More data points in the WSJ piece about rising popularity of golf:
- Rounds played up 14% in 2020 and increased almost every year since (4.8% decline in 2018 and 1.5% rise in 2019 for context)
- Junior participation 58% higher in 2025 vs 2019
- Off-course participation up 63% vs 2019
- Gen Z household spending on golf grew the most of all age groups
- 19M Americans only play off-course, big runway to convert
- Industry consolidation has cleared out the weaker players (Nike, Adidas's TaylorMade, Golfsmith all gone)
- Acushnet
$GOLF nearly tripled over 6 years, Callaway
$CALY in the article) up 50% since announcing Topgolf sale