Golf is constantly changing. Thanks to the USGA’s 2024 Golf Scorecard, we now have a detailed report of what those changes look like at the recreational level. The new USGA annual report pulls data from 77 million scores posted in 2024 under the World Handicap System (WHS). We can pull information from that about trends, player habits and more. The insights show how the game evolved in 2024 and hint at what’s coming in 2025. Here are some of the biggest trends to keep an eye on.
The nine-holers are taking over
In 2024, nine-hole scores continued to rise, with an almost 10-percent increase since 2023 and a 40-percent increase since 2020. If you haven’t already jumped on board with a nine-hole league or twilight event, you’ll probably see even more opportunities in 2025.
More golfers are tracking scores
More than 3.35 million golfers in the U.S. maintained a handicap index in 2024, nearly a 30-percent increase since 2020. You can’t improve your game unless you measure it and that concept seems to be better understood by more amateur golfers. Another great thing about more scores being posted is that we have more data to learn about the golf population as a whole.
New golfers are embracing the nine-hole concept
Women who are new to the game play more than half their golf as nine-hole rounds. For men, this number is just over a quarter. New players are learning the game in a more beginner-friendly way and easing their way into the 18-hole concept. Golf courses are encouraging nine-hole participation in a way that attracts new players.
Short courses are having a moment
Last year, more than 350 short courses became eligible for official course ratings. In 2024, more than 180,000 scores were posted for short courses.
While these courses may have once been considered a practice spot, they now count towards your handicap. Expect more of these to pop up in 2025.
Tournament play is still not all that popular
While you may enjoy a friendly competition with your buddies, most golf is still recreational. Nearly 95 percent of the 77 million rounds posted in 2024 were recreational. Most golfers are out there to have fun and track their progress and they aren’t establishing handicaps just to play in competitive rounds.
Golfers in Mississippi are really good
The average handicap for all male golfers in 2024 was 14.7 but in some states, the averages were much lower. Men in Mississippi and Arkansas had an average handicap index of 10.7.
The national average for women golfers is 28.7 but, again, Mississippi came out on top, with an average of 22.7.
22 rounds a year is average
Male golfers posted 24 rounds on average and female golfers posted 20. For men, the majority of those (20) were 18-hole rounds. If you’re planning on playing more golf this year, you’ll have to play more than twice per month to beat what the average player is doing.
The new GHIN Rewind feature is up and running
A newly redesigned GHIN Rewind is live. At the end of 2024, golfers were able to get a story-style recap of their 2024 season. It includes highlights like average score, total rounds, best/worst performances, etc. If you want an in-depth look at your game, GHIN Rewind lets you see exactly how you’ve played.
Final thoughts
As we move towards the heart of the 2025 golf season, expect to see more golfers tracking rounds, lots of nine-hole play and, potentially, more short-course and par-3 options to enjoy.
Pete W
1 year ago
How do all these stats compare to other countries? I imagine in England most submitted scores are competition rounds still – golfers are very stuck in their ways here!