The number of registered golfers rises more clearly than last year, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly old.
“Golf in Germany is sparking 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 facilities as of September 30, 2025. Golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical mark of 700,000 memberships next year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
Notably, the number of golfers is rising particularly in the 19 to 40 age group, contrary to the demographic trend in Germany. This trend, which was already noticeable last year, continued in 2025 with a growth of 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 there are at least some assumptions. “According to the association, modern communication methods, digital engagement, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,” announced Achim Battermann, Vice President of the DGV, in a press release. Golf clubs reaching out to interested golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany are possibly decisive for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Still Predominate
Nevertheless, golf remains mainly played by older people. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, representing 46.9 percent of the total registered golfers. This is still less than in Denmark (47.4 percent) and France (49.4 percent). Compared to markets such as Sweden (31.91 percent) or Spain (37.18 percent), golf in Germany is significantly older. However, the German Golf Association sees 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 – this is a very healthy combination,” says Alexander Klose, Board Member for Services, Law, and Communication. Still, much needs to be done to stop the trend that nearly as many golfers drop out in the 40 to 60 age groups as young players join, until the younger generation can replace the older golfers who inevitably leave due to age.
Male Dominance and Membership Distribution
Golf remains male-dominated as well. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown in the last two years, the total number of female golfers has declined. Even in the growing age group 19 to 40, the growth in young women is slower than in young men. Numbers for girls under 18 are even decreasing, while there is a slight growth among boys.
The membership growth is not distributed evenly across all golf facilities but can only represent an average. The number of golf courses decreased by five to 721 facilities in Germany, for various reasons not only due to lack of profitability.