Why more young adults should play golf

Golf is soaring in popularity and is showing no signs of stopping going into 2026. 

The pandemic ushered in hordes of new players, with the game being one of the first leisure activities available to play amidst social distancing measures in the UK. According to the National Golf Foundation, participation in golf across the UK rose sharply, increasing from around three million players in 2019 to 5.2 million in 2020.

Since this boom, golf has continued to experience consistent growth, with England Golf reporting a record number of scores entered into the World Handicap System for 2024, while the first six months of 2025 experienced a 29% growth over the same period the previous year. 

Young adults are a key demographic behind this rise in popularity, owing to golf’s efforts to modernise and break from old fashioned stereotypes that had burdened development in the past.

The social and health benefits, technological advancements, explosion of social media golf and modern golf fashion are just a few of the reasons behind the popularity surge. 

But for any young adults still hesitant to invest time into the game, here are some of the reasons why you should consider doing so.

It's a Sport For Life

Golf is a sport that can be played at any age, and learning the game early provides you with the tools to play later into your life.

Justin Rose moved to number three in the world after his recent victory at the Farmers Insurance Open, meaning the current top three players are in three different decades of life. This epitomises how golf is a sport that is learned and developed over years of playing the game and with dedication you can experience consistent improvement.

Golf also encourages exploration, with thousands of courses dotted across the globe from the suburbs of New York City to the vast dunes of the Scottish coastline. Playing different courses is a great way to test your game, discover new places and explore the nature that surrounds it. 

Golf is More Affordable Than You Think

It would be misleading to suggest that the costs involved in golf were not a barrier to entry, however, there are ways for young adults to make the sport more affordable.

Despite constant technological advancements in equipment, second hand clubs are still more than viable for anybody starting out, and even better if they are given or lent by a friend for free. 

Five-time major winner Brooks Koepka to this day has a Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron despite Nike exiting the golf hard goods business back in 2016, while Robert MacIntyre carries a 2015 TaylorMade AeroBurner fairway wood. If it’s good enough for tour players then it certainly is for new golfers. Have fun curating your bag, and do not feel the need to stick entirely to one brand, you are not a sponsored athlete! 

Green fees and club memberships are another significant expense in golf, but likewise there are solutions. Many quality courses offer discounted twilight golf rates over the summer to allow players to take advantage of the longer days, while municipal courses commonly cost £20-£30 for a round. There are great deals and hidden gems dotted around the UK if you look hard enough.

Clubs try to attract younger members with fees often rising incrementally depending on age, addressing the difference in average earnings between age groups. However, they are still a significant investment and one to think about if you are willing to give more time to the game.

Aside from this, driving ranges are a fun, affordable and effective way of practicing, with many now fitted with Trackman technology, allowing you to gauge club yardages, loft and spin. Covid was a major catalyst for the golf simulator industry, transforming it from a niche high-end amenity into a mainstream technology used by the pros. This has sparked the emergence of indoor golf centres, offering an immersive experience that is accessible in urban areas.

Social Benefits of Golf Are Endless

The beauty of golf socially, is the ability for people of varying abilities to compete on a level playing field, due to the array of formats and a rigorous handicap system. Those starting out should not be discouraged playing with friends who are more accomplished players as they must only play to the best of their ability to have a chance of winning. 

Scramble formats are also a fantastic way of introducing fun competition and evening the playing field, creating teams with matching abilities. This format can particularly appeal to golfers starting out as pairing up with a strong player takes some of the pressure off your individual performance.

Another interesting format is Stableford, where you score points for eagles, birdies, pars and bogeys, relative to your handicap. This helps to remove that feeling of dread after a round destroying quadruple bogey, which would instead be simply reflected with a zero on your scorecard. Whether you explore different formats or challenge yourself to different courses, there are so many ways to keep the game interesting, and spend hours outdoors competing with your pals.

If you are in the position to join a golf club, then that is a great way to dive into competitions and meet people. Golf has had the reputation of being an unwelcoming sport in the past, and you may have the impression that club members will sneer at your shanked tee shot in front of the clubhouse, or for wearing chinos that are not beige enough. But golf clubs are actively chasing younger members, focusing on flexible membership plans, technology and creating a more social and inclusive environment. There is no set standard you need to reach before you join a club and many members are novice players.

Why More Young Adults Should Play Golf

Golf offers young adults a rare balance of physical activity, mental focus, and meaningful social connection. Unlike many activities, it evolves with the player, remaining challenging and rewarding well into adulthood. 

So, start now, and before long you will be admiring your swing plane in front of the bathroom mirror, itching to get on the tee box. The bug catches you and it does not let go!