The popularity of golf might shock some and many don’t realize just how big it is in 2023, but did you know the countries where golf is the most popular?

With over a million followers, fans, and players, golf is among the top ten most popular sports watched and played around the world.

Certainly an incredibly impressive number and achievement. However, what we are curious to know is why golf is so popular, and what are the countries that love golf the most. So, in this article, we will explore those two questions, and come with a satisfying answer.

Why Is Golf So Popular?

There are plenty of reasons behind golf’s popularity. The most obvious reason is that golf is fun. Amateur players get to spend time with friends, business partners, or family, bonding, competing, and just having a good time.

Apart from that, it is fun to watch professional athletes compete against each other. Fan of golf know that games can get quite thrilling, especially when the score is very close.

Another reason for the sport’s popularity is that it is an all-year-round game. What this means is that a game of golf happens at any point during the year.

On top of that, there is a major tournament for every season. Many can guess that, not only does this fact attract fans, but also bettors too.

And speaking of betting, golf is an incredibly popular sport to wager on. Online sports betting sites cover all of the most notable golf events. Chinese golf fans can find an excellent 1xBet 中文评测 where they can find all the information they need regarding golf betting.

Golf is certainly a growing industry in China. There are numerous golf courses being build all over the country. Not just that, but in the past 10+ years, the amount of golf fans has grown from about 350,000 to around 20 million. So, the Chinese golf fandom is on the rise.

But, if it isn’t China, then what are the countries that love golf the most? Let us go over a couple of nations around the world that love golf, and discuss why the sport is so popular therein.

Ireland

Statistics-wise, Ireland is the country where golf is most popular. And it isn’t hard to see why. The Emerald Isles are primed for the game, with sprawling golf courses and beautiful greenery.

Irish golfers are also among the most successful and popular players in the world. Their success largely comes from the fact that they have to bear the harsh weather conditions of their home country.

In fact, it is not surprising to see Irish golfers weather rain, storms, wind, and worse while playing their favorite game.

The golf culture in Ireland is a big part of the country’s tourism. Golfers flock from all over the world, interested to check out some of the most famous courses in the world. And the courses are certainly worth the effort.

From Portmarnock, to the Europe Club, to Rosapenna, tourists will be treated to some of the finest, most beautiful, and grandest golf fields you will ever see.

Scotland

We would be remised if we did not bring up Scotland in this article. While some would debate the fact, many consider Scotland the origin point for golf.

And so, it is unsurprising to learn that Scottish people have a deep love and passion for the game they created, as well as a dose of national pride.

Scotland is home to one of the oldest, if not the oldest, golf clubs in the world. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews served as a governing body for the game for quite a while, and the St Andrews Old Course was, for a long time, considered a must-visit for dedicated golf fans.

One of the reasons for golf’s bad reputation is that it is often seen as an “elitist sport.” However, in Scotland members of all castes, races, and ethnicities enjoy the game, truly encapsulating the country’s egalitarian culture and tradition. For that reason alone, Scotland belongs on this list.

Canada

Next to Ireland, Canada seems to be the country where golf is most popular. The nation is known for its lovely courses and beautiful, natural landscapes that make for excellent, scenic golf fields.

The sport in the country is governed by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, often abbreviated to RCGA or simply Golf Canada.

Canada is also the home to one of the most notable and successful golfers of all time, Mike Weir. Weir gained his popularity on the PGA Tour as one of the few professional players who is also left-handed.

Between 2001 and 2005, Weir spent over 100 weeks in the top ten of the Official World Golf Rankings.

United States

Finally, we get to the United States of America. Many people, both American and non-American, might think that the USA is the center for golf in 2023. However, this is far from the case.

In sunnier states, like California, Florida, etc. the weather and scenery is perfect for the sport. However, the USA is a huge country, with varying geography. And most states simply don’t have the capability to support large, sprawling golf courses.

Still, golf is incredibly popular in the USA. So much so, that the US Open is one of the most notable and important events in the golfing world.

The country is also home to some of the greatest golfers of all time, most notable of which are people like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, and the late, great Sam Snead.

Most Popular Golfing Countries

Golf is a trendy sport. On top of that, it is quickly growing in popularity worldwide. As we said, the sport’s popularity in China grew so much in ten short years that golf players and fans went from around 300,000 to over 20 million.

Other countries with a deep passion for the sport include the following:

• England
• France
• Japan
• Australia
• South Africa
• New Zealand

All these countries have a vibrant golf culture and scene. However, you can find people deeply passionate about the sport worldwide.