Which State Has the Most Golf Courses? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · May 25, 2052

California has the most golf courses in the United States, with a total of 927 courses as of 2025, making it the national leader in golf infrastructure and accessibility.

Why California Leads in Golf Course Count

California's dominance in the number of golf courses stems from a combination of favorable climate, large population, high disposable income, and a long-standing golf culture. The state's diverse geography supports year-round play across coastal, desert, and inland regions.

Key Factors Behind California's Golf Preeminence

Consistently mild weather allows for 12-month golf seasons
High concentration of affluent communities that support private clubs
Major presence of professional tournaments and golf resorts
Strong tourism industry driving demand for public courses
Historical development of golf in cities like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Palm Springs

Comparison of Top States by Golf Course Count

The following table ranks the top 10 U.S. states by total number of golf courses, based on the latest data from the National Golf Foundation (NGF) and World Golf Foundation.

Rank	State	Total Golf Courses	Public Courses	Private Courses	Courses per 100k Population
1	California	927	542	385	22.8
2	Florida	886	598	288	40.1
3	New York	793	447	346	40.3
4	Texas	760	451	309	26.5
5	Pennsylvania	715	412	303	56.0
6	Illinois	681	379	302	52.1
7	Michigan	674	402	272	67.8
8	Ohio	666	384	282	56.9
9	North Carolina	647	405	242	61.8
10	Georgia	615	365	250	58.7

Table data source:1, 2

While California leads in total course count, states like Michigan and Pennsylvania have higher densities of courses per capita, indicating deeper integration of golf into local recreation culture. Florida ranks second overall but leads in courses per 100,000 residents among large states, driven by retiree populations and tourism.

Golf Accessibility and Economic Impact

California’s golf industry contributes over $10 billion annually to the state economy and supports more than 100,000 jobs. Public access accounts for nearly 59% of all courses, ensuring broad participation opportunities.

Types of Golf Facilities in California

Public Courses: Open to all players, often managed by municipalities or private operators
Semi-Private: Mix of membership and daily-fee play
Resort Courses: Located within hotels and vacation destinations, popular in Napa and Palm Springs
Private Clubs: Exclusive access, typically requiring initiation fees and dues

Frequently Asked Questions About Which State Has the Most Golf Courses

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

California has the most golf courses in the United States, with 927 courses as of 2025, surpassing all other states in total number.

Does Florida have more golf courses than California?

No, Florida has 886 golf courses, ranking second in the nation. California leads with 927 courses, maintaining a consistent advantage due to its larger land area and population.

Which state has the most golf courses per capita?

While California leads in total count, Michigan has the highest number of golf courses per 100,000 people at 67.8, followed by Pennsylvania and Ohio, reflecting strong regional engagement in the sport.

What city in the U.S. has the most golf courses?

Las Vegas, Nevada, has the highest concentration of golf courses per capita among major cities, with over 60 courses in the metro area. However, Los Angeles and San Diego rank among the top cities by total course count.

Is the number of golf courses increasing or declining in the U.S.?

Nationally, the number of golf courses has slightly declined since the early 2000s due to urban development and changing recreational preferences. However, California has maintained stability through course renovations, conversions to public use, and resort development.