The Future of Golf: 15 Trends and Innovations

The Future of Golf: 15 Trends and Innovations

By Bradley Turner, Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA

The future of golf is hard to predict, with so many unexpected changes over the past few years. The pandemic has exposed the game to so many that may not have had the opportunity to play golf. Attraction to golf has been at an all-time high, with more than 12 million people interested in playing the game but have yet to try it out. With about 25 million golfers in America, adding another 12 million would create big problems for golf, all good problems! LIV Golf impacted the game in 2022, but now LIV may become something of the past with the recent merger of professional golf tours. This article will highlight eight evidence-based trends and innovations that will influence the future of golf.

1. More Junior Golfers Will Increase Golf Participation

The National Golf Foundation (NGF) is the leading authority on the business of golf. The NGF publishes annual reports on the state of the game as well as the demographics of golf participants. In their most recent report, the NGF found that junior golf participation has increased by 36% over the last three years. This three-year growth of almost 1,000,000 junior golfers is evidence that the future of golf participation will continue to grow, which excites the entire golf industry.

2. More Female Golfers

The increase in female golfers continues to be a bright spot for the future of golf. The United States Golf Association (USGA) tracks the number of participants that attempt to qualify for the various national championships conducted by the association. Take a look at the positive growth in female golfers participating in USGA Championships over the past 20 years:

For many years women were discouraged from playing this great game. The evidence is clear when analyzing the Senior Women’s Amateur Championship entries. The older generation of women were not exposed to golf at a young age. The old traditional golf culture is changing, and we are now seeing the trend of younger girls and women playing the game. As the father of two athletic young adult women, it is humorous to see their Instagram posts when they are at a TopGolf with their male friends. I do not know why the boys are always surprised when the girls show them how it is done. Give a girl a chance in golf, and she can learn to play. It is funny how those ostracized from playing the sport many years ago are now the key lynchpin for the future of golf.

3. Professional Golf Will Expand Internationally

Very soon, there will be competitions on the PGA Tour and LPGA Tour with men and women competing against each other, which is already happening in Europe. The Scandinavian Mixed Championship features the top 72 ranked players on the DP World Tour and the top 72 ranked players on the Ladies European Tour. Total yardage is adjusted so power off the tee is mitigated. We may see a new team event emerge where the best women and men from the United States play against Europe’s best and then add an international team. This three-team event could become one of the highlight events on the golf calendar.

4. Technology and Innovation

As an avid golfer, you likely own a range finder that will provide accurate distances to the flagstick. You also have access to technology that will give you the distances you hit the golf ball while playing the golf course, phone apps that track your golf statistics, green reading apps that help you read the greens better, and more innovative training aids than you can keep in your garage. Technology and innovation appear to have no end in sight as golfers consume these products to improve their golf experience. When artificial intelligence starts playing golf for you, we are in trouble!

• Smart Golf Gear: Imagine clubs equipped with sensors that, combined with AI, give golfers instant feedback on their swing – speed, angle, ball flight, everything. This isn’t just theory; it’s becoming standard.
• Advanced Swing Analysis: Tools like TrackMan, which use radar, are already providing incredibly detailed swing analysis, allowing for targeted improvement. And it’s not just about the swing.
• Wearable tech: smartwatches and other tech track heart rate and activity levels on the course, offering valuable insights into both performance and overall health.
• GPS & Rangefinders: Accurate course data is more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in GPS and rangefinders. Precise yardages and course layouts are readily available, helping golfers make informed decisions.
• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Augmented and virtual reality are poised to transform the game. AR glasses and VR simulations are creating immersive training experiences, allowing golfers to preview courses and even play virtually.

5. Managing the Time Crunch

One of the barriers to golf participation is the time it takes to play. According to the NGF, the average round of golf takes about four hours and thirty minutes. But it takes more than that. If you add 30 minutes to check in and warm up, another 30 minutes for a post-round beverage, and then the 15-minute commute to the golf course each way, you are at 6 hours to play golf. A good solution for many golfers is to play nine holes instead of 18 holes. This will reduce your time commitment to playing a typical round of golf yet get you out on the links to unplug from a day in the office. A switch to nine holes of golf is a wonderful way to spend quality time with friends and loved ones, a practice we will see more in the future of golf.

6. The Influence of Nutrition and Fitness

Tiger Woods was and continues to be a trendsetter in golf. One of the best ways to stay mentally and physically healthy as we age is to exercise. Before Tiger, the typical golfer rarely went to the gym and consumed large quantities of beer while riding in a golf cart. If you want to play golf well into your retirement years, it is essential that you eat a healthy diet and commit to daily exercise. Golf is the perfect activity to get you fit so you can enjoy the game in the future. Start by first walking the front nine holes and then riding the back nine. Before you know it, you will be easily walking your entire round, just like golf was meant to be played. Who knew the future of golf could be just like the past?

7. Increased Attention on Golf’s Environmental Impact

Environmental stewardship in the golf industry is accepting the responsibility for maintaining environmental quality for the community in which the golf course operates. Golf courses consume mass quantities of water to keep the turf healthy and in good playing condition. They also use fertilizers and pesticides to aid in turfgrass growth. The days of wall-to-wall green grass on golf courses may become a thing of the past. As water usage in America continues to be an issue, golf courses of the future will focus on watering green complexes and tee boxes, forgoing large amounts of water on fairways and roughs. Although the fairways will become firm and discolored, the upside of brown fairways is that the average golfer will hit longer drives and shorter irons into the greens. That is a good trade-off in my mind.

Sustainability & Golf Course Design:

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Courses are looking to minimize their environmental footprint. Some courses have adopted sustainable measures like recycled water irrigation, drought-resistant grasses, and renewable energy to help drive their sustainability efforts.
• Water Conservation: Smart irrigation systems and different types of turfgrass help reduce water consumption.
• Native Plant Integration: Course designs today focus on using native plants, promoting biodiversity, and reducing the need for extensive watering and fertilization.

8. Changes in Golf Fashion

Fashion is in a constant state of change, and golf fashion is no different. Golf attire has changed dramatically from the days of Bobby Jones competing in a dress shirt and tie to the cotton pleated khaki pants that Ben Hogan sported to the fitted collarless golf shirt that Tiger Woods made popular. Rest assured, what you will be wearing in the future is something that golf superstars are wearing later this year. If you think your closet is complete with enough golf shirts to last a lifetime, remember that fashion changes, and you will find a spot for that new innovative golf shirt that promises to allow you to look great and hit the ball farther than ever!

Athleisure Influence:

• Versatile Apparel: Golf fashion is becoming increasingly seamless from the golf course to everyday wear. Golfers are choosing to wear joggers, hoodies, and comfortable polos on and off the course.
• Performance Focus: Fabrics continue to promote moisture-wicking, breathability, and stretch, which has improved both comfort and performance.
• Comfort and Freedom of Movement: Golf fashion today prioritizes comfort and flexibility without sacrificing range of motion during a shot.

Personalization & Customization:

• Unique Touches: Golfers are seeking out brands and services that allow for personalization and customization. They want to add unique touches to their apparel to set them apart on the course.
• Eye-Catching Prints: Golf fashion has exploded with a variety of prints and patterns, offering golfers more options to express their personal style.

9. Focus on Golfer Experience and Engagement

The goal of increasing golfer experience and engagement is to make golf more accessible and relevant to a larger audience. Here are some ways the golf industry is incorporating golf experience improvements:

• Golf Personalization: Courses and facilities focus on personalized experiences that cater to individual golfers’ preferences and needs.
• Data-Driven Golf Training: Use of data analytics in training allows for customized programs and better insights into performance.
• Focus on Health & Wellness: Golfers are seeking experiences that combine golf, fitness, and social interaction.
• Flexible Memberships & Modern Amenities: Golf courses and clubs are starting to offer flexible membership options and modern facilities.

10. Rise of Solo Golf & Self-Care Focus

Trends in self-care and solo golf are helping the game move in a positive and exciting direction. More golf courses are adapting to changing lifestyles and preferences while maintaining the core of the game.

• Golf as a Solo Activity: Today, golf has started to be a way for enthusiasts to enjoy personal time and focus on well-being. This phenomenon is trending in younger golfers who show a strong interest in solo rounds.
• Mental Health Benefits: The environment and focus during a round contribute to golf’s growing appeal as a means of self-care and stress relief.
• Facilities Accommodating Singles: Some courses are starting to adjust their scheduling to offer more flexibility to accommodate solo players. This includes designated tee times or promotional days for singles.

11. Pace of Play Improvements

Trends in the amount of time spent on the course or for a round are being challenged:

• Shorter Courses & Formats: Shorter courses (9 or 12 holes) and faster formats like 6-hole or Stableford scoring are becoming more popular as golfers look for an authentic experience without committing their time.
• Speed & Efficiency: Golf courses are utilizing management techniques and etiquette education as ways to improve the flow of play and reduce wait times.

12. Golf Media & Coverage

• Increased Streaming & Digital Platforms: Golf tournaments and events are broadcasted on streaming services (e.g., ESPN+, Peacock) and digital platforms.
• Social Media Integration: The golf industry, including the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, is utilizing TikTok and Instagram or other social media to engage fans, promote tournaments, and share golf-related content.
• Innovative Broadcast Technologies: Technologies such as live drone AR, immersive stadium experiences, and AI shot commentary are changing the way golf is broadcasted.

13. Impact of LIV Golf & PGA Tour

• Team Golf & New Formats: LIV Golf’s focus on team golf has introduced new dynamics to the professional golf landscape.
• Attracting Younger & Broader Viewership: The PGA Tour and LIV Golf are using innovative content and social media engagement to attract younger and a larger audience.

14. Golf Club Materials and Construction

• Lightweight, High-Strength Composites: Advanced materials like aerospace-grade alloys, carbon fiber, and graphene are being used by golf club manufacturers and designers to reduce weight while ensuring strength and clubhead speed.
• Multi-Material Construction: Blending multiple materials with different properties to improve weight distribution, center of gravity, and golf club feel.
• Thermoforged Carbon & Z-Alloy: Newer materials such as Thermoforged Carbon and Z-Alloy are being used to improve club performance and characteristics.

15. 3-D Printing & Customization for Golf Clubs

3-D Printing is starting to be utilized by golf club manufacturers and companies, such as COBRA Golf, to improve the capabilities of traditional golf clubs.

• Tailored Clubheads & Grips: 3-D printing is a popular trend in golf club design and manufacturing. It allows club makers to customize clubheads and grips.
• Club Fittings: 3-D imaging and AI analysis are used to design clubs that are tailored to the golfer’s biomechanics and swing.

Learn more!

Want more tips? If you want to take your game to the next level, contact our team at Keiser University’s College of Golf & Sport Management today. With our dedication and experience, together, we can elevate your game to new heights. Give us a call today at 888-355-4465.