Just like any other sport, golfing never stands still, and things constantly change. For the avid golfer, one thing never changes - their passion for getting out on the greens and hoping for that elusive hole-in-one… but what trends and changes can we expect for golfing in 2023? Read on to find out - and let us know what else you see coming for golf in the coming years.
1. The pandemic has changed everything
As you might expect, the Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on golf, just like it has on every other area of our lives. While some things thankfully seem to be a thing of the past (masks, social distancing and bubbles are sooo last year), a few things are here to stay. Take plastic ‘hygiene’ screens for example - it’s still common to see them in shops and restaurants etc., and golf clubs are no different.
An interesting post-pandemic development in golf is the diversity of players hitting the fairways. While people were furloughed and enjoying a slower pace of life, they picked up new hobbies - and golf seems to have been one of the most popular ones. Once the golf courses opened again, people were desperate to head out for the social and health benefits of a round of golf after being cooped up for far too long.
It’s great to see new players coming into the game, especially the younger ones who will take their love for the sport to new generations of players.
2. Golfers are getting younger
Building on that last point, don’t be surprised to see the typical golfing age come down quite significantly. No longer a game reserved for rich retirees, there’s a new energy coming into the game thanks in no small part to the popularity of major tournaments that are being televised across the world. In fact, it is estimated that around a third of all golfers are millennials, with more and more Gen Z coming through every day too. We’ve a growing range of second-hand children’s golf clubs to suit increasing demand.
With accessibility and diversity a hot topic, it’s not just the younger generation that is being attracted to golf; there are also far more ladies entering the sport, along with those with disabilities. This can only be good news for the game, and we look forward to seeing a more diverse field of players on the greens.
3. Technology is evolving quickly
Clubs such as drivers, irons, wedges and putters are constantly under scrutiny when it comes to using technology to improve performance, and this year we’ll see releases of new clubs from brands such as Titleist, who release new irons even other year. With their last range being released in 2021, a new range is now due. And TaylorMade have just released their P-Series golf irons.
It’s not just the clubs in your golf bag that are being revamped for 2023. The latest advances in technology also apply to golfing gadgets such as rangefinders which are set to become more sophisticated than ever before.
And for those fans of the golf studio, swing analysis software is becoming better than ever thanks to enhanced Artificial Intelligence technology, so you can break your swing down and find out which tiny adjustments might just take your game from good to great and bring your handicap down in the process.
Driverless golf buggies will become a more common sight on the greens, and TrackMan which is a golf ball tracking system that’s been used by the PGT Tour since 2022 will be in use far more often in 2023 and beyond.
4. Golf is getting more sociable
There will always be those players out there who take the game incredibly seriously, and strive hard to bring their handicap down and gain ground on their playmates in organised competitions. But, golf is becoming far more accessible to those looking to boost their social life too, now. While golf used to be reserved for businessmen looking to socialise, we’re seeing more and more informal groups of friends hitting the fairways for a friendly and relaxed game of golf before a refreshment or two at the 19th hole.
This has to be good news for golf. While it might be slightly trickier to get your preferred tee time at your local club, the fact that more people are getting into golf has to be seen as a big step-change for the future of the game. We’re also seeing more young players getting into the game too, and greater ranges of used golf clubs and accessories are finding their way into golf club shops as a result.
We’re seeing more recreational golfers on the greens than ever before and this is probably at least partly down to increased media coverage of the biggest and most high-profile tournaments.
With the ongoing rise in social players, competitions are getting less serious and more casual, too. While there’ll still be plenty of competitions open to serious players, you’ll see a big increase in the number of friendly competitions on offer.
5. Golf course design is changing… back
Recently there has been a trend for more ‘interesting’ golf course designs with specially created features that make the course easier or more forgiving. But with 2023 designs, we’re seeing that there is a trend for courses to go back to a more strategic approach that’s influenced by older designs. There’s a return to more traditional materials such as sand and stone, too.
It seems that water features like ponds and streams are still very much on-trend, with more being added to courses around the world. This is in addition to extra trees being planted as golf course designers focus on a natural look and feel. We’re also expecting to see a rise in the number of themed golf courses which should make things interesting!
6. A focus on health and nutrition
Historically, golf bars and restaurants haven’t always been the healthiest places to hang out! With chips, pizzas and burgers on offer, as well as the obligatory pint of something refreshing, it’s a great way to undo any good work you’ve done on the course! But all that is changing - with an increased focus on health and nutrition, golf clubs are realising that their customers are often looking for a healthier alternative. And that means more vegetarian and vegan options, more salads, smoothies and healthy snacks, and plenty of low or no-alcohol options for those who are driving or watching their intake Many golf courses are also spa hotels with gyms and fitness centres attached - so people often visit for the full health experience, not just a game of golf.
Expect to see traditional golf club bars and restaurants completely overhaul their menus as they do their best to cater for a more discerning, health-conscious customer base. But don’t worry, we’re sure you’ll still be able to get a great burger if that’s what you’ve got your heart set on!
7. Golf fashion is evolving, too
If there’s one theme that’s emerging from our Golfing Trends in 2023 report, it’s that golfing is getting more popular, and more accessible. So it’s no surprise then that golfing attire is changing too in order to meet the changing demands of golfers everywhere. There is a stereotypical ‘look’ when it comes to golfing, but this is changing as casual golfers demand casualwear to play in.
Golf clubs will still likely enforce their rules on the course when it comes to clothing, but they may be forced to relax them somewhat if this proves unpopular with those wanting to express themselves a little more freely on the greens.
Along with golfwear becoming more casual, developments in technology means it’ll get more comfortable and practical, too. Clothing makers are even starting to develop garments which help support your neck and spine, keeping your posture in exactly the right position to deliver that perfect swing every time.
8. Membership fees are changing
Again, it’s back to the topic of accessibility! One of the most prohibitive things about golf can be the high membership fees - and often there’s a game fee to pay on top. Once you factor in the cost of golfing equipment, the costs can run into the thousands and this is simply not possible for people struggling to make ends meet. And with the cost of living crisis in full flow, people are tightening their belts like never before. While they may have previously treated themselves to a golf club membership, they may now feel that this cost can no longer be justified.
The growing demand for second hand golf clubs only serves to demonstrate this point further, and at golfclubs4cash we have an unrivalled range of bargain golf clubs as we believe in getting as many people out on the greens as possible!
Golf clubs know this, and while they of course still have high running costs to meet, they are doing what they can to make the game more accessible to all so as to retain existing members and attract new ones. So you can expect to see more flexible membership deals including discounts for off-peak playing as clubs do their best to keep membership numbers as high as possible.
9. Golf club fundraising will reach new highs
It’s very common for golf clubs to run competitions and host other events that are set up purely to support a nominated charity. Expect to see more of this sort of activity as golf clubs work hard to be valued members of their community - for this reason you’ll see more local charities supported than ever before. Whether it’s to raise money for someone who’s poorly, to help raise funds for a new community building or resource, or to support local food banks and homeless shelters, golf clubs will want to be seen to be doing their bit for the people around them.
They’ll also be reaching out to local businesses to sponsor certain elements of the course or competitions as they look to diversify their income streams as much as possible.
10. Golf is going online!
Whether it’s online simulators and games, online golfing forums, or handy blogs and golfing buyers’ guides, more and more golfing-related activity can be found online. In addition to this, you’ll find that most golf clubs will be moving fully to online registration for games, if they haven’t already. This systematised approach means that they are able to be more organised, and it offers a more convenient way for golfers to book, change or cancel their tee times. When it comes to registering for tournaments, this will almost always be done online now in order to streamline processes and speed up bookings.
You can even buy and sell your used golf clubs online! With golfclubs4cash, we have the biggest range of used golf clubs in Europe, and our stock is changing every day. With the rising costs of new golf clubs, more and more golfers are finding that the best way to keep costs down is to buy and sell their golf clubs with golfclubs4cash.
When it comes to selling your golf clubs online, we make the process really easy. Simply tell us the make, model number and condition of your club, and we’ll give you a quote. If you accept it, the funds will be with you sooner after whether that’s via bank transfer, PayPal or even store credit. That means less clutter in your garage that’s gathering dust, and more money to treat yourself to some new golf clubs and accessories!
11. Golf will bring people together more than ever before
The pandemic isolated us all, and made us realise how much we had been taking basic freedoms for granted. Loneliness was on the increase and people were struggling to find ways to socialise online. Now that we are ‘back to normal’ - as much as we ever will be - people aren’t taking that for granted anymore.
They’re looking for excuses to get out and about in nature, to socialise and to learn and refine new skills which will give them something else to focus on other than their workload and responsibilities.
Golf has always been a fantastic aid to great mental health, and we expect to see more and more people entering the game in order to increase their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We’re delighted that so many new players are coming to the game and seeing the benefits of a round of golf. Perhaps we’ll see a few more golf clubs open up around the UK to accommodate all these extra players - that really will make things interesting!
We’re here to support you every step of the way
So, that ends our report on the hottest trends in 2023 for golf. Are there any we’ve missed? What changes do you expect to see in golf in 2023 and beyond, and what do you expect to stay the same? We’d love to hear your thoughts.
When it comes to golf, there’s one thing for sure - it never stands still. With the top players flying the flag for golf all around the world, it continues to inspire new people to find out more and discover the many benefits that taking up golf can bring to your life.
At golfclubs4cash we’re here to encourage every player, from the absolute beginner right through to the seasoned professional. Our used golf clubs are always on offer at the very best prices because we believe in making golf accessible to all. And because buying and selling your golf clubs online with golfclubs4cash is the sustainable choice too, you’ll know that when you shop with us you’re doing your bit to reduce items going to landfill.
Our team of friendly professionals are on hand to help and advise you every step of the way, so get in touch today if there’s something you need and we’ll do our best to help.
