The number of registered golfers in Germany is rising more noticeably than last year, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly aged.
“Golf in Germany today 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. The total number of DGV memberships rose by 1.3% to 695,617 registered golfers at DGV-affiliated golf facilities by the cutoff date of September 30, 2025. The sport has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to break the magical 700,000 membership mark next year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
It is particularly striking that the numbers of golfers have increased mainly in the 19 to 40 age group, contrary to the overall population trend in Germany. This trend, already emerging last year, continued in 2025 with a total growth of 7.45 percent compared to the previous year. While last year the German Golf Association was still unsure about the reasons for this growth, this year they at least offer some assumptions. “According to the association’s assessment, modern approaches, digital communication, and a contemporary image of golf are paying off,” said Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in the press release. Golf clubs that engage interested golfers via social media and an improved image of the sport in Germany might be decisive for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Predominate
Still, golf is mainly played by older people. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, comprising 46.9 percent of all registered golfers. This is slightly less than in Denmark (47.4 percent) and France (49.4 percent). Compared to markets like Sweden (31.91 percent) or Spain (37.18 percent), golf in Germany is notably older. The DGV views this as “relaxed” due to the growth trend among younger people. “Our figures impressively show that people remain loyal to golf for decades. At the same time, a younger generation is emerging – that is a very healthy combination,” said Alexander Klose, Executive Board Member for Services, Legal Affairs, and Communication. However, much still needs to be done to stop the trend where almost as many golfers leave in the 40 to 60 age groups as young people are joining.
Not only does golf remain an older sport, but it is also male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown over the last 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. Numbers for girls under 18 are even falling, while boys of the same age show a slight increase.
Membership growth is not evenly distributed across all golf courses but always reflects an average. The number of golf courses in Germany decreased by 5 to 721 facilities. This is due to various reasons and not only because of lack of profitability.