The National Golf Foundation estimates that there will be about 39,000+ golf courses worldwide as of 2023. This figure is approximate, though, as the number of courses can change due to a variety of causes, including course closures, the creation of new courses, and ownership changes.
Golf courses are not evenly distributed around the world. Around 45% of all golf courses worldwide are located in the United States, which is the most of any country. A considerable number of courses are also offered in Japan, Canada, and England. In addition to prominent nations like Australia, South Africa, and portions of Europe and Asia, golf courses are also found there.
Several factors, including population expansion, economic development, and governmental legislation, have an impact on the development of golf courses. However, because of environmental worries, expensive maintenance costs, and shifting leisure activity habits, the building of new courses has slowed down recently. Despite these difficulties, golf’s popularity continues to draw funding and support for the game and the supporting infrastructure.
Which Country Has The Most Golf Courses
The United States is the nation with the most golf courses in the world. The US has more golf courses than any other nation, with over 17,000 total. This is because there is a lot of land available for building golf courses and because golf is so popular in the states. Japan, Canada, and England are some other nations having a lot of golf courses, but none of them compare to the amount in the United States.
| Rank | Country | Number of Golf Courses |
| 1 | United States | 17,208 |
| 2 | Japan | 2,349 |
| 3 | Canada | 2,298 |
| 4 | England | 1,900 |
| 5 | Australia | 1,695 |
| 6 | Germany | 747 |
| 7 | France | 641 |
| 8 | South Korea | 611 |
| 9 | Spain | 548 |
| 10 | Scotland | 546 |
Which State Has The Most Golf Courses
Florida has the most golf courses in the country, according to the National Golf Foundation. In Florida, there are now more golf courses than in any other state (estimated 1,119). Many people would not be surprised by this given that Florida is known for its warm temperature and wide variety of recreational opportunities.
California, with about 921 golf courses, Texas, with about 890, and New York, with about 747, are the states with the next-highest number of golf courses after Florida. These states are also well-known for their pleasant weather and flourishing tourist sectors, which maybe helps explain why there are so many golf courses there.
It’s important to keep in mind that a state’s total number of golf courses may fluctuate over time as a result of events like course closures, new course construction, and ownership changes. Moreover, private courses that are not counted in official statistics could be more prevalent in some states. The data from the National Golf Foundation, however, gives a decent idea of the proportion of courses in each state.
Given the state’s number of golf courses, Florida could be a smart place to start if you’re organizing a golfing vacation. Yet, there are other possibilities for golfers in other states as well, like California and Texas. Also, there are golf courses in almost every state in the United States, so it is worthwhile to look into your possibilities and choose a course that suits your needs.
| Rank | State | Number of Golf Courses |
| 1 | Florida | 1,119 |
| 2 | California | 921 |
| 3 | Texas | 890 |
| 4 | New York | 747 |
| 5 | Michigan | 701 |
| 6 | Pennsylvania | 689 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 670 |
| 8 | Ohio | 620 |
| 9 | Georgia | 613 |
| 10 | Illinois | 609 |
Which States Have The Lowest Number Of Golf Courses?
You may be wondering which state in the U.S. has the least amount of golf courses. In this section, we’ll answer that question. Let’s take a look!
According to the National Golf Foundation, the state with the least amount of golf courses in the United States is Wyoming. There are only 24 golf courses in Wyoming, which is the lowest number of any state. This may not come as a surprise to many people, given that Wyoming is known for its rugged terrain and sparse population.
The states with the next-fewest golf courses, after Wyoming, are North Dakota with around 43 courses, South Dakota with roughly 55 courses, and Vermont with roughly 65 courses. In addition to having smaller populations and temperatures that are less conducive to golfing, these states have fewer golf courses, which is probably why.
It’s important to keep in mind that a state’s total number of golf courses may fluctuate over time as a result of events like course closures, new course construction, and ownership changes. Moreover, private courses that are not counted in official statistics could be more prevalent in some states. The data from the National Golf Foundation, however, gives a decent idea of the proportion of courses in each state.
If you’re a golfer living in Wyoming or one of the other states with fewer golf courses, you may have to travel farther to find a suitable course. However, this can also provide an opportunity to explore different areas and try out new courses.
States Have The Lowest Number Of Golf Courses
| Rank | State | Number of Golf Courses |
| 1 | Wyoming | 24 |
| 2 | North Dakota | 43 |
| 3 | South Dakota | 55 |
| 4 | Vermont | 65 |
| 5 | Alaska | 66 |
| 6 | Montana | 70 |
| 7 | Delaware | 78 |
| 8 | Rhode Island | 80 |
| 9 | West Virginia | 81 |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 83 |
Which Countries Have The Lowest Number Of Golf Courses?
You may be wondering which country has the least amount of golf courses. According to data from the R&A, the country with the least amount of golf courses is Afghanistan, with only one course in the entire country.
The Kabul Golf Club, which is situated in the nation’s capital, is the only golf course in Afghanistan. The course was established in the 1960s, and American military soldiers used it while fighting in Afghanistan. Due to a shortage of funding and the ongoing fighting in the area, the club has had difficulty keeping the course in good condition.
Other nations with few golf courses include North Korea, Turkmenistan, and Guinea-Bissau, each of which has just one course that is known to exist. The low number of golf courses in these nations is largely due to a lack of funding, political unrest, and a lack of public interest in the game.
| Rank | Country | Number of Golf Courses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Afghanistan | 1 |
| 2 | North Korea | 1 |
| 3 | Turkmenistan | 1 |
| 4 | Guinea-Bissau | 1 |
| 5 | Chad | 2 |
| 6 | Liberia | 2 |
| 7 | Somalia | 2 |
| 8 | Eritrea | 3 |
| 9 | Mali | 3 |
| 10 | Niger | 3 |
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