Golf Tourism Market (2026 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Tourist Type (Domestic, International), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Central & South America , Middle East & Africa), And Segment Forecasts

Golf Tourism Market Summary

The global golf tourism market size was estimated at USD 27.04 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 60.18 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.0% from 2026 to 2033. The rising number of international and domestic tournaments across the globe primarily drives the growth.

Golf has emerged as a professional, amateur, & leisure activity in recent years that involves considerable travel. Considerable spending on the set-up of enhanced sporting infrastructure and an enormous rise in the number of professional and amateur golf players also drive the market growth. In addition, sports authorities and governments across the globe are arranging domestic and international golf tournaments and making heavy investments to attract golfers and boost the local economy.

There is a significant development in golf tourism as a result of the expansion of golf courses across the world, coupled with an increasing number of golf tournaments. This is expected to increase the adoption of various golf equipment and augment the overall demand. Various countries are actively taking initiatives to drive golf tourism in their respective regions. For instance, in India, the tourism minister had announced that the government would support efforts aiming to bring in more foreign golfers to the country’s approximately 220 golf courses. Tourists are attracted not only to renowned golf destinations such as St. Andrews in Scotland, the Costa Brava in Spain, and iconic resort courses in the United States, but also to the desire to combine travel with leisure pursuits, cultural sightseeing, and participation in major golfing events.

About 74.0% of the global golf courses are located in major countries, including Canada, the U.S., Japan, England, Germany, Australia, France, the UAE, Sweden, and Scotland. Approximately 55.0% of the world golf supply is generated from North and South America, with the U.S. being the top position holder for the same.

Consumers are increasingly interested in golf travel as the sport offers a unique blend of physical activity, social engagement, and scenic outdoor experiences. High-profile professional tournaments like the Masters and the U.S. Open boost global visibility and inspire amateur golfers to visit celebrated venues and plan itineraries around these events.

Golf lately has become a leisure activity, thereby making it a lifestyle sport. Factors such as the development and expansion of new golf courses, along with increasing government initiatives to promote golf tourism, have popularized the sport, thereby ramping up demand for associated equipment. Moreover, premium resorts and hotels are incorporating sporting activities into their hospitality facilities, including golf. Establishment of miniature golf courses to increase the inflow of more patrons and endorsing it as a healthy leisure activity are contributing to the growth of the golf tourism industry.

Tourist Type Insights

The domestic golf tourism segment dominated the market, capturing the largest revenue share of 62.0% in 2025. The domestic golf tourism market is growing as travelers increasingly seek short, high-quality leisure trips that combine recreation with relaxation and premium amenities. Golf destinations benefit from strong repeat visitation, well-developed infrastructure, and the appeal of year-round play in favorable climates. Rising interest in wellness-oriented travel, coupled with the popularity of golf as a social and business activity, is further supporting demand. Additionally, travelers are favoring domestic destinations for convenience, cost efficiency, and familiarity, prompting resorts and clubs to invest in upgraded facilities, stay-and-play packages, and experiential offerings that strengthen the attractiveness of domestic golf tourism.

The international golf tourism market segment is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from 2026 to 2033. Travelers are increasingly combining high-quality golfing experiences with luxury accommodation, wellness offerings, and destination tourism, particularly in regions known for championship courses and favorable climates. Improved international connectivity, destination-led golf events, and year-round course availability in select markets are further supporting cross-border travel. Additionally, the appeal of golf tourism is being strengthened by customized travel packages, resort-based golf experiences, and the growing preference for leisure travel centered on lifestyle and recreational interests.

Regional Insights

The North America golf tourism industry accounted for a revenue share of around 41.0% in 2025, driven by the rising number of professional golfing tours & tournaments and the ever-grown number of international and domestic golfers visiting golf courses in the U.S. According to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO), the U.S. market has significant capacity for growth and is expected to develop as an attractive market for international visitors across the globe. To attract golfers from across the globe, U.S. sports authorities & associations are taking major initiatives and consider sports as a key opportunity to rejuvenate the country’s tourism industry. This is further expected to boost the regional market in the coming years.

U.S. Golf Tourism Market Trends

The golf tourism industry in the U.S. is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% from 2026 to 2033. Golf tourism in the U.S. is thriving due to the country’s diverse landscapes, prestigious courses, and year-round golfing opportunities. The U.S. offers over 15,000 golf courses, from iconic destinations like Pebble Beach in California to the famous Augusta National in Georgia, each offering unique experiences for golfers of all skill levels. Furthermore, golf's deep cultural roots in the U.S., bolstered by high-profile tournaments like the Masters and the U.S. Open, attract domestic and international tourists who view these events as bucket-list experiences.

Europe Golf Tourism Market Trends

The golf tourism industry in Europe accounted for a global revenue share of 30.5% in 2025. Europe's golf tourism is driven by its historic ties to the sport and the distinctive appeal of its famous courses, particularly in the UK, Scotland, and Ireland. Scotland is considered the birthplace of golf, with iconic courses like St. Andrews and Gleneagles, which draw golf enthusiasts from around the world. Countries like Spain and Portugal contribute with warm-weather resorts along the Mediterranean. At the same time, the UK and Ireland offer a mix of links courses that are often part of travelers’ itineraries due to their scenic, rugged landscapes.

Asia Pacific Golf Tourism Market Trends

The Asia Pacific golf tourism industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2026 to 2033. Golf tourism is projected to grow significantly, driven by rising disposable incomes, a growing middle class, and increasing interest in the sport across countries such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Australia. APAC also benefits from its diverse landscapes and climates, making it ideal for year-round golf tourism, with countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam offering tropical settings. In contrast, Japan and South Korea offer mountainous backdrops.

Key Golf Tourism Company Insights

The golf tourism industry is highly competitive. Market players in golf tourism are investing in luxury resorts, exclusive golf packages, and high-profile tournaments to attract tourists, while enhancing course designs and facilities to cater to diverse preferences. They are also leveraging digital marketing and collaborating with travel agencies to reach a broader global audience.

Recent Developments

• In November 2025, Golf Saudi announced its vision to make Saudi Arabia a leading global golf destination by launching new initiatives and partnerships that expand events, enhance player development, and promote golf tourism, all aligned with the Kingdom’s broader economic and social goals.

• In September 2024, Elevate Golf, organized by industry veteran Tom Lovering, brought together up to 50 international tour operators and over 100 suppliers for bespoke appointments at the Old Course Hotel in St. Andrews in October. Notable suppliers included prestigious Open Championship venues like Royal Birkdale and Royal Troon.

Golf Tourism Market Report Scope

Global Golf Tourism Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the global, regional & country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented theglobal golf tourism market report based on tourist type and region.

• Tourist Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Domestic

  • International

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East & Africa

    • South Africa