States With the Most Golf Courses in 2025

By Sarah Miller · July 27, 2052

Florida has the most golf courses of any U.S. state, with over 1,200 courses, followed closely by California and Texas, making these three states the top destinations for golf enthusiasts nationwide.

Why Some States Have More Golf Courses Than Others

The number of golf courses in a state depends on several key factors including climate, population density, land availability, and cultural interest in the sport. States with warm, year-round weather naturally support more outdoor golf activity, encouraging both public and private course development.

Key Factors Influencing Golf Course Density

Climate: Warm, dry climates allow for longer playing seasons and lower maintenance costs.
Population and Income Levels: Higher-income populations are more likely to play and invest in golf facilities.
Tourism: States that attract retirees and vacationers often build courses to cater to leisure travelers.
Land Availability: Spacious states can accommodate large course footprints without competing with urban development.

Top States with the Most Golf Courses

A handful of states dominate the national golf landscape due to favorable conditions and strong golf cultures. The following table ranks the top 10 states by total number of golf courses, based on the latest data from the National Golf Foundation and World Golf Foundation.

Rank	State	Total Golf Courses	Public Courses	Private Clubs	Courses per 100k Population
1	Florida	1,294	876	418	6.1
2	California	927	612	315	2.3
3	Texas	907	598	309	3.2
4	New York	810	489	321	4.1
5	North Carolina	647	452	195	6.2
6	Pennsylvania	636	410	226	5.0
7	Michigan	628	430	198	6.3
8	Illinois	591	387	204	4.6
9	Ohio	583	395	188	5.0
10	Georgia	577	378	199	5.4

Table data source:National Golf Foundation, World Golf Foundation

Florida leads the nation with over 1,200 courses, nearly 400 more than California. Despite its high total, California ranks lower per capita due to its large population. Michigan and North Carolina stand out for having the highest concentration of courses relative to population, indicating strong regional engagement in golf.

Golf Culture and Economic Impact

Golf is more than recreation—it's an economic driver. In states like Florida and Arizona, golf tourism generates billions annually through course fees, equipment sales, lodging, and dining.

States Where Golf Fuels Tourism

Florida: Home to PGA Tour headquarters and major events like The Players Championship.
Arizona: Hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open and attracts snowbirds seeking winter play.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach is known as the "Golf Capital of the World" with over 90 courses in one metro area.

Public vs. Private Golf Access by State

While total course count matters, accessibility is key. Some states have high numbers of private clubs, limiting public access. Others emphasize municipal and resort courses.

States with the Highest Public Course Availability

Florida – Over 70% of courses are open to the public or semi-private.
Texas – Strong network of city-run and university-affiliated courses.
North Carolina – Popular mountain and coastal layouts welcome visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions About States With the Most Golf Courses

Which state has the most golf courses in the U.S.?

Florida has the most golf courses in the United States, with a total of 1,294 as of 2025, making it the top destination for golfers nationwide.

What state has the most golf courses per capita?

Michigan has the highest number of golf courses per 100,000 residents at 6.3, followed closely by North Carolina (6.2) and Florida (6.1), indicating widespread local access.

Which states are best for public golf access?

Florida, Texas, and North Carolina offer the best public access, with over 70% of their courses open to non-members, including municipal, resort, and daily-fee facilities.

Do cold-weather states have fewer golf courses?

Generally yes—northern states have shorter seasons and higher maintenance costs, but states like Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin still maintain robust golf infrastructures due to strong seasonal demand.

Is golf growing or declining in the U.S.?

Golf is experiencing a resurgence, especially since 2020. According to the National Golf Foundation, rounds played hit a 25-year high in 2023, driven by younger players, women, and increased public course investment.