The number of registered golfers rises more noticeably than last year, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly older.
‘Golf in Germany sparks more interest today 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 in DGV-affiliated golf courses as of September 30, 2025. Thus, golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to break the magical mark of 700,000 memberships next year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
It is particularly noticeable that the number of golfers is increasing especially among the 19 to 40-year-old age group, contrary to the population trend in Germany. This is a trend that was already emerging last year and continued in 2025. The growth in this age group amounts to 7.45 percent compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was still puzzled last year about the reasons for this growth, this year at least some assumptions are being expressed. “According to the association, modern communication methods, digital communication, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,” announced Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in the press release. Golf clubs addressing interested golfers through social media as well as an improved image of golf in Germany are possibly decisive for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Remain Predominant
Nevertheless, it remains that mainly older people play golf. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, making up 46.9 percent of the total number of registered golfers. This is still 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 considerably older. However, the German Golf Association sees this as “relaxed” due to the growth trend among younger people. “Our numbers clearly show that people remain loyal to golf for decades. At the same time, a younger generation is growing – this is a very healthy combination,” said Alexander Klose, Board Member Services, Law and Communication. However, much still needs to be done until the younger generation can replace the golfers who eventually drop out due to age, and the trend of losing almost as many golfers in the 40 to 60 age groups as new young ones join must be stopped.
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 last two years, the total number of female golfers is declining. Even in the growing age group of 19 to 40 years, growth among young women is slower than among young men. Among girls under 18, numbers are even falling, while boys have seen a small increase.
Membership growth does not distribute evenly among all golf courses, but can only reflect an average. The number of golf courses in Germany has decreased by 5 to 721 courses. However, this has different reasons and is not only due to lack of profitability.