Drive Growth For Golf Courses
Promotional products give golf courses an easy win. Here’s how to use branded merchandise to get more people to the green.
We’re living in a golden age of golf. The U.S. golf course and country club market is worth about $26.7 billion, with the industry projected to grow. And with more than 16,000 golf courses at 14,000 golf facilities around the country, there are more golf courses nationwide than McDonald’s or Starbucks locations.
You don’t need to be well-connected or well-to-do to tee off at most of them, either. About 75% of golf courses are open to the public, making the game more accessible. Eight in 10 golfers play public golf and pay a median green fee of $37.
Golf has an estimated reach of 106 million people, with 1 in 3 Americans over age 6 engaging with the sport in some way in 2021. The median age for U.S. golfers is 54, but younger age groups also enjoy the sport. In 2021, about 6.1 million players ages 18-34 and 3.1 million junior golfers younger than 18 played on a golf course.
Golfers are willing to spend more than ever to play the sport, too, with members of Gen X willing to pay about $6,800 to join a private golf club. Millennials and members of Gen Z say they’d spend about $6,100. The average cost of an individual club membership is about $520 per month, according to a survey by Golf Digest.
Golf is big business, and now is the time for golf courses to build on the momentum of the past few years. Read on for some ideas to get your golf course marketing off the ground with promotional products. Go for custom golf promo beyond the standard golf tees or golf umbrella for giveaways that make lasting impact.
Golf Essentials Gift Tin
Packed with essentials such as a golf ball, tees, golf ball markers and divot repair tool, the Hobby House Golf Gift Tin makes a fun and useful giveaway at golf tournaments. Customize with a one-color imprint on a belly-band wrap.
Golf Kit In A Bag
Promote events with the Weekend Warrior Golf Kit. It includes three high-quality golf balls, a microfiber golf towel, a collapsible can cooler and a bottle opener divot tool with a removable ball marker, all tucked inside a nylon zipper pouch with a carabiner-style clip.
Dimpled Insulated Tumbler
Golf event sponsors can increase brand exposure with a custom logo on the insulated Golf Partee Tumbler. Featuring a dimple design that resembles a golf ball, this 32-oz. stainless steel cup fits most cup holders and includes a BPA-free lid with a removable slider.
So You Want To Play Golf?
A record 3.2 million people played on a golf course for the first time in 2021. Among those who didn’t play golf in 2021, nearly 18 million say they are very interested in playing golf on a golf course. Another 42 million say they are somewhat interested. Golf courses can use golf promotional items and special golf outings to attract beginners and potential golfers.
Who Plays Golf?
When planning promotional campaigns, golf courses should keep in mind the demographics of modern golfers:
- 77% of golfers are men and 22% are women.
- Golfers have an average household income of $125,000.
- 55% of baby boomers played golf in 2021.
- 12% of millennials played golf in 2021.
- 7% of Gen X played golf in 2021.
- 4% of Gen Z played golf in 2021.
Women’s Golf Is Booming
Once known as a boys’ club, golf is changing. The number of women golfers is at an all-time high, surging to almost 6.2 million in 2021. In 2021, women comprised 25% of all golfers teeing off, up from 19% in 2011. Golf courses should be sure to offer custom golf products, apparel, accessories and gear that appeal to women golfers. This market is worth an estimated $1.53 billion, with equipment making up 69% of purchases, followed by apparel.
Golf Shirt
Stock the pro shop with golf apparel like this Reebok Golf Shirt. Made from 100% polyester, this machine-washable polo shirt keeps golfers dry on the course with its moisture-wicking capabilities.
Quarter-Zip Pullover
Appeal to women golfers with a tailored pullover like this Nike Ladies Half-Zip Cover-Up. Its striped inner collar and reverse coil zipper give this garment a stylish edge, and the moisture management technology will keep wearers cozy and comfortable on the course.
Celebrating The Sport
Golf courses can roll out the red carpet and dole out the promotional products for golf-themed occasions like:
- The Masters Tournament: April (first full weekend)
- National Golf Day: May 10
- Women’s Golf Month: June
- National Golf Month: August
- International Thank a Greenskeeper Day: September (varies)
- National Golf Lover’s Day: October 4
Use promotional products and golf giveaways like branded visors, golf ball markers or custom golf balls to capture attention and keep a golf club’s logo visible. Name brands like Callaway, Titleist and Wilson will score points with the golf-curious, as well as seasoned chippers.
Golf Towel
Every golfer needs a good golf towel. The absorbent, fast-drying Microfiber Waffle Golf Towel lets golfers quickly clean their clubs or dry sweaty hands. It features full-color graphics with edge-to-edge sublimation.
Sunscreen To Go
Sunscreen is a staple in many golf bags. This SPF 30 Sunscreen Squeeze Pouch is perfectly portable for a golf outing, featuring a lightweight and durable design. Get it in coconut breeze or unscented.
Golf Stress Ball
Enhanced with a pitted surface like a real golf ball, a Golf Stress Ball makes a great addition to golf tournament player bags. After the event, golfers can use the stress ball in their office or vehicle or at home.