Golf’s Biggest Opportunity

I’ve spent the last 20 years of my life with a golf club in hand. From childhood tournaments to college-level competitions, golf has been more than a sport to me—it’s a lifelong passion. But as much as I love the game, there’s one aspect that often leaves me torn: introducing beginners to the game and getting them to stick with it.

The National Golf Foundation article “Understanding Golf’s Biggest Failure…Or Opportunity?” struck a chord with me. It touches on something I’ve experienced countless times: the challenge of getting new players hooked on a game that requires so much patience, money, and time to truly appreciate. About 6 million people per year have tried the game of golf at least once for the past 4 years. “The 2023 total of 6 million was comprised of 3.4 million first-timers (played on course for the first time ever) and 2.6 million returning former players (did not play in at least the previous year).This is the clearest evidence that recreational golf does not have a “top of funnel” problem…With all the positive news about the recreational golf business, this is perhaps golf’s most significant opportunity, or most profound failure, depending on how you look at it.”

Playing golf as a beginner can be both rewarding and frustrating. There’s a unique satisfaction in hitting a first solid drive or sinking a tricky putt. But on the other hand, there’s the frustration that comes with the steep learning curve golf demands. Golf is a game of precision, and it doesn’t offer instant gratification. New players often struggle with the basics—just getting the ball in the air can be a challenge. I’ve seen friends lose interest when they realize that improvement doesn’t come quickly.

The financial aspect of golf is another significant barrier. As the article points out, the cost of equipment, lessons, and course fees can be tough. For a college student or young adult just starting their career, it’s tough to justify spending hundreds of dollars on a sport they might not even stick with. The truth is, golf isn’t cheap, and that can be a tough sell to someone who’s on the fence about committing to the game.

Golf is also a game that requires a ton of patience—a trait that seems increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced world. Golf is about the long game, both literally and figuratively. It’s about learning to accept the bad shots and savor the good ones, knowing that progress often comes in frustratingly small increments.

But convincing a beginner to stick with it through the initial struggles is tough. I’ve seen the excitement in a friend’s eyes after a good round fade into discouragement after a series of bad ones. But then there are those moments—the perfect drive, the birdie putt, the round where everything just clicks—that remind me why I fell in love with the game in the first place. Golf offers something unique: a blend of mental and physical challenge, the serenity of being outdoors, and the satisfaction that comes with small improvements.

The golf industry, especially over the past several years, has recognized these challenges and continues to take steps to solve these problems and make the barrier to entry smaller. From less expensive greens fees that you can book online, to off course venues like TopGolf and Drive Shack, to organizations like the First Tee that introduce kids to the game, there are so many opportunities for beginner golfers to stick around and make the game of golf a part of their lives. 

From my experience, making progress and having more fun is what keeps beginners coming back. Technology like the V1 GOLF app provides users with tools to analyze their swing, receive personalized coaching, and track their progress—all from their smartphone. By bringing professional-level analysis to the fingertips of everyday golfers, V1 GOLF reduces the need for expensive lessons and helps players improve more quickly. It also offers convenience, allowing golfers to practice and learn on their schedule, whether they’re at the range or in their backyard.

I’ve seen friends gradually fall in love with the game, but it takes time, patience and a willingness to push through the tough parts. While golf has its challenges, the efforts to make the game more accessible are promising. With continued innovation and a focus on inclusivity, the sport has the potential to not only survive but thrive in the coming years. The next wave of golfers might just be the most diverse and enthusiastic yet, as long as they keep playing.