The number of registered golfers is rising significantly, especially among younger people, but golf remains predominantly an older sport.
‘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 German Golf Association’s annual kick-off. The total number of DGV memberships had increased by 1.3% to 695,617 registered golfers at affiliated golf facilities by September 30, 2025. 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
Notably, the number of golfers is rising mainly in the 19- to 40-year-old age group, contrary to the population trend in Germany. This trend, which began the previous year, continued into 2025, with growth in this age group totaling 7.45 percent compared to the previous year. While the German Golf Association was puzzled last year about the reasons for this increase, this year it offers some guesses. ‘According to the association, modern communication methods, digital outreach, and a contemporary golf image pay off,’ stated Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in a press release. Golf clubs engaging interested golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany are likely decisive factors for this trend.
Golfers Aged 60+ Dominate
Nevertheless, older people predominantly play golf. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, comprising 46.9 percent of the total registered golfers. This is slightly less than Denmark (47.4%) and France (49.4%). Compared to markets like Sweden (31.91%) or Spain (37.18%), German golf is notably older. 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 while a younger generation is growing—this is a very healthy combination,’ said Alexander Klose, Board Member for Services, Law, and Communications. However, before the younger generation can replace the older golfers lost to age, much must be done, especially to stop the trend where the 40 to 60 age groups lose nearly as many golfers as the young ones gain.
Gender Disparity Persists
Golf remains 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. Numbers of girls under 18 are even decreasing, while boys experience slight growth.
Membership growth is not uniform across all golf courses but represents an average. The number of golf courses decreased by five to 721 in Germany, due to various reasons beyond profitability issues.