German Golf Association: Over 695,000 - membership figures climb to new record level

Golf in Germany is experiencing a historic upswing. As the German Golf Association (DGV) announced at its annual kick-off press conference in Stuttgart on January 21, 2026, the number of registered memberships rose to a new high of 695,617 last year. What is particularly striking is that the growth is being driven by a young, dynamic target group.

"Golf in Germany is attracting more interest today than ever before," said a satisfied DGV President Claus M. Kobold. With an increase of 8,909 memberships (1.3 percent), growth momentum has almost doubled compared to the previous year. This consolidates the association's position as the eighth largest Olympic sports association in Germany - ahead of equestrian sports and just behind heavyweights such as tennis and soccer.

Young adults as the "growth engine" of the German Golf Association

While golf is traditionally regarded as a sport for the second half of life, the balance is currently shifting slightly. The group of 19 to 40-year-olds recorded growth that is far above the overall average. The 27 to 35-year-olds are leading the way with an increase of 8.2%, followed by the 21 to 26-year-olds with 8.1%. In total, the 19 to 40 age group accounts for 121,811 golfers, or 17.51% of all members at German golf courses. By comparison, club members aged over 70 alone account for 23.1%. A significant rejuvenation is therefore not yet taking place, although the under-40 players can certainly be seen as the driving force behind the rising numbers.

Achim Battermann, Deputy President of the DGV, also sees this as confirmation of the association's work: "This age group is currently the driver of our growth. This shows that golf is increasingly being perceived as a modern, flexible and attractive sport - especially by young adults." Modern forms of communication and advancing digitalization have struck a chord with the times.

The basis remains stable: golf as a "lifetime sport"

Despite the slight rejuvenation effect, the loyalty of the older generation remains the foundation of the sport. Almost 47 percent of all golfers in Germany are aged 60 or over. Alexander Klose, Director of Services, Legal Affairs and Communication, emphasizes: "Our figures impressively show that people remain loyal to golf for decades. At the same time, a younger generation is growing up - that's a very healthy combination." The only downer is that the number of children and young people under the age of 18 is stagnating (42,798 members compared to 43,953 in 2016). Nevertheless, around 500 more children and young people were inspired to become members of German golf courses compared to the previous year, which compensates for the loss from 2023 to 2024.

Economic confidence and digital awakening

Optimism prevails among the 721 golf courses. According to the latest Autumn Barometer, 93.8% of the courses rate their situation as good or satisfactory; three quarters are "satisfied or very satisfied" with the 2025 season.

In order to drive forward modernization, the DGV has announced that it will be phasing out the physical plastic card. A pilot phase for the digital DGV card in the Golf.de app will start in 2026. "The next pioneering digital step," says the association.

Competitive sport: "Vision Gold" firmly in sight

In terms of sport, the DGV is already looking ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. With the newly presented "Golf Team Germany 2026" and talents such as Helen Briem, who caused an international sensation in 2025, as well as established professionals such as Stephan Jäger and Matti Schmid, the association is banking on success. Marcus Neumann, Director of Sport, set the direction: "We have our sights firmly set on gold." The silver medal winner from Paris, Esther Henseleit, is also still firmly planned for the upcoming Olympic Games.

Statistical overview: membership development (2016-2025)

Based on DGV data, there has been a continuous upward trend over the last decade:

Background to the report: The data is based on the survey as at September 30, 2025, with North Rhine-Westphalia (144,750 members) and Bavaria (144,501 members) leading the way in a close neck-and-neck race.