How Many Golf Courses Are in the US? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · July 25, 2048

As of 2025, there are approximately 15,300 golf courses in the United States, including both public and private facilities, making it the country with the most golf courses in the world.

Golf Course Count in the U.S.: Overview

The United States remains the global leader in golf infrastructure. According to the National Golf Foundation (NGF), the total number of golf courses has stabilized after a period of decline in the early 2010s. As of 2025, the U.S. is home to around 15,300 golf courses, comprising regulation 18-hole equivalents, executive courses, and par-3 facilities.

Types of Golf Courses in the U.S.

Public Access Courses: Open to all players, often municipal or resort-run.
Private Clubs: Membership-based with restricted access.
Semi-Private: Hybrid model allowing both members and walk-on play.
Resort Courses: Located within vacation destinations, open to guests and visitors.
Pay-to-Play (Executive): Shorter layouts, ideal for quick rounds.

State-by-State Golf Course Distribution

Certain states dominate in golf course density due to climate, population, and tourism. Florida leads the nation, followed by California and Texas. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top 10 states by number of courses.

Rank	State	Number of Courses	Public %	Notable Regions
1	Florida	1,336	72%	South Florida, Orlando, Naples
2	California	994	64%	Los Angeles, Bay Area, San Diego
3	Texas	927	68%	Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin
4	New York	815	59%	Long Island, Upstate, NYC metro
5	Michigan	659	75%	Grand Rapids, Traverse City
6	North Carolina	645	70%	Pinehurst, Outer Banks
7	Pennsylvania	638	62%	Philadelphia, Pittsburgh
8	Illinois	607	66%	Chicago metro area
9	Ohio	593	73%	Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati
10	Arizona	588	81%	Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson

Table data source:National Golf Foundation (NGF), GolfAdvisor

The data shows that warm-weather states like Florida and Arizona have high concentrations of public-access courses, driven by tourism and retirement communities. Northern states such as Michigan and New York maintain strong golf presence despite shorter playing seasons, indicating deep cultural roots. The national average for public access courses is about 68%, suggesting most American golfers play on publicly available facilities.

Trends in U.S. Golf Infrastructure

Stabilization After Decline

Between 2000 and 2015, the U.S. lost over 1,000 courses due to economic downturns and declining participation. However, since 2018, course closures have slowed significantly, and new developments—especially short-format and urban-centered facilities—have helped stabilize the count.

Rise of Alternative Formats

Par-3 and Executive Courses: Growing in popularity for time-constrained players.
Topgolf and Driving Ranges: Expanding access and attracting younger demographics.
Urban Golf Parks: Combining putting greens, simulators, and social spaces in cities.

How Data Is Collected and Verified

The National Golf Foundation (NGF) is the primary authority tracking U.S. golf course statistics. They use a combination of satellite imagery, club surveys, state golf associations, and commercial databases to verify active facilities. Only courses with at least nine holes or equivalent playing area are counted as full units, while shorter formats are converted into 18-hole equivalents for reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses in the U.S.

How many golf courses are there in the United States in 2025?

As of 2025, there are approximately 15,300 golf courses in the United States, including both full-length and short-format facilities. This number reflects stabilization after a decade of gradual decline.

Which state has the most golf courses?

Florida has the most golf courses in the U.S., with 1,336 courses. Its year-round climate, retirement communities, and tourism industry contribute to its dominance in golf infrastructure.

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

About 68% of all golf courses in the United States are public access, meaning they welcome walk-ons and reservations from non-members. This trend supports broader accessibility and growth initiatives in the sport.

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

No, the number has not increased significantly in recent years. After losing over 1,000 courses between 2000 and 2015, the total has stabilized since 2018 due to reduced closures and the development of alternative course formats.

What defines an 18-hole golf course equivalent?

An 18-hole equivalent is a standardized unit used to measure golf supply. For example, two nine-hole courses equal one 18-hole equivalent. This metric allows consistent tracking across different course types and sizes.