Modern golf is thought to have its origins in Scotland, where the first ever major tournament took place in 1860. Today, golf is an industry worth billions, with the
exceeding 1.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2023. Several golfers rank among the
, has earned over 120 million U.S. dollars from his time in the sport. In recent years, LIV Golf, a tour funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, caused divisions at the highest levels of the sport, yet a proposed merger between LIV and the PGA Tour has seemingly put fears of an all-out ‘golf civil war’ to rest.
How many people play golf?
In spite of its reputation as a sport enjoyed exclusively by the elite, golf is played by millions of people all over the world. In 2023, the
number of people participating in golf in the United States exceeded 25 million, representing the highest participation figure since 2009. Meanwhile, the
share of the adult population in Japan playing golf amounted to 5.5 percent, while the
number of people regularly playing golf in England amounted to just over one million. Golf’s scenic outdoor settings make it an attractive proposition to many, but they also leave the sport vulnerable, with a majority of
UK golfers and spectators experiencing climate-related disruption in 2023.
Who are the best golfers in the world?
Golf has seen many greats over the years, but none have won more at the highest level than Jack Nicklaus. Indeed, Nicklaus holds the record for the
most men’s major championship wins, with a total of 18. Meanwhile, Patty Berg won 15
LPGA major titles, representing a record that has stood for nearly 70 years. In terms of prize money, Annika Sörenstam has the
highest LPGA Tour earnings, with a total of over 22 million U.S. dollars. Today, professional golf is arguably more competitive than ever, and anyone looking to compete with the best needs much more than just the rub of the green.
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