The number of registered golfers is rising more significantly than last year, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly old.
‘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 at DGV-affiliated golf facilities as of September 30, 2025. Thus, golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical mark of 700,000 memberships in the coming year.
More Golfers in Germany Than Ever Before
It is particularly noticeable that the number of golfers is increasing mainly among the age group of 19 to 40 years, contrary to the population trend in Germany. This trend was already emerging last year and continued in 2025, with growth in this age group totaling 7.45% compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was still puzzled last year about the reasons for this growth, some assumptions are now being made. ‘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 that engage interested golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany might be decisive for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Predominate
Nevertheless, it remains that mainly older people play golf. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, making up 46.9% of the total number of registered golfers. This is still less than in Denmark (47.4%) and France (49.4%). Compared to markets like Sweden (31.91%) or Spain (37.18%), the golf demographic in Germany is significantly older. However, the German Golf Association views this as “relaxed” due to the growth trend among younger people. ‘Our numbers 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, Board Member for Services, Legal Matters, and Communication. Much still needs to be done to stop the trend of losing as many golfers aged 40 to 60 as young people are joining before this younger generation can eventually replace the older golfers who inevitably leave due to age.
Golf remains not only old but also male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown over the past 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. For girls under 18, the numbers are even decreasing, while there is slight growth among boys.
The membership growth is not evenly distributed across all golf courses and only represents an average. The number of golf courses in Germany decreased by 5 to 721 facilities. However, this has various reasons and is not solely due to lack of profitability.