The number of registered golfers rises significantly, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly older.
‘Golf in Germany sparks more interest today than ever before.’ These words were declared by DGV President Claus M. Kobold at the German Golf Association’s annual start, announcing growth in registered golfers in Germany. As of September 30, 2025, the number of DGV memberships increased by 1.3% to 695,617 golfers registered at DGV-affiliated golf courses. Golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical number of 700,000 memberships next year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
Notably, the number of golfers is rising particularly among the 19-to-40-year-old age group, contrary to the general population trend in Germany. This trend, observed since the previous year, continued in 2025 with a 7.45% growth compared to the prior year. While last year the German Golf Association was unsure about the reasons for this growth, this year they suggest that modern communication methods, digital outreach, and a contemporary golf image play a role, according to Achim Battermann, Vice President of the DGV. Golf clubs engaging golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany may be key factors in this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Predominate
Nevertheless, golf remains mostly an older person’s sport. The largest age group in Germany is those aged 60 and older, comprising 46.9% of all registered golfers. This is less than in Denmark (47.4%) and France (49.4%), but compared to markets such as Sweden (31.91%) or Spain (37.18%), golf in Germany is significantly older. The German Golf Association views this as positive, given the growth trend among younger people. Alexander Klose, Board Member Services, Law and Communication, remarked, ‘Our numbers impressively show that people remain loyal to golf for decades while a younger generation emerges – a very healthy combination.’ However, to replace the older golfers who will inevitably retire, efforts must be made to halt the concurrent loss of golfers aged 40 to 60, almost matching the gain of young players.
Golf Remains Male-Dominated Despite Growth
The sport also remains male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown in recent years, the total number of female golfers is declining. Even within the growing 19-to-40 age group, growth is slower for young women than for young men. The number of girls under 18 is decreasing, whereas there is slight growth among boys.
Membership growth is not uniform across all golf courses; it only reflects an average. The number of golf facilities in Germany decreased by five to 721. This reduction has various causes and is not solely due to lack of profitability.