The number of registered golfers in Germany is rising significantly, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly elderly.
‘Golf in Germany sparks greater interest than ever before.’ With these words, DGV President Claus M. Kobold announces the growth of registered golfers in Germany at the German Golf Association’s annual kickoff. The number of DGV memberships rose by 1.3% to 695,617 registered golfers at DGV-affiliated golf facilities as of September 30, 2025. Since 2021, golf has been growing almost continuously. 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 increasing mainly in the 19- to 40-year-old age group, contrary to the general population trend in Germany. This trend was already emerging last year and continued in 2025, with growth in this age group totaling 7.45 percent compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was unsure of the reasons for this growth last year, there are some hypotheses this year. ‘According to the Association, modern approaches, digital communication, and a contemporary golf image are paying off,’ says Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in the press release. Golf clubs reaching out to interested golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany may be decisive factors for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Predominate
Nevertheless, older people still dominate golf. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, representing 46.9 percent of 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 much older. The German Golf Association views this calmly, thanks to the growth trend among younger people. ‘Our figures impressively show that people remain loyal to golf for decades, while a younger generation is growing – this is a very healthy combination,’ says Alexander Klose, Board of Services, Law and Communication. However, much still needs to be done to stop the trend in the 40 to 60 age groups, where nearly as many golfers drop out as young people join, until the younger generation can replace those lost due to age.
Golf remains male-dominated. While the number of male golfers has increased in recent years, the total number of female golfers in Germany is declining. Even among women aged 19 to 40, growth is slower than among men, and numbers of girls under 18 are decreasing, while boys in this group see slight growth.
The membership growth is not evenly distributed across all golf facilities; it can only represent an average. The number of golf facilities decreased by 5 to 721 in Germany, due to various reasons, not solely financial viability.