How Many Golf Courses Are in America? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · March 7, 2054

As of 2025, there are approximately 15,375 golf courses in the United States, including both public and private facilities, making America home to the largest number of golf courses in the world.

Overview of Golf Course Count in the U.S.

The United States dominates global golf infrastructure, hosting over 40% of all golf courses worldwide. These 15,375 courses include regulation 18-hole layouts, 9-hole courses, executive courses, and off-road par-3 facilities. The National Golf Foundation (NGF) is the primary authority tracking these figures, regularly updating data based on course openings, closures, and conversions.

Types of Golf Courses in America

Public Access Courses: Open to all players, often municipally owned or operated by private companies.
Private Clubs: Membership-based with restricted access, typically offering premium amenities.

Semi-Private:

Resort Courses: Located within vacation destinations, often part of larger hospitality complexes.
Par-3 and Executive Courses: Shorter layouts ideal for beginners, families, and quick rounds.

Historical Trends in U.S. Golf Course Numbers

Golf course growth in the U.S. peaked in the early 2000s, followed by a period of net closures due to economic pressures, land use changes, and declining participation rates. However, recent years have seen stabilization and even modest growth driven by course renovations, new short-format designs, and increased interest in outdoor recreation post-pandemic.

Key Factors Influencing Course Closures and Openings

Urban development and real estate demand
Water usage regulations, especially in arid regions
Operating costs and labor shortages
Rise of alternative golf formats (e.g., Topgolf, Punchbowl)
Increased focus on sustainability and environmental impact

State-by-State Breakdown of Golf Courses

Course distribution varies widely across states, influenced by population, climate, and cultural preferences. Florida, California, and New York lead in total numbers, while sparsely populated states like Alaska and Wyoming have fewer than 50 combined.

State	Total Courses	Public Courses	Private Courses	Courses per 100k Population
Florida	1,167	742	321	5.5
California	997	588	302	2.5
Texas	927	556	263	3.3
New York	890	498	312	4.5
Pennsylvania	865	501	284	6.7
Illinois	762	451	239	6.0
Michigan	752	463	218	7.5
North Carolina	703	441	198	6.6
Ohio	686	408	215	5.9
Georgia	666	407	189	6.3

Table data source:National Golf Foundation (NGF), Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA)

The data shows that while Florida leads in total course count, states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have higher densities of golf courses relative to population. This reflects strong regional traditions in the Midwest and Northeast. Public access dominates in most states, accounting for roughly 60–70% of total facilities, underscoring golf’s accessibility in the U.S.

Golf Participation and Course Utilization

In 2024, over 25 million Americans played golf at least once, with around 15.8 million playing eight or more rounds annually. Despite concerns about declining interest, the pandemic sparked a resurgence, particularly in walking, short-format, and family-friendly play. Many courses reported record tee-time bookings and increased revenue from food, beverage, and retail.

Emerging Trends Shaping the Future of Golf Facilities

Expansion of indoor golf entertainment venues (e.g., simulators, lounge-style formats)
Conversion of underperforming 18-hole courses into par-3 or 9-hole layouts
Investment in sustainable turfgrass and water conservation technologies
Partnerships with youth programs and diversity initiatives to grow the game
Integration of technology for booking, scoring, and player engagement

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses in America

How many golf courses are currently in the United States?

As of 2025, there are approximately 15,375 golf courses in the United States, according to data from the National Golf Foundation. This includes all types of facilities: public, private, resort, and short-format courses.

Which state has the most golf courses?

Florida has the most golf courses in the U.S., with 1,167 facilities. Its warm climate, retirement communities, and tourism industry support a high concentration of both public and private courses.

Has the number of golf courses in the U.S. been increasing or decreasing?

After a period of decline between 2006 and 2020 due to economic and demographic factors, the number of golf courses has stabilized. Since 2021, there has been slight growth thanks to new short-format courses, conversions, and renewed interest in outdoor recreation.

What percentage of U.S. golf courses are public?

About 65% of all golf courses in the United States are publicly accessible. The remaining 35% are private or semi-private clubs, which require membership or guest sponsorship for access.

Are golf courses closing in the U.S.?

Yes, some golf courses continue to close each year—typically between 15 and 30 annually—due to development pressure, financial challenges, or environmental regulations. However, closures are now largely offset by new developments, especially in fast-growing Sun Belt states.