While some developers and builders continue to tout golf community developments, others are repurposing abandoned courses.
By Scott Sowers | Builder
The 25 million golfers in the U.S., or about 8% of the population, are an impressive group. They have an average annual income of $95,000 and average age of 54, according to industry group American Golf. They spend an average of $2,776 per year on the sport, making them an affluent and desirable demographic for luxury home builders. But even with golf’s mass appeal, it’s no secret that many golf aficionados are moving into retirement and taking their recreational activities—including regularly hitting the links–with them. It’s also no question that interest in golf has changed, especially with younger Americans, which is forcing developers and builders to design and market their golf course properties in new ways.
According to the U.S. Golf Community Report, the sport has lost over 700 golf facilities since 2011. In 2016 Nike, the preferred club maker of Tiger Woods, abandoned the golf equipment business as the number of people aged 18 to 30 playing the sport has dropped 35% over the last decade.
