.png)
Community and connections is something about golf that makes it so vibrant to so many people. A golf round take long hours, causes extreme frustration and challenges the integrity of each swing and lie. Golf is a place where you “play it as it is” and never fluff your shot up because that would be “breaking the rules.” But how has that helped the everyday golfer? We watch professionals of TV or through social media and see them hit 350 yard drives center fairway, smack darts next to pins and shoot outrageously low scores. But what comes to mind is, when was the last time you shot a 68?
In recent years as social media has grown so has the sport. No longer is it the professional that gets all the attention and eyes online. Let’s be real, Tiger Woods is no longer intimidating other pros just because he had so many people watching them. Now it’s the everyday Joe that films himself making bogey on a par 5 by missing an 8 footer. Through media and opportunity, golf has risen in the ranks not because people have gotten better but because have more opportunity to see people play worse (or the same/ similar handicap). Because of this the barriers of entry and intimidation to the sport has decreased significantly. Youtubers, social media presence and more attention to the sport has lowered the average of age a golfer and opened more people to play golf differently.
Golf is becoming a social game for young adults. We see more lie minded golfers, have more chances to play differently and feel less intimidated to swing. As time goes on so will the evolution of the way golf is played. We will see less polos and pars and more bogies and stogies. Younger generations will change how to play in the future.
Social golf apps and games are popping up leading to more flow of youthful energy to golf
Social apps are making a wave into the golf community. Fairgame, Looper and other betting apps are showing different sides to the game that we have never seen before. By putting a community into an all in one space, it gives more opportunity for people to reach each other with like minds.
For example, Fairgame not only keeps scores and does betting ledgers but also lets people post pictures and videos to show off their latest round, to give tips out of the bunker and to even watch live scoring as you play. Plus, it keeps your handicaps way better than the O.G. handicap system, GHIN.
Loop Ledger is also another golf focused app that seems to be capturing space in the market. Instead of the social aspect of connection, they focus on the social transfer of golf bets on the course. They have eliminated the cash wadger and introduced a way to lose a lot more money, only if you're not good. With wages through their app they have also created a donation program that gives away money to focus on golf sustainability.
“We are committed to empowering our community to donate a portion of their winnings (in-app) to green initiatives focused on making the game more sustainable.” -Loop Golf Ledger
Apps, games and online bets are all on the rise for golf products in this new area of golf. Instead of sticking to the norms, younger generations are taking the industry by storm by curating communities of golfers looking to be different.
Media influencers and social media presence attratches more youth to the sport
The median age of golf is slowly diminishing. Some would say that this is helping the growth of golf overall. New initiates are being put into place to help grow the game. But who is doing it? Yes, you guessed it… younger men and women looking to have more fun in the game.
Communities of golfers are being created through social media everyday; think of Random Golf Club or Good Good Golf. There social media presence has brought more youth, excitement and overall better vibes to the course!
Random Golf Club (RGC) is currently hosting a trip by bus to have local meet ups with golfers from all around the United States. A big part of who they are is playing golf in large scrambles. Most of the time, this is looked at negatively by the golf community, but not with RGC. Having large amounts of people golfing together gives light to golf as a sport. No longer are we polos and khakis. Now, we have bucket hats, loud shirts, long hair, goofy swings and large scrambles.
Same goes for the Good Good Golf community. A group of young guys come together to swing hard, have fun and make Youtube videos. There channel has reached over 1.3 million subscribers alone. They have given light to the golf world by creating a community of like minded golfers looking to expand the game.
The presence of media will continue to grow as time goes on leading to more eyes on the sport. New ways of playing will help younger golfer to participate and more communities will reach more people. Thanks to social media, golf is becoming a young man’s game!
Like minded golfers are choosing to play golf differently
The modern game of golf originated in 15th century Scotland, the game's ancient origins are unclear and much debated. What hasn't been debated in many years is how we actually play golf. Since its origin, we have played the same, for years on end.
As new tech emerge and pariticants become younger, so does the game. No longer is golf an old man’s sport. Apps, videos, products and media will begin to take storm in the golf industry as time goes on. Card games, betting apps and socials for golfers are already making their way into the market.
By introducing these things to golf we are opening our eyes to what's to come. The shift from young to old will be quicker than we imagined. The median age will no longer be 50 plus in ten years. Rather, we are gonna see a lot more 20-30 year olds jumping on the ship tomake new products and explore new heights in the golf atmosphere.
Comments