by Ed Wells

As National Golf Foundation research shows, golf participation is experiencing solid growth in 1980 despite the decline in the American economy. The results of NGF's 1979 Public Golfer Survey provides evidence to help explain the continued strength of the game.

American public golfers, as their counterparts, private club golfers, are more mature, affluent and better educated than the population as a whole. The survey showed a median age more than 12 years greater than the national median, a median family income nearly $7,000 greater, and a much larger percentage of college educated individuals. Because of their demographic make-up, golfers as a group are not as severely affected by an economic downturn as other population segments.

This demographic profile of the public golfer resulted from a survey of 5,130 golfers, randomly selected at 76 golf facilities. The golfers were surveyed at both daily fee and municipal facilities in all geographic regions of the country.

Information pertaining to demographics, playing habits, buying habits and opinions are provided in the survey results that follow.

74.7% played one course on a regular basis.
39.6% participated in an organized golf league.
52.3% felt another course was needed in their area.

Average 18-Hole Score

70-79 - 13.0%
80-89 - 37.3
90-99-31.0
100 & Over -18.7

Median Score - 90

Age When First Began Game

6-17 - 31.9%
18-24-23.8
25-34 - 20.4
35-44 - 13.8
45-54- 6.4
55-64- 3.0
65 & Over- 0.7

Median Beginning Age - 22.3

Reason for Taking Up Golf

Invited to Try Playing by Friends or Relatives - 59.2%
Former Caddie - 16.0
Took Lessons from Golf Professional - 7.5
Took Golf Class in School/College - 3.5
Took Lesson Program at City Recreation Department - 2.2
Other -11.5

Distance from Residence to Golf Course (in Miles)

0-5 - 36.0%
6-10-25.5
11-15-15.9
16-20- 8.1
Over 20 - 14.5

Median Distance - 7.7 Miles

Illinois Parks and Recreation 22 May/June, 1980

Sex

Male - 85.4%
Female - 14.6

Age

6-17- 4.4%
18-24-10.1
25-34 - 20.1
35-44- 18.2
45-54-18.9
55-64- 18.9
65 & Over - 9.5

Median Age - 42.5

Frequency of Play (Rounds Per Year)

10 & Under - 5.9%
11-20- 10.2
21-30- 12.6
31-40- 12.5
41-50- 12.1
51-75- 13.6
76-100- 12.1
Over 100-20.9

Median Rounds - 47.3

Percentage of Rounds Played Using a Golf Car

0-25%- 56.1%
26-50% - 12.2
51 -75% - 10.2
76-100%- 21.5

Median Percentage - 23.2%

Highest Education Level Attained

Grades 1 -6 - 0.9%
7-12-35.3

College (Years):

1 - 7.3
2-12.8
3- 6.1
4-21.9
Over 4 -15.6

Median Education Level -1.5 Years College

Family Income

Under $10,000- 6.5%
$10,000-14,999- 10.1
$15,000-19,999- 16.8
$20,000-24,999 - 20.6
$25,000-49,999 - 36.8
$50,000 & Over - 9.2

Median Family Income - $24,028

Amount Spent Per Year on Golf

Green Fees & Golf Car Rentals -
Under $100 - 16.5%
$100-199- 19.8
$200-299- 18.9
$300-399-15.5
$400-499- 9.5
$500 & Over- 19.8

Median Expenditure - $271

Equipment (Clubs, Balls, etc.) -
Under $100 - 43.6%
$100-199 - 29.4
$300-399- 6.1
$400-499- 2.9
$500 & Over - 4.5

Median Expenditure - $121

Clothing & Shoes -
Under $50- 38.1%
$50-99 - 28.0
$100-149- 17.3
$150-199- 8.1
$200 & Over- 8.5

Median Expenditure - $70

Ed Wells is Director of Research, National Golf Foundation.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 23 May/June, 1980