Golf as Self-Care: Why Gen Z Plays for Balance, Not Just Sport

Golf has always been a game rooted in history and tradition, but with a wave of newcomers entering the sport, the landscape is shifting. According to the National Golf Foundation, players aged 18–34 now make up the largest group of on-course golfers in the U.S., with an estimated 6.3 million participants. And it’s not only happening on the fairways – off-course golf has exploded as well, with 5.4 million young adults taking part in activities like simulator golf in 2023.

But what exactly is it that draws Gen Z to golf, and how should clubs and operators adapt to meet these new expectations?

Mental health over muscle

While older generations have traditionally emphasized golf as a form of physical activity and outdoor exercise, Gen Z places mental well-being at the heart of their motivation. Research shows that more than half of Gen Z players rank mental health and self-care as their top reason for playing golf.

Lightspeed 2025 (Golf Industry Trends 2025: Golf Habits Across Generations)

This highlights a wider cultural shift where golf is no longer just about competition or performance – it’s about creating balance in a fast-paced life. The course becomes a space for presence, focus, and calm, offering younger players a chance to step away from

everyday pressures. Notably, this trend isn’t limited to Gen Z alone; millennials and even Gen X’ers are increasingly adopting the same mindset, signalling a broader redefinition of what golf means to its players.

Golfing solo

These new priorities are also reshaping how young players approach the course itself. Where golf was once seen almost exclusively as a social game, Gen Z is embracing solo play. According to Lightspeed Research, 76% of Gen Z golfers express interest in solo rounds, and nearly 30% primarily seek solo tee times.

For many younger golfers, playing alone is less about isolation and more about independence. Solo golf offers freedom, flexibility, and space for self-reflection – values that resonate strongly with how Gen Z balances work, social life, and leisure. In this sense, golf is evolving into a personal ritual as much as a communal activity.

Golf as a modern lifestyle choice

The data makes one thing clear: we have entered a new era of golf where younger generations are redefining the game. Golf is no longer only a traditional pastime rooted in competition and community. It is increasingly seen as a personal retreat – an experience tied to well-being, authenticity, and lifestyle.

For clubs, brands, and operators, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Meeting these new expectations means embracing golf as more than just a sport. By highlighting values like self-care, flexibility, and independence, the industry can not only attract the next generation of players but also position golf as part of a modern way of living.