Sports are a significant part of adolescent and high school life.  Games such as football, soccer, and basketball are fast-paced, exciting, and beloved student passions.  

Golf, on the other hand, is “boring.”  There’s no adrenaline-packed touchdowns or slam dunks, roaring crowds or celebrations with your teammates– many would argue it’s an “old person” sport.  Yet golfing is on an unexpected rise in popularity, and youth are at the center of it. 

According to the National Golf Foundation, there has been a nearly 40% rise in the number of Juniors making their way onto the course – nearly a quarter of all off-course golfing participants are now under the age of 17. Off-course golfing includes other aspects of the sport, such as driving ranges, indoor simulators, and entertainment venues.

The NGF also notes that over 5 million kids in the United States have expressed a strong interest in playing on a course, including those aforementioned off-course players.

This is a major change from past golfing stereotypes.  In the past, golf had a strong stigma of being an “old person sport,” being reserved for wealthy individuals who were able to afford country club fees and expensive equipment.  

“I’ve been playing (golf) since I was three years old. What’s funny is when I was in middle school I always got crapped on for playing golf, for playing an ‘old man’s sport.’’ now everybody’s playing it,” said Chase Duncan, a senior on Leesville’s golfing team.

Yet, where is this rise coming from?

Its hike can partially be attributed to the pandemic.  The National Golf Foundation reports that participation in golf has grown by over 38% since pre-pandemic levels.  

Golfing’s outdoors, socially distanced nature attracted many beginners back in 2020-2021, a trend that has continued to rise. However, this is only a part of the picture.

The sport has become significantly more accessible over the past few years.  The prior stigma of golfing being strictly for the wealthy didn’t come from nowhere.

A majority of golf courses across the country are part of larger country clubs.  These clubs have steep membership costs, often costing hundreds of dollars per month on top of initial initiation fees. 

Even the bare essentials to get into golfing are expensive.  A non-prestigious set of golf clubs can cost a player upwards of a thousand dollars.  These prices, especially for younger individuals, are unrealistic to commit to.

Yet this initial cost barrier has become more and more obsolete in recent years with the rise of golfing entertainment venues and “off-course golfing”.  

Driving ranges have been a large aspect towards the growing accessibility of golf.  Local venues such as TriGolf on Leesville Road offer cheaper and less time-consuming alternatives to playing on a course, allowing players to focus on practicing so their time spent on actual courses can be well worth the cost. 

Entertainment venues such as TopGolf also add a more fun aspect to the sport, helping to draw new players to the sport without needing to own personal equipment.  These entertainment venues allow casual and professional players to come together and have fun. 

“Top Golf is definitely a big factor for golf players, especially new ones… You know, you go out there, you have fun.  You’re not really there to try as hard as the players at the front (professional golfers),” said Grayson Groom, a senior.

Much like many other sports, social media has also helped in the rise of younger golfers.  Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have become new venues for younger golf enthusiasts to share their content, ranging from showcasing their best shots to offering advice and tips for newer players.  

“I see a lot of kids our age getting into it (golf) more, especially in my high school. I’ve seen a lot of people join.  Our team is getting bigger, and the sport itself is just becoming more popular in our age group overall,” said Autumn Benish, a senior on Leesville’s golfing team.

Leesville’s own golf team is a great way for students to find their way into the sport as well. The team typically plays 8 regular matches per season, spanning from August to October.  Tryouts take place in early August and are open to any student who wishes to explore the sport.

Golf’s rise in popularity, especially for younger players, has been an impressive path in the sporting world.  With the sport more accessible than ever, there’s no doubt that more teens and young adults will find their way onto the course.