The number of registered golfers in Germany is increasing, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly an older sport.
‘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. The number of DGV memberships increased by 1.3% to 695,617 as of September 30, 2025, representing golfers registered at DGV-affiliated golf courses. Golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical 700,000 membership mark next year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
Notably, the number of golfers is rising mainly in the 19- to 40-year-old age group, contrary to Germany’s general population trend. This trend had already appeared last year and continued in 2025, with growth of 7.45 percent compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was still uncertain about the reasons behind this growth last year, this year some assumptions are made. ‘According to the association, modern approaches, digital communication, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,’ said Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in a press release. Golf clubs reaching interested golfers via social media and the improved image of golf in Germany could be decisive factors in this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Dominate
Yet, golf remains mainly an older person’s sport. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, accounting for 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 noticeably older. However, the German Golf Association views this calmly 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, Law and Communication. However, until the younger generation can eventually replace the older golfers who leave the sport due to age, much remains to be done, especially to stop the trend that nearly as many golfers drop out in the 40 to 60 age groups as young players join.
Gender Gap and Course Numbers
Golf 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 19 to 40 age group, growth among young women is slower than among young men. Numbers for girls under 18 are even decreasing, whereas there is slight growth among boys. The membership growth is unevenly distributed across golf courses, reflecting only an average. The number of golf courses decreased by five to 721 in Germany, for various reasons not solely attributed to unprofitability.