The number of registered golfers in Germany rises noticeably, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly aged.
‘Golf in Germany sparks more interest than ever before.’ With these words, DGV President Claus M. Kobold announced the growth of registered golfers in Germany at the annual kickoff of the German Golf Association. As of September 30, 2025, the number of DGV memberships increased by 1.3% to 695,617 registered golfers at DGV-affiliated golf courses. Golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical mark of 700,000 memberships in the coming year.
Record Number of Golfers in Germany
It is particularly noticeable that the number of golfers is rising mainly in the age group between 19 and 40 years old, contrary to the population trend in Germany. This trend, which already emerged last year, continued in 2025 with growth of 7.45% compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was still puzzled by the reasons for this growth last year, this year there are at least speculations. ‘According to the association, modern communication methods, digital communication, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,’ said Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in a press release. Golf clubs attracting interested golfers through social media and an improved image of golf in Germany are likely key drivers of this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Predominate
However, golf remains mostly played by older people. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, making up 46.9% of the total registered golfers. This is slightly less than in Denmark (47.4%) and France (49.4%). Compared to markets like Sweden (31.91%) or Spain (37.18%), golf in Germany is significantly older. However, the German Golf Association views this as ‘relaxed,’ due to the growth trend among younger people. ‘Our numbers impressively show that people remain loyal to golf over decades. At the same time, a younger generation is emerging – this is a very healthy combination,’ said Alexander Klose, Board Member for Services, Legal Affairs, and Communication. To replace the age-related decline in golfers, especially in the 40 to 60 age groups, more progress is needed to stop the trend where almost as many golfers leave as young people join.
Golf Remains Male Dominated
Not only does golf remain an older sport, it also remains male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown over the past two years, the total number of female golfers is decreasing. Even in the growing 19 to 40 age group, growth among young women is slower than among young men. Among girls under 18, numbers are even declining, while there is slight growth among boys.
Membership growth is not distributed evenly across all golf courses and can only show an average. The number of golf courses in Germany has decreased by 5 to 721 facilities, due to varied reasons beyond just lack of profitability.