The number of registered golfers in Germany rises notably, especially among younger players, yet golf remains predominantly an older sport.
‘Golf in Germany sparks more interest 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 kickoff. The total number of DGV memberships increased by 1.3% to 695,617 as of September 30, 2025, across affiliated golf courses. Golf has been growing almost continuously since 2021. The DGV hopes to surpass the magical mark of 700,000 memberships next year.
Record Number of Golfers in Germany
Notably, the number of players is increasing mainly in the age group 19 to 40 years, contrary to the general population trend in Germany. This trend had already emerged last year and continued in 2025, with growth in this age group totaling 7.45% compared to the previous year. While last year the German Golf Association was uncertain about the reasons for this growth, this year there are at least some hypotheses. ‘According to the association, modern communication methods, digital outreach, and a contemporary image of golf are paying off,’ announced Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, in a press release. Golf clubs engaging potential golfers via social media and an improved image of golf in Germany are likely key factors for this trend.
Senior Golfers Predominate
Nevertheless, golf remains primarily an older person’s sport. The largest age group in Germany is 60 years and older, accounting for 46.9% 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%), golf in Germany is considerably older. The German Golf Association regards this as ‘comfortable’ due to the growth trend among younger people. ‘Our data clearly show that people remain loyal to golf for decades, while a younger generation is simultaneously emerging – a very healthy combination,’ said Alexander Klose, Board Member Services, Law, and Communication. However, for the younger generation to replace the inevitably retiring older golfers, much still needs to be done, especially to stop the trend where nearly as many golfers are lost in the 40 to 60 age group as are gained by younger players.
Golf Remains Male-Dominated
Golf also remains male-dominated. While the number of golfers in Germany has grown over the past two years, the total number of female golfers has declined. Even in the growing 19 to 40 age group, growth among young women is slower than among young men. Among girls under 18, numbers are even falling, whereas there is slight growth among boys.
Membership growth is not evenly distributed across all golf courses, but represents an average. The number of golf facilities in Germany has decreased by five to 721. However, this has various reasons and is not solely due to lack of profitability.