The number of registered golfers rises sharply, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly older.
‘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. Overall, the number of DGV memberships increased by 1.3% to 695,617 registered golfers at DGV-affiliated golf courses as of September 30, 2025. Thus, golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical mark of 700,000 memberships next year.
Record Number of Golfers in Germany
Notably, the number of golfers is rising particularly in the 19 to 40 age group, contrary to Germany’s population trend. This trend, already visible last year, continued in 2025 with a 7.45 percent growth compared to the previous year. While last year the German Golf Association was uncertain about the reasons for this growth, this year there are some assumptions. ‘According to the association, modern approaches, digital communication, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,’ announced Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV. Golf clubs that engage interested golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany may be key drivers of this trend.
Golf Remains Predominantly Played by Older Adults
Nevertheless, golf continues to be played mainly by older people. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, accounting for 46.9 percent of all registered golfers. This is still less than in Denmark (47.4 percent) or France (49.4 percent). Compared to markets like Sweden (31.91 percent) or Spain (37.18 percent), golf in Germany is notably older. The German Golf Association views this calmly because of the growth trend among younger players. ‘Our numbers impressively show that people remain loyal to golf over decades while a younger generation is growing – this is a very healthy combination,’ said Alexander Klose, Board Member for Services, Legal, and Communication. However, it will take time and effort to stop the trend where nearly as many golfers leave the sport in the 40 to 60 age groups as new younger players join.
Golf Still Male-Dominated Amid Shifting Demographics
Not only does golf remain an older sport, but it also remains male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown in the past two years, the total number of female golfers is declining. 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 falling, whereas boys see slight growth.
The membership growth is not uniform across all golf courses but reflects an average. The number of golf courses in Germany decreased by 5 to 721 courses. However, this decline stems from various reasons and not solely from lack of profitability.