Where Have All the Domestic Golfers Gone?... Three Consecutive Years of Decline

The number of visitors to domestic golf courses has decreased for three consecutive years. As the surge in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic quickly returns to normal levels, a combination of high usage fees, demographic changes, and growing demand for overseas golf are contributing to this trend. Even as demand has fallen, golf courses have increased cart and caddie fees, further adding to customer costs. As a result, what is being described as a "demand decrease·price increase" paradox has become entrenched. There are calls within the industry that fundamental structural changes are now unavoidable.

According to the Korea Golf Course Management Association on March 23, the number of visitors to 524 golf courses nationwide last year was 46.41 million, a decrease of 2.1% compared to the previous year. After peaking at 50.58 million in 2022, the figure dropped to 47.72 million in 2023 and 47.41 million in 2024, continuing a downward trend.

By type of course, 14.57 million visitors went to membership courses and 31.84 million to non-membership courses, while the average number of users per hole fell to 4,430. Notably, non-membership golf courses showed a higher density of use.

This decline is closer to a structural shift than a temporary phenomenon. The resumption of overseas travel has dispersed demand that had been concentrated domestically, and the rising cost of using golf courses has increased the price burden, leading to more golfers dropping out. As demand for golf in countries such as Japan and across Southeast Asia grows, domestic golf courses have become relatively less competitive. The decrease in the number of users at golf courses in Jeju follows the same trend.

The demand base itself is also weakening. With the retirement of the baby boomer generation and a rapid exit of Millennials & Gen Z golfers who had entered the market during the COVID-19 period, the overall market is shrinking. In contrast, the number of golf courses continues to grow. As of January this year, there were 546 golf courses nationwide, with 527 already in operation and additional courses under construction or planned. The simultaneous decrease in demand and expansion of supply is putting increasing pressure on both prices and profitability.

The aftereffects of the COVID-19 boom are also significant. At that time, golf courses absorbed demand for outdoor sports and significantly raised their fees, experiencing such strong demand in the Seoul metropolitan area that reservations became difficult. Some golf courses even posted operating margins of over 60%. However, as cost pressures have mounted in the aftermath, the golfer population is rapidly shrinking and new inflows have slowed.

The departure of younger golfers is especially pronounced. Female golfers in their 20s and 30s, who were drawn in through social networking services (SNS), are now switching to other sports such as tennis or marathon due to high costs.

The operating environment has also become more challenging. Golf courses are grappling with difficulties securing caddies, rising labor costs, and increased course maintenance burdens due to abnormal weather. Complaints are also growing about clubhouse food and beverage prices. Furthermore, as the competition to upgrade facilities, such as with the introduction of limousine carts, intensifies, the cost structure has become even heavier.

The decrease in corporate demand is another blow. Large companies are tightening internal controls on golf course usage, undermining the structure that relied on corporate card sales. The situation has become so dire for regional golf courses that it is difficult to fill tee times. An official at a regional golf course said, "We are offering various measures such as discounts and two-person play, but it is not easy to bring back lost demand."

Industry insiders identify lowering usage fees as a core priority. Since spending per golfer has increased significantly since COVID-19, they believe that demand recovery will be difficult without easing the price burden. However, given the already high cost structure, there are limits to how quickly prices can be lowered in the short term.

Seo Cheonbeom, President of the Korea Golf Consumer Agency, pointed out, "Usage fees have increased significantly, but it is difficult to perceive any improvement in service or the environment," adding, "This is why domestic demand is shifting overseas." He continued, "There is a clear trend of younger people moving to screen golf and middle-aged and older people to park golf, so it is highly likely that the decline will continue for the time being."

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