=en\
• http://www.vietnam-tourism.com/
• https://www.phocuswright.com/
• https://www.grandviewresearch.com/
• https://www.aarp.org/research/topics/life/info-2022/2021-member-opinion-survey.html
• https://www.statista.com/topics/1672/golf/
• https://www.ega-golf.ch/content/golf-europe-number-registered-players
• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/golf-course-software-market-worth-us-82748-million-eq82f
• https://www.statista.com/statistics/191907/participants-in-golf-in-the-us-since-2006
• https://www.expertmarketresearch.com/reports/golf-tourism-market
• https://www.randa.org/articles/record-numbers-now-playing-golf-worldwide
• https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/golf-popularity-by-country
• https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/news/global-golf-participation-levels-record/
• https://atonce.com/blog/how-many-people-play-golf
• https://www.golfcourseindustry.com/article/will-millennials-save-golf/
• https://www.zippia.com/advice/golf-industry-statistics/

Hello! I am Axel, tripplo.com’s travel savings, deals and discounts expert and founder. I have been in the travel deals and discounts industry for almost a decade now. It’s me who publish and update most of the content and discounts on tripplo.com! I also have a podcast in which I share valuable information about how to get the best travel deals and discounts.

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Top 10 Golf Travel Trends for 2019

A strong U.S. economy, a record number of Baby Boomers retiring and golf cruise popularity are a few of the reasons 2019 will be a great one for golf travel. With more discretionary income, a trusty set of golf clubs and a passport, golf travelers are primed to travel and play golf around the world next year. Here are ten golf travel trends The Golf Travel Guru highlights for 2019:

1. Boomer Power

According to AARP more than 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day. Baby Boomers are projected to have 70% of all U.S. disposable income over the next five years. As more and more Boomers retire or semi-retire they’ll have more time and flexibility to travel. We’ll see an uptick in Boomers traveling to play golf with their spouses, who also will have more time to travel. Boomers play more golf than any other age-group and many avid golfers are intent on playing the golf courses at the top of their bucket list. In 2019 and beyond, more Boomers  will travel in off-peak seasons to capitalize on discounted trips. Many trip offerings like golf cruises, packages to majors like the Masters and British Open and pro-ams are designed to appeal to Baby Boomers. Millennials don’t have the time, inclination or disposable income to take golf trips, but Boomers have all of these and a distinct passion for the game of golf. 

2. Cruising to Golf

Grab your sticks and head for the open seas! Cruising is wildly popular with passenger growth from 17.8 million in 2009 to more than 27 million in 2018. For those who like to cruise and play golf, there are an increasing number of options. Companies like Kalos Golf Cruises and PerryGolf offer luxury cruises to a variety of destinations around the world. Golfahoy Golf Cruises are offered on 193 cruise ships, including European riverboats and luxury charters.  At the 2018 Ryder Cup in France, Premier Golf Travel partnered with Viking River Cruises for a 10-day itinerary that included attendance at the Ryder Cup and cruising from Paris to Normandy. Premier Golf recently introduced a cruise to the Eastern Canada Maritime Provinces (Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island). Fore! Anchors Away!

3. Exclusivity and Personalization

Golf travelers increasingly want golf trips designed to accommodate their personal preferences. They’re willing to pay more to get special access to certain golf courses and personalized experiences. Getting clients on, say, Muirfield and the Old Course in Scotland, Sunningdale in England or Shadow Creek in Las Vegas rewards them with an exclusive golf experience that few others get to enjoy. According to Virtuoso’s 2018 Luxe Report, luxury travelers are seeking experiences not found in a guidebook, advertisement or brochure. In golf travel, that translates to finding clients exceptional, off-the-beaten path or highly exclusive golf courses with limited play offered to the public. 

4. Emerging Destinations

France will see more golf travelers as a result of the massive exposure it received by hosting the 2018 Ryder Cup near Paris. Italy continues to promote golf more enthusiastically and will increase in popularity, especially for those who want to incorporate wine tours and tastings with golf. Two of my favorite Italian regions to tee up and sip vino are the Fruili-Venezia Guilia and Tuscany. Other emerging golf travel destinations include Vietnam, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, New Zealand and Dubai. In the U.S., Branson, Missouri has built several impressive courses in the past few years with designer tags like Gary Player, Tom Fazio and Ben Crenshaw and it’s ready to take its place as a viable golf destination

5. Social Media Deals

Golf Travel companies are increasing their presence on social media and they often post information and package deals on unique golf destinations, special event trips and tournaments or pro-ams. They also frequently post about discounted last-minute deals as they try to fill the remaining spots on a trip or cruise. Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin are popular outlets where you’ll find postings  on packages and events. Instagram is a great resource to see images of the golf courses you might be playing and the pubs where you might be celebrating after a round.

6. Improving Golf Travel Websites

Golf Travel companies are continuing to expand and improve their websites to give golf travelers easier ways to find information about destinations and courses and get quotes. With online request forms, online trip calculators, website blogs, live online chats clients will find it increasingly easier to book trips quicker with a better knowledge of all costs involved and which courses have available tee times in their desired destination. 

7. Impactful Women

Women are very influential in couples golf trip decisions regardless if they play golf or not. Golf destinations with a plethora of off-the-course activities such as shopping, sightseeing, dining spas, wine tours and cooking schools are increasingly more popular. The couples golf trip, especially for Baby Boomers, has evolved to include less golf these days with more activities for a more well-balanced experience. Destinations ideal for couples who want top-notch golf and a wealth of things to do away from the fairways includes Italy, Portugal, Spain, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The LPGA Tour, which has several high-profile tournaments in the Pacific Rim (Korea, Thailand and Japan), has elevated interest in that part of the world for golf travelers. The 2019 Solheim Cup (the ladies version of the Ryder Cup) will be played in September at Gleneagles in Scotland giving central Scotland a boost in exposure. 

8. U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A

Scotland and Ireland never go out of style for golf travelers, but an increasing number of golf tour operators are now selling the U.S.A. Fact is, you don’t have to cross the pond anymore for an exceptional links golf experiences. Hugely popular nouveau American resort complexes like Bandon Dunes in Oregon and Whistling Straits in Wisconsin offer waterside links-style golf and Streamsong Resort in Florida and Sand Valley in Wisconsin feature unique links-style experiences with fast fairways, dramatic sand dunes and lots of bump and run shots. Despite costly greens fees, golfers are still flocking to Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pinehurst No. 2 and the TPC Stadium Course at Sawgrass. The top value-oriented U.S. destinations are the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Northern Michigan, Branson, Missouri and Mesquite, Nevada.

9. Northern Ireland,  Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland

While Ireland is often viewed as Scotland’s baby brother in the world of golf travel, the Emerald Isle will take center stage in 2019 with the playing of the Open Championship (July 14-17) at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland. It’s shaping up to be one of the best Open’s ever as the local citizens purchased more than than 1/5 of the public access tickets in the first 48 hours of posting. Northern Ireland hasn’t held the event since 1951 so you might say there’s some pent up demand. I predict the crowd noises will be booming roars similar to the Ryder Cup and The Masters. Following the immense exposure from the Open, it doesn’t take a soothsayer, or even a Golf Travel Guru, to predict Northern Ireland will become a very popular destination for golf travelers. Heading the list of must plays in the region are Royal County Down, Royal Portrush, Portstewart, Lough Erne, Castlerock and Ardglass.

10. The Spa Life

Instead of heading to the 19th hole to hoist a few, an increasing number of golfers are heading straight to the spa. They’ve traded in a Jameson and ginger or frosty micro-brew for a post round treatment that’ll help them rejuvenate for the next day on the golf course. The most popular massages for golfers are Swedish, Deep Tissue and Sports. Even resort complexes teeming with core golfers like Bandon Dunes and Streamsong offer spa services. Some the best golf resorts with spas include Sea Island, Georgia, PGA National Resort & Spa, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, The Boulders, Scottsdale, Arizona and Fairmont Mayakoba, Cancun, Mexico.

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The 8 Best Travel Golf Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Make sure your clubs arrive safely with these durable and portable travel golf bags.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks

Our Testing Process

• Others We Liked
• Other Gear You May Need
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

A durable golf travel bag is essential for protecting your clubs and giving you peace of mind whether you’re traveling by car or airplane to one of the world’s best courses. While there are plenty of storage options for safely traveling with your clubs, we tested the best golf travel bags based on qualities like durability, portability, and capacity. 

Our top pick for the best golf travel bag overall is the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag, which thoroughly impressed us. The bag is made with durable nylon material with plenty of padding to ensure that your clubs make it to your destination safely. We were able to fit clubs, clothes, golf balls, and other accessories into the bag without any issues. If you’re looking for a hardshell case or a budget-friendly bag, we found options for a variety of categories to fit the needs of all golfers. 

Best Overall

Club glove last bag large pro.

• Capacity 5 /5
• Design 5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

It’s built to last with single webbing reinforcement and burst-proof construction. 

The bag is on the heavier side.

The Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro golf travel bag is one of the best-made travel bags we've seen. Fit for a weekend golf getaway , the bag can comfortably fit a set of clubs in a standard-sized carrier, golf balls, shirts, shorts, towels, and two pairs of golf shoes between the main compartment and two exterior pockets. Despite the 45-pound weight after packing, we thought the balance was evenly distributed throughout the bag and the inline skate wheels rolled smoothly and felt sturdy due to the plastic wheelbase that is designed for high-impact travel. We noted the high-quality feel of the water-resistant nylon material that adds durability to the bag, which truly feels like it will last a lifetime.

The bag is outfitted with self-lubricating YKK zippers and ITW Nexus buckles that come from a manufacturer that makes military-grade hoops, locks, and buckles. An aluminum stiff arm to reinforce the padded protection for impact during traveling is included. We flew with this bag twice in one month of testing and it still looks like it just came out of the box. The durability, functionality, and sleek design of the Club Glove Last Bag Large Pro Golf Travel Bag make it well worth the price for golfers that are planning to travel with their clubs. 

The Details: 86 x 19 x 51 inches | 10.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Alexander Huang

Travel + Leisure / Kyle Tyll

Best Budget

Caddydaddy constrictor 2 travel cover.

This bag includes large pockets that can store all of your extra gear.

The sides aren't padded, so you may want to add cushioning to protect your clubs.

For frequent travelers or golfers who want a bag that can store even their bulkiest gear, this CaddyDaddy bag is the perfect option. Not only is the bag itself large enough to store all of your clubs, but we love that it also features side pockets big enough to pack your shoes and even extra clothing. Even with all of this space, the bag still doesn't feel bulky.

Made of thick rubber and nylon, we feel confident this bag won't break, tear, or otherwise fall apart making it a great value. The fabric is also thick and well-stitched. To give you added peace of mind, it comes with a one-year full replacement warranty so you can test it for yourself.

The Details: 27.5 x 18.9 x 14.5 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon and rubber

Most Spacious

Caddydaddy golf club travel cover with wheels.

• Design 4.5 /5
• Portability 4.5 /5
• Value 4.5 /5

The interior has tons of room for clothing or shoes in addition to golf clubs. 

It has straps that are slightly uncomfortable.

The CaddyDaddy First Class Premium Padded Golf Club Travel Cover with Wheels has tons of space for not only clubs, but golf shoes, clothing, and anything else you would ever need on a golf trip as well. Since the golf travel bag weighs just 10 pounds, golfers can pack up to 40 pounds of clubs, clothes, and other accessories before reaching the general 50-pound checked bag limit for most airlines. We loved the spacious side pockets for toiletries and golf shoes, as well as the well-placed straps that can be tucked in during traveling to prevent damage.

The weight of the golf bag is mostly evenly balanced, and the wheels and handles make it easy to carry and maneuver; however, the top handle could have been a little more comfortable. The materials and the zippers of the bag feel durable and well-made. We're confident that this bag would last a very long time and would not be something you'd have to worry about replacing anytime soon.

The Details: 51 x 13 x 15 inches | 10 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Best Softside

Sun mountain clubglider meridian travel cover.

• Capacity 4.8 /5

There are fold-out legs in the center with wheels that make rolling the bag even easier.

Travelers might want to consider a stiff arm for added protection.

For golfers looking for a simple yet functional golf travel bag, the Sun Mountain ClubGlider Meridian Travel Cover is a solid option. The design of the bag includes everything you need for hassle-free packing and travel experience, including a spacious interior for a cart or stand bag, two exterior pockets, and a pull-out leg mechanism with an additional pair of wheels besides the ones at the bottom of the bag. We found it very easy to collapse the legs in and out and the bag rolled a lot more smoothly than expected.

The high-quality, durable feel of the handles on the front, bottom, and middle of the bag equally impressed us by making it a breeze to lift and maneuver comfortably. While the nylon exterior material and padding feel sturdy and durable, the bag would likely only protect golf clubs against low-impact hits.

The Details: 51 x 15 x 14 inches | 8 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / David Engler

Most Durable

Club glove collegiate travel cover with stiff arm.

PGA Tour Superstore

• Capacity 4 /5
• Design 4.9 /5

It comes with a stiff arm to protect the heads of the clubs.

Packing the clubs was a tight fit with the length.

Traveling by air with golf clubs can be risky considering the potential for rough handling that comes with checking in luggage, but the Club Glove Last Bag Collegiate Travel Cover with Stiff Arm is made of high-quality materials and includes a stiff arm that is designed to protect gear from hard impact. The adjustable stiff arm is made of nylon plastic and lightweight aluminum, and although it doesn’t take up much room, we had to jostle the bag to get the stiff arm in with the golf clubs. With the smaller-sized interior, we appreciated the two large exterior pockets that can fit items like shoes, clothing, or sunscreen. The fully-packed bag is comfortable to carry with top, bottom, and middle straps that evenly distribute the weight of the lengthy bag and we liked how it can stand up on its own.

After flying with this Club Glove design, there weren’t any scuffs or damage to the bag. The exterior of the bag is made of water-resistant ballistic nylon fabric and the backing has single webbing reinforcement — a common fabric used for climbing, military gear, and parachutes. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 11.3 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Karen Chen

Best Portability

Izzo golf high roller.

• Capacity 4.5 /5
• Design 4.8 /5
• Durability 4 /5

There are six wheels on the bottom of the bag so it can be rolled upright. 

It feels slightly top-heavy.

The Izzo High Roller golf bag impressed us with how easy it was to transport by wheeling or carrying it. The six wheels on the bottom of the bag make it possible to push or pull it while standing upright. In addition, the bag can collapse down to just 12 inches for easy storage while traveling or at home.

While the bag felt a little top-heavy while being wheeled through an airport, the handles made it easy to lift and hold onto while rolling the bag. Even if the bag were to fall over, it has a solid amount of protective padding on the inside and outside, and it’s made of tear-resistant nylon that feels sturdy and durable. The interior of the bag is large enough for golf clubs and extra shirts, and the exterior pocket is big enough for a pair of golf shoes, but it was a tighter fit than we would’ve preferred. We think the Izzo High Roller bag is perfect for golfers who could benefit from having exceptional portability and durability while traveling through airports.

Dimensions: 53 x 16 x 12 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Wheels: Yes | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Martin Schnurr

Best Hybrid

Caddydaddy golf travel bag cover with hard case top.

• Design 4 /5
• Portability 4 /5

Only the top half is hardshell, which makes storing the bag much easier.

It feels top-heavy while carrying.

The CaddyDaddy Enforcer Golf Travel Bag Cover with Hard Case Top is designed with traveling golfers in mind, especially those who live in big cities where storage space is limited. This golf bag has a unique design where the top half is a hardshell case and the bottom half is softside. The half hardshell gives you the protection you want for your clubs and we love how the bag can compress into itself, making it more space efficient for storing when not in use.

The exterior of the bag has two pockets for storing balls or shoes and although there aren’t any pockets on the inside, there was a good amount of room left over for clothes. Though the hardshell top makes it slightly top heavy, the bag maneuvers well on the inline skate wheels at the bottom, while the top, bottom, and center handle make it easy to lift the bag into a car or onto a weight scale at the airport. 

The Details: 51 x 13 x 13 inches | 9 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel + Leisure / Allison Widmer

Best Lightweight

Tourtrek tc pro travel cover.

Dick's Sporting Goods

• Durability 4.8 /5
• Value 4.8 /5

It feels lightweight whether it’s being pushed or pulled over a variety of surfaces.

The interior of the bag could be bigger.

The TourTrek TC Pro Travel Cover offers an abundance of protective padding and excellent portability. We think this bag is a fantastic value thanks to durable design and interior space that’s roomy enough for a set of golf clubs and two mesh pockets for accessories, as well as an exterior pocket for a pair of shoes. The cushioning is very generous and the bag feels protective and sturdy with 360-degree padding to keep your golf clubs safe whether you’re traveling by air or car. The handles are padded as well, making them comfortable to hold onto while lifting or rolling the bag. And it includes a lock and key set for an additional layer of security and peace of mind.

Weighing 6.6 pounds, this golf travel bag is lightweight and takes up less of the allotted 50-pound weight maximum that most airlines limit checked bags . While we think the interior could be a little bit bigger, this golf travel bag has high-quality features that lead us to believe it will protect golf clubs and last a long time with prolonged use, too. 

The Details: 52 x 14 x 14 inches | 6.6 pounds | Wheeled | Nylon

Travel & Leisure / Chris Abell

Watch How We Test Travel Products

We had our expert product testers and golfers take 19 golf travel bags on the road to find out which ones will keep your clubs safe whether you’re flying or driving. Our testers evaluated the bags by flying, driving, walking around, and carrying the bags and rating various attributes on a scale from one to five based on capacity, design, durability, and portability. 

Our testers packed their golf clubs into the travel bags and noted how easy it was to place the clubs into them and if there was room leftover for clothes, shoes, golf balls, or other accessories between the main compartment and any pockets. While packing the bags, we checked the quality of the zippers and buckles, as well as how much padding there was and if it felt sufficient for protecting the clubs. The bags with the highest ratings for capacity were spacious with extra room leftover, and the best performing bags for design had thoughtful and intuitive features that had golfers in mind and made packing easier.

After packing up the travel bags, our traveling golfers tested portability by carrying and wheeling the bag to get a feel for how it maneuvers. The top performing bags for portability were exceptionally easy to lift and wheel with comfortable, padded straps and handles. Durability of the travel bags was tested when they were transported by airplane or car. Our five-star ratings for durability went to the travel bags that had no damage to the exterior or items on the interior after being used and gave us confidence that they would hold up well with prolonged use. The testers determined that the bags with the best value performed as or better than expected given the price, especially pricier bags that needed robust justification for the cost.

Other Golf Travel Bags We Liked

While there were plenty of well-performing golf travel bags, there were a few listed below that almost made our list of best golf travel bags but fell short during testing. 

Samsonite Golf Deluxe 3 Piece Travel Set : The bag is functional and has a sleek design, but there isn’t much padding and the zippers are plastic, which made us question the durability of the bag while flying. 

Samsonite Hard Side Golf Case : The hardshell feels durable, but there isn’t much give so it was a tight fit to get the golf clubs in, and the case is difficult to store since it can’t break down.

Amazon Basics Soft-sided Golf Travel Bag : This bag is very affordable, but has an unstructured bottom, so it can't stand up on its own.

SKB Cases ATA Deluxe Standard Hard Travel Golf Case : This case was built to withstand a lot of rough handling and includes TSA-approved locks, but can become heavy due to its thick plastic.

Bag Boy Golf T10 Hard Top Cover : For minimalist golfers, this simple bag fits just what you need, but won't give you room for extra equipment or gear.

Other Golf Gear You May Need

When you're heading out for a long day on the course, be sure you're prepared with everything you need from sunscreen to golf gloves to ensure you stay completely focused on enjoying the game.

Titleist Players Flex Men’s Golf Glove: These high-performance gloves are a classic for a reason. The cabretta leather is silky smooth, offering optimal comfort and breathability, so your hands won't sweat mid-swing. Plus, the Satin Net materials across the knuckles provide plenty of flexibility.

Peter Millar Solid Performance Jersey Polo : If you're someone who gets caught up in the game and forgets to reapply sunscreen, this golf shirt is for you. Not only is it made of moisture-wicking materials in 13 vibrant colors, but it provides UPF 50+ sun protection as well, so you can stay safe without even thinking about it.

Adidas Men's Tour360 22 Golf Shoes : These shoes provide excellent cushioning to keep you comfortable all day long, and still feature 11 metal spikes for traction and grip. They're also designed with roomy toe boxes and heel reinforcement to ensure your foot stays in place.

Wilson Sleeveless Club Dress : This stylish golf dress is made with four-way stretch fabric that is breathable and feels good even in extreme heat. It also features hidden and roomy pockets so you can store any essentials you may want ready and on-hand.

Tips for Buying a Golf Travel Bag

Consider buying a stiff arm .

Whether you’re buying a hardshell or softside golf travel bag, a stiff arm can add another layer of protection to your golf clubs. A stiff arm is usually an adjustable metal rod with a plastic disc at the the top of it that extends longer than the driver or longest golf club. The rod is placed into a golf bag to absorb the hit if the bag is tossed around and prevent the clubs from being directly impacted. 

Hardshell versus softside 

When looking for a travel golf bag, you'll want to look at durability and padding. Both hardshell and softside golf travel bags can prevent damage to your golf clubs while traveling and are a worthwhile investment for golfers that travel several times per year. A hardshell suitcase can get more scuffed than a softside golf bag, but you might not need to buy a stiff arm since a plastic case offers a more structured layer of protection. Whereas a softside bag might need extra protection like a stiff arm, it’s easier to store a soft bag than a bulky hardshell case that can’t be folded down. Some airlines will only cover damaged or lost clubs that are in a hardshell case, so be sure to check with the airline to find out the policies. 

Look at the types of wheels

From upright wheels to inline skate wheels, golf bags are created with a variety of options to make transport easier for all types of players. You should look at wheels that will smoothly and easily roll over different terrains without adding weight to the overall bag.

You’ll want to make sure your golf bag and clubs can fit in a travel bag. While you don’t want to squeeze your clubs inside, you won’t want them swimming in a roomy case either. If there is extra room in your travel bag, stuffing the sides with clothes or towels can help keep everything in place, especially if you’re flying. If your club heads can be removed and covered, that can further prevent damage to your gear. 

Every airline will be different but most follow the same policies as regular check-in luggage regarding weight and size limitations. The weight limit for check-in luggage, including golf clubs, is almost always 50 pounds or less. If your bag weighs more, there will likely be a surcharge fee. Airlines also have different restrictions and policies for packing golf shoes or balls in your bag, and coverage for lost golf bags can be dependent on the type of golf travel bag. For peace of mind, consider securing an AirTag holder with a tracker to your golf bag.

Generally, airlines do not pay travelers for damaged golf clubs. Some, like American Airlines , may compensate if the equipment traveled in a hard-sided case that is visibly damaged and was properly packed, but you should always check your specific airline's policies before flying to guarantee safe and secure travel.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a commerce writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best golf travel bags based on a series of tests completed by our testers while using the golf travel bags in a real-world setting. 

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Valspar Championship

Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)

The top golf trends you need to know about, as seen at the PGA Show

The 2023 PGA Buying & Education Summit is always an exciting time for golf trend watchers. The late summer trade show is an opportunity for golf brands to showcase their offerings and give a sneak peek of what is to come for Spring 2024. This year, the show moved from Las Vegas, where it had been held for several years, to Frisco, Texas—the new home of the PGA of America. The refreshed show featured 166 golf brands at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort, covering all areas of golf product, including men's and women's apparel, golf shoes, accessories, equipment, on-course tech, and more. Here are a few of the top trends that emerged from the show, that you'll want to keep an eye on come fall and spring. RELATED: Old meets new with adidas’ MC80 golf shoe launch, inspired by 1980s footwear styles

Canadian golf brands With so many great courses in Canada, it should be no surprise that the golf brands of Canada have strong offerings as well. This year in Frisco, there were seven Canadian brands in attendance, representing a wide breadth of golf offerings from apparel to accessories.

Lululemon is among the most recognizable Canadian brands (founded in Vancouver) that has become a golfer staple in recent years. It was the brand’s first time on the PGA Show floor, generating a ton of excitement as the athletic brand grows its golf offering for men and women.

While lululemon’s athletic and lifestyle pieces, like the women’s Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Shirts and men’s ABC Pants have been popular in golf, the brand’s golf-specific pieces were on display in Frisco. It’s a newer line for lululemon, with thoughtful golf-specific details in a range of sporty and upscale designs. The women’s Warpstreme Multi Pocket High Rise Golf Skort, for example, has a back pocket designed to fit a scorecard, waistband loops to attach a golf glove to and zippered pockets with hidden sleeves to house golf balls and ballmarkers. The high-rise waist adds comfort and coverage without impeding torso mobility during the swing and the hem is slightly longer than the brand’s run and tennis skirts.

lululemon Women's Warpstreme Multi-Pocket High-Rise Golf Skort

On the men’s side, the Stretch Golf Polo Shirt is similar to the other collared shirts in the line, but with a gusset (extra fabric sewn in to strengthen an area of a garment) at the underarms to add mobility and more abrasion resistant, so it’ll last longer through layering and tough swings.

lululemon Men's Stretch Golf Polo Shirt

Dormie Workshop has become a mainstay on the PGA Show floor for its creative leather designs and out-of-the-box headcover creations. A family-run brand out of Nova Scotia, Dormie has been in attendance to several PGA Shows since the brand launched in 2014, growing in popularity and expanding its handmade offering exponentially each year.

“Our first PGA show was in 2016 and we’ve been attending every show since,” Dormie Workshop co-founder, Todd Bishop said. “From [the previous location of the show in] Vegas to Texas this year, it’s a big part of our business and really boosts our visibility as a brand and strengthens our relationships with our partners and customers.”

Dormie Workshop Canada Flag Headcover

Dormie Workshop Surfer Driver Headcover

Dormie Big Dog Headcover

New to the show, golf apparel brand Stony traveled from Thunder Bay, Ontario with designs inspired by the unique landscapes of our northern neighbors. The Muskie Polo, for example, features an allover print of a Muskie fish that many travelers flock to Canada each summer to try and catch. And birdwatchers will appreciate the Barber Polo featuring some familiar Canadian birds on a sophisticated plum-colored background that will shine in fall golf outfits.

Stony Men's Muskie Polo

Stony The Barber Polo

Stony Hazelwood Snapback

Also from Ontario, Levelwear has now been to several PGA Shows in its 35 years of existence. The sports apparel brand has become known for performance-ready golf apparel and reasonably-priced fan gear you’ll often see in golf shops and at tournaments.

On the women’s golf apparel side, Swing Control from Montreal offers stylish pieces with flattering fits and a focus on function. Founded in 2009, the brand has become known for its bold printed pants and skirts with tummy control waistbands. The women's pieces are slimming without sacrificing comfort or mobility with styling that blends country club sophistication with feminine, fashion-forward detailing.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Swing Control (@swingcontrol)

Rounding out the Canadian representation at this year’s PGA Show—and showing just how head-to-toe golf product has become—were two men’s underwear brands, 2UNDR and BN3th. The two Vancouver brands have seen popularity with golfers looking for athletic and comfortable base layers.

Microprints are here to stay The trend of tiny, usually repeating prints across golf shirts is not a new design, but it offers a great way for golfers to show some extra personality in a quieter and stylish way. Ditsy floral has been a popular microprint that we’ve seen in many iterations this year, but expect to see new and unexpected versions of the look through the fall and into early spring golf fashion.

Flag & Anthem SOUTHWICK STAR PRINT PERFORMANCE POLO

Flag & Anthem COBBTOWN FLORAL PRINT PERFORMANCE POLO

Flag & Anthem BEAUFORT FLAMINGO PRINT PERFORMANCE POLO

Turtleson, a classic menswear brand known for its deep collection of colorful golf shirts, gave us a new perspective on why microprints have become such a huge part of men’s fashion, calling the trend “a new way to express yourself in the post-tie era,” and saying designers even use old neck tie catalogs to find inspiration for new designs.

We had our eye on the brand’s “pollinators” collection for Spring 2024, featuring bees, butterflies and humming birds stylishly. These pieces won't be available until early next year, but there several nature-inspired prints currently on the Turtleson website to get ahead of the trend.

Turtleson Shelby Performance Polo

Turtleson Hibiscus Performance Polo

Turtleson Drake Performance Polo

Playing K9 While this may not technically be a golf trend, it was too fun not to mention after we saw it on the show floor. Fashion-forward golf apparel brand Lohla Sport is set to release a cardigan for dogs that pairs with pieces in its women's golf line. It will come in three sizes and the button-closure makes sure that collars and harnesses alike can fit with these doggy sweaters.

Lohla Sport The Starry Eyed Skort

Lohla Sport The Visor

Lohla Sport The Jocelyn Sleeveless Top

Sneaky Joggers Similar to the rise of hoodies in golf, joggers have become an essential part of any golf apparel collection. Whether you wear them or not, the tapered style has cemented its place in the golf pant world. To compromise with golfers who like the comfort of joggers but are turned off by the athletic elastic look at the ankle, some brands have created what we're informally calling "sneaky joggers," hiding the elastic with a more trouser-like opening at the ankles.

One brand doing this well is Cuts. A brand that has become known for its upscale basics, Cuts was created after the founder was working an office job with a “casual” dress code, but was told his t-shirt was not office appropriate. The brand’s tagline is focused on “the sport of business,” encouraging wearers to approach their craft, career and passions in a business-like manner in the pursuit of success. The ethos expands to the product offerings that blend athletic performance technology with sophisticated, office-ready designs. The AO Jogger achieves this in two staple colors, navy and black, along with rotating seasonal colors, currently a khaki, gray and two shades of green.

Cuts Men's AO Jogger

Sneaky jogger designs with hidden elastic closures and the addition of belt loops are a great evolution of the sporty pant for those looking for an upscale version to wear to nicer golf courses and into the office without worrying about looking too casual. Rhone, also in attendance at the show, designed the Resort Jogger as a versatile pant that has belt loops and a five-pocket trouser-like construction, but with a ton of stretch and sporty tapered leg. The menswear brand has become a golfer favorite for its wide offering of athletic and upscale pieces. For those still team elastic-ankle, the Commuter Jogger is a popular piece for the brand with a slightly looser wrap around the ankle and simple styling that adds to its versatility.

Rhone Men's Resort Jogger

Rhone Men's Commuter Jogger

Extracurricular also gave us a sneak peek at a new style coming soon, the brand calls the “anti-jogger.” It has a loungewear fabric, drawstring at the waist and jogger-like tapering from the knee to the ankle, but with a flat-lay zipped closure at the bottom. The absence of elastic at the ankle gives it a more refined look and makes it a more approachable style for guys avoiding joggers because they don’t like the look or feel of the tight closure.

The brand currently has three athletic joggers inline that skew more loungewear and gym wear than golf-appropriate. The new “anti-jogger” is a more trouser-like version of the popular silhouette and is expected to launch early next year. We can’t wait to see if brand ambassador Dustin Johnson will wear these on tour, but we think he could pull it off expertly.

More men's joggers from brands at the PGA Show

lululemon ABC Jogger

TRUE All Day Jogger

Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger

More from golf digest, trending now.

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Golf Tourism Market

Golf Tourism Market Forecast by Travel Agent and Online Direct Booking for 2024 to 2034

Key Players in the Golf Tourism Industry Boost Efforts to Make Golfing More Accessible to Diverse Demographics, Including Beginners and Individuals with Disabilities

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Golf Tourism Market Outlook for 2024 to 2034

The golf tourism market size is estimated to be valued at US$ 23,145.8 million in 2024. Golf tourism contributes significantly to the economies of destinations hosting golf courses and resorts. Local governments and tourism boards often invest in developing and promoting golf tourism to attract tourists who spend on accommodation, dining, and leisure activities.

The demand for golf tourism is predicted to mark a steady rise with a CAGR of 4.9% through 2034. The industry is projected to surpass a valuation of US$ 37,344.5 million by 2034. Companies invest in developing world-class golf courses and resorts with top-notch facilities and services to attract discerning travelers. This includes designing courses by renowned architects, maintaining course quality, and offering personalized experiences tailored to golfers' preferences.

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Demand Analysis of the Golf Tourism

• Golf resorts and clubs attract demand from corporate groups seeking venues for retreats, conferences, and team-building activities. Companies utilize golfing experiences as networking opportunities and team-building exercises, driving demand for golf tourism among business travelers.
• Golf courses with rich heritage and historical significance draw enthusiasts interested in experiencing the sport's traditional roots.
• Increasing awareness of environmental conservation and sustainability practices influences travelers' choices in golf tourism. Companies promoting eco-friendly initiatives, such as water conservation, habitat preservation, and renewable energy usage, appeal to environmentally conscious golfers seeking responsible tourism options.

Key Trends Influencing the Golf Tourism Market

• Wellness Integration

Golf resorts and destinations are incorporating wellness offerings such as spa treatments, yoga classes, and healthy dining options to cater to travelers seeking holistic wellness experiences alongside their golfing activities, aligning with the growing demand for wellness tourism .

• Heritage and Historical Tours

Golf tourism destinations with rich heritage and historical significance are offering guided tours and experiences that highlight the historical significance of golf in the region. These tours may include visits to historic courses, museums, and landmarks, providing golf enthusiasts with insights into the sport's evolution and cultural impact.

• Adventure Golf Experiences

Some golf tourism destinations are incorporating adventure elements into the golfing experience, such as safari-style golf tours, where players navigate courses amidst natural landscapes and wildlife habitats. Adventure golf experiences offer a unique blend of golfing excitement and outdoor exploration, appealing to adventurous travelers seeking memorable experiences.

• Ecotourism and Conservation Initiatives

Golf tourism destinations are embracing ecotourism principles and conservation initiatives to preserve natural habitats and promote biodiversity within golf course ecosystems. These destinations may offer guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and environmental education programs that emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability in golf tourism.

• Culinary and Gastronomic Experiences

Golf tourism destinations are enhancing their culinary offerings by partnering with renowned chefs, local farms, and wineries to create gastronomic experiences that complement the golfing experience, including farm-to-table dining, wine tastings, and culinary events showcasing regional cuisine.

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Comparative View of the Adjacent Golf Tourism Market

This section provides a comparative view of the golf tourism industry, the golf outfit market , and the Europe golf tourism market . The table below compares each adjacent market from 2024 to 2034, including CAGR, opportunities, and key trends.

Golf Tourism Market:

Golf Outfit Market:

Europe golf tourism:

Category-wise Insights

This section provides detailed insights into specific segments in the golf tourism industry.

Domestic Nationality to Secure a Share of 58% in 2024

Domestic tourism continues to be the primary driver of the golf tourism industry, holding a substantial market share of 58% in 2024. This sustained dominance can be attributed to several key factors:

• Domestic travel often provides greater ease of access and convenience compared to international trips. This makes it an attractive option for golfers seeking a leisure break without the complexities of navigating foreign destinations.
• Domestic travel can be more cost-effective than international trips, particularly when considering transportation, accommodation, and potential language barriers. This cost advantage can attract a broader range of golfers.
• The increasing popularity of golf in developing countries is leading to a growing pool of domestic golfers, further contributing to the overall market share of domestic tourism within the golf tourism industry.

Online Direct Booking Method to Record High Sales in 2024

The analysis suggests a significant shift towards online direct bookings, with this method capturing a dominant 42.0% share in 2024. This trend can be attributed to several key drivers:

• Online platforms offer a user-friendly and flexible booking experience, allowing golfers to compare various options, research destinations, and make reservations at their own pace.
• Online platforms provide access to a wider range of golf packages and resorts, enabling golfers to make informed decisions based on transparent pricing, detailed information, and comprehensive reviews.
• Online platforms often offer competitive promotions and discounts, making golf vacations more accessible to a wider range of travelers, attracting both budget-conscious and premium golfers.
• Consumers are increasingly comfortable booking travel experiences online, favoring the ease, control, and efficiency that online platforms offer. This shift in consumer behavior is driving the growth of online direct bookings in the golf tourism industry.

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Country-wise Insights

The section analyzes the golf tourism market across key countries, including the United States, Australia, China, Japan, and Germany. The analysis delves into the specific factors driving the demand for golf tourism in these countries.

Golf Tourism Industry in the United States

The United States golf tourism industry is expected to maintain a steady growth trajectory with a CAGR of 3.2% through 2034. This consistent growth can be attributed to several factors:

• The United States boasts a well-established golfing infrastructure, featuring a vast network of renowned courses, diverse landscapes, and renowned hospitality options, catering to a wide range of golfing preferences.
• The United States benefits from a robust domestic golfing community, contributing significantly to the overall demand for golf tourism experiences.
• Targeted marketing efforts and promotional campaigns play a crucial role in attracting international golfers to explore the diverse golfing experiences offered within the United States.
• Well-developed transportation infrastructure and strong international connections make the United States easily accessible to golfers from various countries.
• The emergence of unique course designs and specialized golfing experiences, catering to specific interests and skill levels, further attracts a broader range of golfers to the United States.

Golf Tourism Industry in Australia

The golf tourism industry in Australia is projected to rise at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2034.

• The rising affluence and increasing interest in golf within Asian countries, particularly China, is creating a significant demand for Australian golf tourism experiences.
• The Australian government actively supports the development of the golf tourism industry through various initiatives, promoting the country as a premier golf destination.
• Integrating golf into MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) packages caters to a broader audience, attracting business travelers seeking leisure activities alongside professional events.
• The growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices and sustainable course management aligns with the evolving preferences of environmentally conscious golfers, creating a competitive advantage for Australian courses.

Golf Tourism Industry in China

China’s golf tourism industry is likely to witness expansion at a CAGR of 7.3% through 2034. This potential stems from several key drivers:

• China boasts a rapidly expanding domestic golfing population, fueling the demand for domestic and international golf tourism experiences.
• Rising disposable incomes among Chinese citizens create greater opportunities for leisure travel, including golf tourism.
• The Chinese government is actively investing in developing the golf tourism industry, recognizing its potential to contribute to economic growth and tourism revenue.
• Golf is gaining popularity among China's millennial generation, fostering a new demographic of potential golf tourists.
• Investment in luxurious golf resorts and high-quality courses caters to the growing demand for premium golf tourism experiences within China.

Golf Tourism Industry in Japan

Japan's golf tourism industry is projected to rise at a steady CAGR of 5.0% through 2034. This continued growth can be attributed to:

• Japanese courses are known for incorporating innovative technology and design elements, offering a unique and technologically advanced golfing experience.
• Renowned Japanese hospitality ensures exceptional service standards that enhance the overall golf tourism experience.
• Japan's proximity to major Asian economic hubs like South Korea and China facilitates easy access for potential golf tourists from these regions.
• Courses and resorts are increasingly offering unique experiences beyond traditional golf, such as cultural immersion programs and culinary experiences, catering to a broader range of interests.

Golf Tourism Industry in Germany

Germany's golf tourism market is expected to rise at a robust CAGR of 7.4% through 2034.

• Many German courses have undergone significant modernization and upgrades, offering improved facilities and amenities to attract new golfers and international visitors.
• German golf courses are increasingly embracing sustainable practices, such as water conservation and eco-friendly maintenance, appealing to environmentally conscious golfers.
• Germany's central European location and well-developed transportation infrastructure make it easily accessible to golfers from neighboring countries.
• Combining a golf vacation with exploring Germany's rich cultural heritage and historical sites creates a multi-faceted travel experience, attracting a wider audience.
• Many German golf resorts offer comprehensive wellness and spa facilities, catering to golfers seeking a holistic and rejuvenating experience.

Competition Outlook of the Golf Tourism Industry

The golf tourism industry, fueled by global passion for sport, presents an exciting yet competitive landscape. Established destinations like the United States, Europe, and Asia Pacific remain dominant players, attracting golfers with well-developed infrastructure, iconic courses, and diverse experiences. However, emerging markets like China, Vietnam, and the Middle East are rapidly gaining traction, offering unique golfing experiences, upscale resorts, and cost-competitive packages, challenging the established order.

Recognizing the evolving preferences of golfers, the industry is shifting its focus beyond just the course. Sustainable practices, eco-friendly course management, and integration with wellness offerings are gaining traction, catering to a more environmentally conscious and health-focused clientele. Additionally, destinations are increasingly emphasizing cultural immersion and unique experiences alongside the golfing experience, creating a multi-faceted vacation package.

Recent Developments in the Golf Tourism Industry

• Golfasian launched operations in Vietnam, offering unique golfing experiences and cultural immersion tours.
• Premier Golf Tours introduced the “Luxury Golf Getaway” package, featuring exclusive access to private courses, Michelin-starred dining, and personalized concierge services.
• The Haversham and Baker Company upgraded their online booking platform with user-friendly features like virtual course tours and AI-powered recommendations for personalized trip planning.

Key Companies in the Market

• Golf Asian Co. Ltd
• Premier Golf Tours
• The Haversham and Baker Company
• Celtic Golf
• Golf Breaks Limited
• Golf Tours International
• Travelosports

Key Coverage in the Golf Tourism Industry Report

• USA Golf and Golf Tourism Market Outlook
• Golf Travel Market Key Trends
• Golf Travel Trends 2024
• Europe Golf Tourism Industry
• Companies in the Golf Tourism Industry

Key Segments

By booking method:.

• Travel Agent
• Online Direct

By Demographic:

By nationality:.

• International

By Group Type:

• Youth Groups
• Single Tourist
• North America
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the market potential for golf tourism.

The golf tourism market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2034.

Which Booking Method Segment Dominates the Golf Tourism Market?

The online direct booking method dominates the industry.

Who are the Top Three Golf Tourism Companies?

Some of the leading golf tourism companies are Golf Asian Co. Ltd, Premier Golf Tours, and The Haversham and Baker Company.

What is the Golf Tourism Market Growth Outlook for 2034?

The golf tourism market is anticipated to surpass US$ 37,344.5 million by 2034.

What is Driving the Demand for Golf Tourism?

The desire for unique leisure experiences combined with the appeal of destination golf courses is driving the demand for golf tourism.

Table of Content

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European Tour Destinations report highlights key travel trends for 2023

2.01pm 24th January 2023 - Travel

The travel industry is set to return to or even exceed pre-pandemic levels in 2023, but consumers are showing different behaviours and have new priorities.

Travel Trends 2023, a new multimedia feature , published by European Tour Destinations , explores this changing landscape and identifies three key trends set to influence the industry.

The feature, which draws on external research as well as its own insights, investigates how these trends will impact the golf travel market, and how venues are adapting accordingly.

Ian Knox, Head of European Tour Destinations, said: “The gradual recovery of the global travel industry has given our network of venues an opportunity for self-reflection, innovation and to examine what the post-covid consumer is looking for.

“We know from industry research that 45% of travellers plan to travel more in 2023 and 41% intend to spend more money, so it’s important that our Destinations are ready to capitalise on this demand by staying relevant and offering the things that are attractive to customers right now.”

The trends identified are  wellness travel ,  the rise of digital nomads  and  eco-tourism , and   the feature includes insights from four leading European Tour Destinations – Camiral Golf and Wellness (formerly PGA Catalunya), Bom Sucesso Resort north of Lisbon, Verdura Resort in Sicily and Costa Navarino in Greece – on how they are driving, adapting and embracing these new trends.

There is also a temperature check on the golf travel market from The European Tour Group’s Head of Tourism Development, Simon Cory-Wright, who predicts a buoyant 2023 despite likely economic challenges.

Knox added: “Our research has given plenty of reason for optimism this year as travel maintains its resurgence. We know demand is there, and as long as destinations stay abreast of what their customers want, they will continue to thrive.”

Click here to read the full feature

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Top Trends Shaping the Golf Industry in 2023

Tournament Highlights – CME Group Tour Championship 2023

Part of running a successful enterprise is keeping up-to-date with the recent trends in your industry. Golf as a sport has come a long way and now has more mainstream exposure than ever before. A lot has changed in the post-Covid era and below we look at the top trends shaping the golf industry outlook in 2023.

The Art of Artificial Courses

Nicklaus Design firm recently announced a partnership with Southwest Greens to build a six-hole synthetic turf course in Hong Kong as golf course design trends continue to evolve. A completely synthetic layout will likely open soon, most probably in arid or desert conditions, as the usage and quality of artificial grass improve yearly.

Golfer Demographics

Millennials currently make up around one-third of all golfers in the United States, which may come as a surprise to the sport’s fan base considering that it is popular with middle-aged and older audiences. Golfers like Rory Mcllroy have contributed to dispelling the myth that the game is only played by older demographics, and 2023 is witnessing a lot of golf interest among youths.

Another notable demographic trend in 2023 is women’s growing interest in golf. According to polls, their participation in the critical novice and junior golfer sectors has also increased. They are particularly interested in off-course golf activities, such as golfing ranges, and account for up to 40% of all off-course players. This is encouraging for golf’s future and commercial prospects since there is more opportunity in 2023 to cater to female consumers with golf apparel and equipment.

More Technology in Golf

The use of technology in golf has grown significantly, both on and off the course. For instance, a lot of golfers now track their strokes using GPS devices to determine the exact yardage needed for each hole. Golf carts now frequently have GPS systems on the course, and players may even schedule tee times and maintain scores using smartphone applications. As technology continues to evolve, golf is likely to become more technologically advanced.

Quicker Events and Courses

One of the most visible developments in golf is a greater desire to shorten competitions to nine holes rather than a full round. Because of job and family obligations, more individuals are drawn to shorter courses and the ability to play fewer holes. This allows golfers to enter the system more quickly, and shorter intervals are becoming more common. Golfers should expect more six- and nine-hole options to supplement classic golf courses.

Healthier Food Options at Resorts and Clubs

Food tastes in society are shifting away from traditional selections and toward healthier alternatives. To accommodate customers’ evolving tastes, bars, clubs, and resorts have modified their craft beer, vegan alternatives, and cocktail menus. Younger millennials, members of Generation Z, and those looking to switch to healthier diets have been drawn in by these developments.

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Tee Precision

Golf Industry Statistics: Key Insights and Trends

The golf industry is a significant contributor to the global economy, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. With golfers of all ages and skill levels, the sport has a broad appeal that continues to grow. The National Golf Foundation’s (NGF) 2022 report showed that over one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 5 played golf , followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast. This was up 12% year-over-year, indicating a surge in popularity for the sport.

Table of Contents

Overview of the golf industry, global golf market size, golf course statistics, golf equipment market, consumer demographics, golf tourism statistics, impact of technology on golf industry, environmental impact of golf, golf industry trends for the future.

The golf industry statistics reveal that the sport has grown significantly since 2011, with the industry’s value reaching $68.8 billion and increasing by 22%. In California alone, the golf industry is worth $13.1 billion, employing 128,000 people with $4.1 billion in wages. The U.S. golf course/country club industry has a market size of $27.2 billion. In 2020, the NGF reported that there were 24.8 million golfers in the U.S., an increase of 500,000 and 2% over 2019. This is the largest net increase in 17 years, indicating that the sport’s popularity is on the rise.

The golf industry statistics point to a bright future for the sport, with more people than ever before taking an interest in golf. As the industry continues to grow, more jobs will be created, and more revenue will be generated, making it an essential part of the global economy.

The golf industry is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been growing steadily over the past few years. According to the National Golf Foundation, the industry has had nine straight years with more than 2 million beginners, with the past three topping 3 million. Prior to the pandemic-boosted totals of recent years, the previous recorded-high of 2.4 million was set in 2000, when Tiger Woods was at the height of his popularity.

The golf industry encompasses a wide range of businesses, including golf courses, country clubs , golf equipment manufacturers, and golf apparel companies. The industry is highly competitive, with companies constantly striving to offer new and innovative products and services to attract customers.

One of the key factors driving growth in the golf industry is the increasing popularity of the sport around the world. Golf is now played in over 200 countries, with an estimated 60 million people playing the sport worldwide. In the United States alone, there are over 15,000 golf courses and more than 24 million golfers.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the golf industry has remained resilient. Many golf courses and country clubs have implemented new safety protocols to ensure the safety of their customers and employees, and golf equipment manufacturers have continued to release new products and innovations. As a result, the golf industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

The global golf market size is valued at USD 84 billion as of 2023. The market is majorly driven by the growing popularity and adoption of golf as an active sport. In 2019, the global golf equipment market was valued at USD 6.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 9.7 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% during the forecast period.

According to a report by Statista, the golf course and country club market size in the U.S. is expected to reach USD 29.5 billion by 2023. The report also suggests that the number of golfers in the U.S. is declining, with only 23.8 million people playing golf in 2021, compared to 25.7 million in 2011. However, the market for golf equipment and apparel is still growing, with the revenue of selected golf equipment/apparel companies worldwide expected to reach USD 13.4 billion by 2021.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the golf market due to the increasing popularity of golf among the middle class in countries like China, Japan, and South Korea. In 2019, the Asia-Pacific golf market was valued at USD 12.8 billion and is expected to reach USD 16.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.1% during the forecast period.

Europe is another significant market for golf, with countries like the UK, Germany, and France having a large number of golf courses and clubs. In 2019, the European golf market was valued at USD 18.5 billion and is expected to reach USD 20.4 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 1.9% during the forecast period.

Overall, the global golf market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the increasing popularity of golf as a sport and the growing demand for golf equipment and apparel.

The golf course industry in the United States has experienced a decline in recent years. According to Statista , the market size of the golf course and country club industry in the country was valued at approximately $22.1 billion in 2020. This is a decrease from the previous year’s market size of $23.2 billion.

The number of golf courses in the United States has also been on a decline. In 2020, there were approximately 14,794 golf courses in the country, a decrease from the previous year’s 15,014. This is a continuation of a trend that has been ongoing for several years, with the number of golf courses declining steadily since its peak of 16,052 in 2005.

The decline in the number of golf courses is due to several factors, including a decrease in interest in golf among younger generations, the high cost of maintaining golf courses, and the availability of alternative leisure activities.

Despite the decline in the number of golf courses, the industry still employs a significant number of people. According to Zippia , the golf industry in California alone employs 128,000 people with $4.1 billion in wages. Nationally, the industry employs approximately 2 million people.

Overall, while the golf course industry has experienced a decline in recent years, it still remains a significant employer and contributor to the economy.

The global golf equipment market has been growing steadily in recent years. According to a report by Grand View Research , the market was valued at USD 7.48 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.0% from 2023 to 2030. Another report by Mordor Intelligence estimates that the market size was USD 11.10 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 13.65 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.21% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

The golf equipment market consists of various products that are used to play golf, including clubs, balls, bags, shoes, and apparel. The equipment is used by both professional and amateur golfers. The market is highly competitive, with many established players and new entrants vying for market share. Some of the leading players in the market include Callaway Golf, TaylorMade Golf, Acushnet Holdings, and Amer Sports.

One of the reasons for the growth of the golf equipment market is the increasing popularity of golf as a sport. According to a report by Statista , the number of golfers in the United States increased from 23.8 million in 2011 to 24.2 million in 2020. The report also states that the revenue of Callaway Golf, one of the leading manufacturers of golf equipment, exceeded three billion U.S. dollars in 2021.

Another factor driving the growth of the golf equipment market is the increasing demand for technologically advanced equipment. Golf equipment manufacturers are constantly innovating to develop equipment that can help golfers improve their game. For example, some golf clubs now feature sensors that can provide data on a golfer’s swing, allowing them to make adjustments to improve their performance.

Overall, the golf equipment market is expected to continue growing in the coming years due to the increasing popularity of golf and the demand for advanced equipment.

The golf industry is seeing a shift in the demographics of its consumers. According to the National Golf Foundation, more than one-third (33%) of today’s junior golfers are girls, compared to just 15% in 2000. Additionally, more than one-quarter (26%) of juniors are non-Caucasian, while just 6% were minority participants just over 20 years ago.

Around 77% of golfers are men, while a little over 22% are women, according to Zippia. However, this gender gap is slowly closing as more women are taking up the sport. The number of women playing golf has increased by 14% since 2011, while the number of men has decreased by 9%.

Golf is also becoming more popular among younger generations. Six million people aged 18-34 play golf, as reported by Zippia. This age group is also more likely to play golf for fun , rather than for competition.

In terms of income, golf remains a sport that is primarily played by higher-income individuals. The average annual income of a golfer is $100,000, according to Statista. However, golf is becoming more accessible to lower-income individuals through the rise of affordable public golf courses and driving ranges.

Overall, the golf industry is seeing a shift in its consumer demographics, with more women, minorities, and younger generations taking up the sport. While golf may still be primarily played by higher-income individuals, it is becoming more accessible to a wider range of people.

Golf tourism is a growing industry that involves traveling to play golf in different parts of the world. According to Grand View Research , the global golf tourism market was valued at USD 21.74 billion in 2021 and is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 2022 to 2030. The report also states that golf sport has emerged as a professional, amateur, and leisure activity in recent years.

The National Golf Foundation reports that golf tourism accounts for a significant portion of the golf industry’s revenue. In 2020, golf tourism generated $18.2 billion in revenue, which is approximately 22% of the total golf industry revenue. The report also states that golf tourism has been growing steadily over the past few years, with more golfers traveling to play golf in different parts of the world.

The Future Market Insights report states that the global market for golf tourism was valued at US$ 21.75 Billion in 2021, with a CAGR of 6.1% during the period of 2018 to 2022. The report also highlights that the rising purchasing power of people and the increase in the number of professional tournaments have contributed to the growth of the golf tourism industry.

According to Zippia , the golf industry in California alone is worth $13.1 billion. California’s golf industry employs 128,000 people with $4.1 billion in wages. The report also states that the U.S. golf course/country club industry has a market size of $27.2 billion.

In summary, golf tourism is a growing industry that accounts for a significant portion of the golf industry’s revenue. The industry is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by factors such as rising purchasing power and an increase in the number of professional tournaments.

Advancements in technology have significantly impacted the golf industry in recent years. From equipment to course management, technology has revolutionized the way golf is played and experienced by players and fans alike.

One area where technology has had a significant impact is in golf club design. With the use of computer-aided design (CAD), manufacturers can design clubs that are more precise and consistent than ever before. This has led to clubs that are easier to hit and more forgiving, making golf more accessible to players of all skill levels.

Another area where technology has made a significant impact is in golf course management. With the use of GPS and other tracking technologies, course designers can create more accurate and detailed course maps, allowing players to better plan their shots and navigate the course. Additionally, these technologies can be used to track player progress and provide real-time feedback on performance, allowing players to make adjustments on the fly.

Technology has also had a significant impact on the fan experience. With the rise of social media and streaming services, fans can now follow their favorite players and tournaments from anywhere in the world. Additionally, technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality are being used to create immersive fan experiences, allowing fans to feel like they are right in the middle of the action.

Overall, technology has had a profound impact on the golf industry, making the game more accessible, precise, and engaging for players and fans alike. As technology continues to advance, it will be interesting to see how it continues to shape the future of the sport.

Golf courses can have a significant environmental impact, but proper management practices can help mitigate negative effects. Here are some key environmental impacts associated with golf:

Golf courses require significant amounts of water to keep the turf green and healthy. According to the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the average 18-hole golf course in the United States uses about 312,000 gallons of water per day. However, many courses have implemented water conservation measures, such as using drought-tolerant grasses, installing efficient irrigation systems, and using recycled water.

Pesticides and Fertilizers

To maintain the quality of the turf, golf courses often use pesticides and fertilizers. However, these chemicals can have negative impacts on the environment, including contaminating water sources and harming wildlife. The GCSAA has developed best management practices for pesticide and fertilizer use to help reduce the environmental impact. These practices include using integrated pest management strategies, applying chemicals only when necessary, and using slow-release fertilizers.

Golf courses require a significant amount of land, which can lead to habitat loss and fragmentation. However, golf courses can also provide habitat for wildlife if properly managed. The Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses encourages courses to implement practices that promote biodiversity, such as planting native vegetation, creating wetlands, and leaving natural areas undeveloped.

Golf courses require energy for irrigation, clubhouse operations, and maintenance equipment. However, many courses have implemented energy-efficient practices, such as using solar panels, LED lighting, and hybrid maintenance equipment. The USGA has developed a program called the Environmental Leaders in Golf Awards to recognize golf courses that demonstrate environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Overall, golf courses can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. By implementing best management practices and promoting sustainability, golf courses can help minimize their negative impacts and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.

Golf Industry Growth Rate

The golf industry has been experiencing a steady growth rate in recent years. According to the National Golf Foundation, in 2022, more than one-third of the U.S. population over the age of 5 played golf (on-course or off-course), followed golf on television or online, read about the game, or listened to a golf-related podcast. This was up 12% year-over-year. In 2020, there were 24.8 million golfers in the United States, which is 500,000 more people than there were playing golf in 2019.

The growth rate is expected to continue in the future, with the golf industry projected to be worth billions of dollars. The revenue of Callaway, one of the major golf equipment manufacturers, reached $1.8 billion in 2020, and is expected to continue growing in the coming years.

However, the golf industry is not without its challenges. As 2023 advances, the golfing industry will grapple with some ongoing problems, such as declining participation rates, aging membership bases, and the need to attract younger players.

To address these challenges, golf courses and clubs will need to implement innovative strategies to attract new players, such as offering flexible membership options, creating social events, and investing in technology to enhance the golfing experience.

In conclusion, the golf industry is poised for growth in the future, but it will require adaptation and innovation to overcome its challenges and continue to attract new players.

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2023’s Biggest Golf Style Trends Aren’t Going Anywhere

• BY Will Porter
• Jan 5th 2024
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You’ve heard it by now: golf saw a huge boom during the pandemic. More players mean more money being injected into the game from the grassroots level through the professional ranks, more buzz around tournaments, more funding for municipal courses and more creative minds lending their expertise to every aspect of the game. 

Golf style is no exception. Basketball shoes are now golf shoes , slim-fit polos are on their way out and hyped-up golf shoes are just as hard to get as their street-worthy counterparts. New blood in the world of golf style is staking a claim in the feverish, innovation-starved minds of today’s golfers, adding some much-needed competition for the old heads (who, as it happens, are very much keeping pace with the new guys). Sometimes, the old heads and new kids on the block even link up and make something we couldn’t have imagined a few years ago. What a time to be alive. 

Read on to get our take on the biggest trends in golf style in 2023 and a bit about what we think is coming in 2024.

Brand Collabs

2023 carried on the recent tradition of brand collaborations in the golf world. Whether it was an upstart designing gear for a PGA Tour tournament, two relatively unknown brands collaborating on eye-popping vintage golf bags or one of the new leaders in the game linking up with an industry stalwart for a limited run, this was the year you probably noticed your favorite brand making a splash with your new favorite brand. 

These collabs are great for the game. They let a golfer concerned with performance express themselves in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago. You may not have liked the slim-fit chinos of five or 10 years ago but mix take performance fabric and tailor it to ‘90s vintage specs? Bam, you’ve got your new favorite trousers. 

The most notable brand in the collab space has to be Malbon. It has continued its streak of dropping top-notch collaborations with major industry players like adidas , NIKE and FootJoy , releasing co-branded silhouettes alongside Malbon-specific colorways of each brands’ own silhouettes (we particularly love their recent FootJoy Traditions co-branded shoe). In addition to its frequent collaborations with these golfwear titans, Malbon is linking up with brands that focus primarily on endeavors outside of the golf world. For example, their recent collaboration with ski and snow brand 686 saw the release of technical jackets and winter-focused merino wool layering. The brand has also collaborated with snow-specialists Spyder , dropping winter-focused outerwear to go along with their in-house Golf & Ski line that was released earlier this year. They even kicked off a collaboration with luxury car maker Lexus . 

Adidas collaborated with Burning Cart Society , reminding us that, in its simplest form, a day of golf is quite literally just a walk in the park. They also linked up with Macklemore’s Bogey Boys, perfectly blending their top-tier on-course performance with the keen eye and retro swag of Bogey Boys. NIKE collaborated on Air Jordans with Eastside Golf , RLX designed a paisley-laden line with Trendygolf, Metalwood collaborated with Hypebeast and American Express on a line of U.S. Open apparel … the list goes on and on. We don’t expect this to stop anytime soon and, frankly, we can’t wait to see what is in store for 2024. 

Golf Shoes: Part of the new hype sneaker drop schedule? 

In years past, golf shoes have fallen into two camps: traditional and sneaker-style. Twenty years ago, each brand may have had one or two options in each style, many of which felt derivative of others. In 2023, brands are dropping two options in each style every four to six months . If they’re not releasing new styles, they’re at least launching new colorways and collaborations. 

Not only are drops becoming more frequent but people are catching on. This means that with every drop, shoes sell out faster and faster, creating a scarcity that suddenly resembles that of the sneaker world. Hell, most of the hyped shoes launched in 2023 are sneakers themselves. Whether it’s a pair of adidas Sambas retrofitted for the golf course or an Air Jordan basketball shoe with waterproof leather and spikes thrown on, many of today’s golf shoes will make you do a double take. You need to check to see if the guy next to you on the practice green is wearing actual golf shoes or the Jordans he copped on StockX (not that it really matters—you do you). 

In addition to adidas Sambas and Air Jordans , we’ve seen golf versions of adidas Superstars , NIKE Roshe Runs , retro PUMA basketball shoes and a bunch of other non-golf silhouettes. Want a cool new pair of golf kicks in 2024? Better set your alarm. 

Chill Fits with Serious Materials

Since the years of billowy cotton polos and pleated pants, golf apparel has been pretty straightforward. It fits close to the body and is designed specifically for on-course performance. Think Under Armour HeatGear, NIKE Dri-Fit, adidas Climalite. A throng of newly minted golf brands are bringing outdoors-inspired silhouettes, artfully crafted accessories and, in some cases, deliberately non-performance-oriented styles to the links. The UK’s Manors Golf made performance zip-off plus fours , Metalwood makes pants explicitly called “baggy pants” and Malbon launched perfectly oversized outerwear. Overall, we’re seeing a shift toward small brands that size things the way they want to wear them and aren’t simply accepting that they need to look stiff as a board on the course. 

The bigger brands in the game haven’t jettisoned form-fitting pants and polos completely but even they are leaning into more relaxed fits and styles that perform equally well on the course. Adicross, adidas’s technical street-meets-mountain line, was given the golf makeover , combining outdoorsy, tech-forward designs with the refinements and special features a golfer expects. You’ll still see Scottie Scheffler rocking relatively tame NIKE gear but dig a little deeper into the Swoosh’s offerings and you’ll find more relaxed Jordan and NOCTA styles, each of which combine the brand’s performance chops with outdoor and style-forward designs. 

What’s Next in 2024

In the style world, it’s almost impossible to predict the future. This is becoming increasingly true in the golf world. Until the pandemic, we would have said to expect more of the same: some new colors of the same polos, slim-fit five-pocket pants and a new colorway of each brand’s top shoe. 

Four years later, things have completely flipped. We do expect more collabs, more sneaker drops and more roomy, breezy fits that will adorn new and old golfers alike. With that said, determining who will drop the best collaboration or most buzz-worthy sneaker is impossible. All we know is golf clothes and mainstream style are going to become increasingly intertwined. When it all comes down to it, though, Tim McGraw said it best: We like it, we love it, we want some more of it. 

Think we missed something? Drop it in the comments. We’d love to hear from you. 

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Frederic Sebban

2 months ago

As many brands making or following the trends are cited, I think goodgoodgolf clothes are worth mentioning. With millions of viewers, they might be the biggest influence in Golf fashion.

David Howanitz

3 months ago

All of these are great products. You should check out GoHardGolf.com. They have fantastic shirts and hats. I have several and they are the best shirts I have. More comfortable in the hot weather. Gohardgolf.com , give it a look, you won’t be disappointed.

I think the trend will go away. With minimum being wage raised so high for basic jobs, the employers will have no choice but to raise prices. That will impact customers and people will spend less, as they won’t have money in their pockets, because everything will be more expensive, and golf will also get hit. California is becoming a ridiculous state for this. And guess where most the major manufacturers are? Unless – the Feds wake up a bit and lower taxes on everybody except the rich. But they won’t be able to, not with this massive national debt. They can start by lowering gas prices. If they don’t, it’ll impact everything else as usual

Pipe dream, not going to happen

The Fed can’t lower gas prices. Jeezsh.

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Analyzing 1 popular tour gear trend — and when you should use it

Should weekend golfers worry about what the best players are using each week? It depends.

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Let’s start things off with a disclaimer: You should never construct a bag setup around popular equipment on Tour. Just because something is red-hot and being used by a myriad of high-profile names doesn’t make it a good fit for your swing or goals.

With the disclaimer out of the way, you’re probably wondering why we’re discussing tour equipment trends. It’s partly because we’re gear sickos and enjoy tracking what the pros are using. The other reason is that you can sometimes learn something about your own game by tracking the trends.

In a recent post on social media, Sporting Insights ( @sms_on_tour ) posted an interesting chart tracking club usage over the past 15 years on the DP World Tour. More specifically, average club per player usage for wedges, fairway woods, hybrids, utility irons and 3-irons.

Some of the usage numbers seem obvious: Almost no one is using a traditional 3-iron these days (unless you’re Austin Eckroat ). And fairway wood usage has remained consistent.

If there’s one club that’s seen a noticeable increase on the DP World Tour — and pro golf as a whole, to be fair — it’s the wedge. With many pros going from a three-wedge setup to four scoring tools, it’s natural to wonder if this is a tour trend weekend golfers should be adopting if they haven’t already.

For most golfers carrying four wedges in the bag, the setup generally consists of a pitching wedge, gap wedge, sand wedge and lob wedge.

With length not being as big of an issue for the longer players on tour, having an extra scoring club in the bag for shots inside 130 yards becomes far more important to hit specific numbers. The last thing you want is a tweener yardage that constantly puts you in between clubs . Some pros, Tiger Woods included , prefer to get creative and embrace tweener yardages, but most pros would rather have a number close to their stock yardage with a gap or sand wedge.

If you’re contemplating following recent tour trends and adding a fourth wedge, it’s important to ask yourself two questions: Where is your golf typically played? And what’s the state of your short game? For starters, if you’re playing a course that’s on the longer side, it might makes sense to add a longer club to the bag and remove a wedge.

PING s159 Custom Wedge

“It really depends on where you play,” Rory McIlroy told GOLF.com. “If your home course is on the longer side, maybe consider going with just three wedges, because you’d probably benefit from a hybrid or another fairway wood. The opposite would probably be the case for shorter courses where you’ll have more wedges in your hand.”

Taking an honest assessment of your short game isn’t easy, because it means asking the hard questions — like whether you need that 60-degree lob wedge. If you’re dead set on the lobber and have the game to get it up-and-down consistently, proceed with what you’re using. But in most cases, you’d be better off adding another fairway wood or hybrid and leaning on the sand wedge.

“Our golfing community here in the States, we are lob wedge lovers,” said master clubmaker Mike Taylor . “That’s all good, but it’s not necessarily always the club that we need to execute certain shots. And that sand [wedge] is not just to be used from that yardage where you’re comfortable with it; it’s that balance of the game, and we try to enable people to understand that here in our fitting processes. I don’t want to see people put their sand wedges in a category where it just fills another gapping. It’s a useful tool in a lot of places.”

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Jonathan Wall is GOLF Magazine and GOLF.com’s Managing Editor for Equipment. Prior to joining the staff at the end of 2018, he spent 6 years covering equipment for the PGA Tour. He can be reached at [email protected].

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These Are the Top Travel Trends of 2024, According to American Express Travel

What are people really traveling for in 2024?

Demand for premium travel continues at a torrid pace in 2024. Not only is that being reflected in the first few months of the year, but also in the newly released trend report by  American Express (Amex) Travel . The study explored travel behaviors and trip planning from participants living in seven countries: Australia, Canada, Mexico, Japan, India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The majority of respondents are planning major milestone-like trips, even if there isn’t necessarily an occasion to celebrate. And 84 percent of people surveyed plan to spend more or the same amount of money on travel in 2024 compared to last year. That includes destinations like  Antarctica  and the  Galapagos Islands . (Travel agents and advisors are making a resurgence as well, with over 50 percent of people looking to leverage a travel agent or trusted advisor to book, like  T+L’s A-List .)

“The report shows that demand for travel is continuing, and that people are building itineraries to create memories—being intentional about the places they are going, and the things they are doing when they get there,” Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, told Travel + Leisure .

Meanwhile, if 2023 was the year of “gig-tripping” (and the Taylor Swift effect), then 2024 is the year of long-distance travel for sporting events. Amex’s survey showed that 67 percent of millennial and Gen Z respondents are interested in traveling for sports in 2024. Paris, Miami, and New York City are the top three cities for sports travel, according to Amex. (Paris is hosting the  Olympic Games this year, Miami is hosting Formula 1, and New York City has the U.S. Open Tennis.)

In addition, solo travel will be a prominent theme in 2024, with 76 percent of millennials and Gen Z (compared to 69 percent of all respondents) saying they plan to take a solo trip this year, with a majority centered around self-love and treating themselves. “It is really interesting to see how many people are embracing solo travel,” said Hendley. “We’re seeing changes with younger travelers in particular."

Finally, Amex says that 2024 will be a notable year for spontaneous trips or what they’re calling “on-a-whim travel.” Nearly 80 percent of travelers say they plan to take a spur-of-the-moment trip, while 44 percent of respondents even expressed a preference for a spontaneous trip instead of having all the details planned. In fact, there are entire companies (like  Pack Up & Go  and  Competitours ) that offer complete itineraries where none of the details are provided in advance.

For something a bit less extreme, Henley recommended leaving unplanned time on existing trips to experience local culture and activities. “I just took an incredible trip to Thailand and relied on local experts and tour guides to show me the ‘real’ sites. I would have missed out on these local experiences – and so much incredible food – if I hadn’t left room in my itinerary to be impulsive and truly explore,” she said.

To learn more visit go.amex .

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Putin wishes ‘speedy recovery’ to victims of Moscow shooting – as it happened

This blog has closed, read our full report here:

• Full story: shootings and fire at Moscow venue
• 23h ago Summary
• 1d ago Putin wishes victims ‘speedy recovery’, deputy PM says
• 1d ago At least 60 dead, Russia’s Investigative Committee says
• 1d ago UN secretary general condemns attack in 'strongest possible terms'
• 1d ago 145 people injured in attack, says Moscow health ministry
• 1d ago Islamic State claims members escaped after attacking concert hall
• 1d ago Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on concert hall
• 1d ago What we know so far
• 1d ago Russia cancels all entertainment and mass events
• 1d ago Children among those injured in shooting – report
• 1d ago Search for concert hall attackers ongoing - reports
• 1d ago Putin receiving regular updates on attack, says Kremlin
• 1d ago Ukraine denies involvement in attacks
• 1d ago 40 dead, more than 100 wounded, says FSB
• 1d ago Roof of concert hall where shooting took place is collapsing
• 1d ago Russia calls on international community to condemn the 'monstrous crime'
• 1d ago Moscow cancels all mass gatherings and strengthens security at airports and stations
• 1d ago Opening summary

Islamic State claims members escaped after attacking concert hall

The Islamic State have claimed responsibility for the attack on the Crocus City Hall on the outskirts of Moscow.

The full statement posted on its Telegram account reads:

Islamic State fighters attacked a large gathering of Christians in the city of Krasnogorsk on the outskirts of the Russian capital, Moscow, killing and wounding hundreds and causing great destruction to the place before they withdrew to their bases safely.

Ukraine ’s ministry of foreign affairs has released a statement to say that it “categorically rejects the accusations, which Russian officials started to make” claiming that Ukraine was involved in the shooting at the Crocus concert hall near Moscow.

The Ukrainian ministry said:

We consider such accusations to be a planned provocation by the Kremlin to further fuel anti-Ukrainian hysteria in Russian society, create conditions for increased mobilisation of Russian citizens to participate in the criminal aggression against our country and discredit Ukraine in the eyes of the international community.

The statement goes on to urge the international community to reject these accusations and to “strengthen its support for our country in countering Russia’s criminal aggression”.

The Russian rock band Piknik have not been able to contact one of its members since the attack at the Crocus City Hall, where the band were due to play, its managing director has told Russia’s Tass state news agency.

Yuri Chernyshevsky told Tass:

We can’t contact one [band member], we don’t know if he left Crocus.

He did not specify which member of the band he was referring to.

As we reported earlier , Piknik have posted to Instagram to say that their musicians and management are “alive and safe”.

Islamic State claims responsibility for attack on concert hall

The Islamic State have claimed responsibility on its Telegram channel for the attacks at the Crocus City Hall near Moscow, Reuters is reporting.

The French foreign ministry has said its thoughts are with the victims of the attack and the Russian people.

In a social media post, the ministry said the images coming out of Moscow were “terrible”, adding that “full light must be shed on these heinous acts”.

#Russie | Les images qui nous parviennent depuis Moscou sont terribles. Nos pensées vont aux victimes et blessés et au peuple russe. Toute la lumière doit être faite sur ces actes odieux. — France Diplomatie🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo) March 22, 2024

The Russian former president Dmitry Medvedev has released a statement calling for those responsible for the attack to be “found and ruthlessly destroyed”.

Medvedev, who is deputy chair of Russia’s security council, posted on Telegram:

Terrorists understand only reciprocal terror. No trials or investigations will help if force is not answered with force, and deaths with total punishment of terrorists and repression of their families. That’s our worldly experience. If it can be established that these terrorists were from the Kyiv regime, it’s impossible to deal with them and those who have been inspired by their ideology any other way. They must all be found and ruthlessly destroyed as terrorists. Including official representatives of the state that committed such an atrocity.

What we know so far

Dozens of people have reportedly been killed and more than 100 wounded in an attack at a concert venue near Moscow.

Here is what we know about the shooting so far:

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow on Friday evening during a sold-out concert by the Russian rock group Piknik. Crocus City Hall is one of the largest and most popular music venues in the Moscow oblast.

Forty people are reported dead and more than 100 wounded after the shooting as of 19.15 GMT, Russian state news agencies said, citing Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).

Up to five gunmen were believed to have been involved in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility by any group, but Russian prosecutors described the attack as “an act of terrorism”.

Videos emerged showing gunmen in tactical gear opening fire from automatic weapons as panicked Russians fled for their lives. The attackers also apparently detonated explosives, as the sounds of blasts could be heard in other videos from the attack.

Tass, Russia’s state news agency, reported that people remained inside the building, which is almost completely engulfed in flames, and that others were trapped on the roof.

Spetsnaz units of Russia’s national guard as well as police and firefighters were at the scene.

Earlier this month, western countries led by the United States issued terror warnings and told their citizens not to join public gatherings in Russia. On 8 March, the US embassy wrote it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours”.

People injured in the attack on the Crocus City Hall are being hospitalised in medical institutions of the Moscow region, the regional health ministry told state news agency Tass. It cites the ministry as saying:

The victims of the terrorist attack are being rushed to hospitals in Krasnogorsk, Khimki and Odintsovo.

At least 40 people have been killed and more than 100 wounded, according to reports. Five people are in serious condition, the governor of Moscow oblast has said.

Russia cancels all entertainment and mass events

All entertainment and mass events in Russia have been cancelled, the country’s culture ministry has announced.

The attack took place as crowds gathered for a concert of the Russian rock band, Piknik , at the Crocus City Hall concert centre in the outskirts of Moscow.

The band has posted a statement to Instagram to say that they are “alive and safe”, the BBC is reporting, adding:

There was a tragedy that took place, the scale of which we can’t yet assess. We are following the news and awaiting official information. The musicians and management are alive and safe.

• Moscow concert hall attack

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