Golf Apparel Market Size, Share, and Industry Report [2031]

Report Description

Golf Apparel Market Outlook

The global golf apparel market was valued at USD 5,370.0 Million in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 9,109.9 Million in 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.

Golf apparel refers to the specialized clothing and accessories worn by golfers while playing the sport. These garments are designed to provide comfort, freedom of movement, and protection during the game. Golf apparel typically includes a variety of items, each serving a specific purpose, such as golf shirts/polos, pants, sweaters, jackets, hats, shoes, and others.

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Macro-economic Factors

Economic growth

Economic growth significantly influences the golf apparel market globally. When the economy is expanding and registering growth, it generates several positive effects on the market. A strong economy leads to high employment rates and increased disposable income levels, empowering consumers with increased purchasing power. This, in turn, drives the demand for golf apparel, as individuals are likely to invest in high-quality and technologically advanced clothing for maintaining their active lifestyles.

Economic growth fosters consumer confidence, as people feel secure in their financial situation and are willing to spend on discretionary items such as golf apparel.

Economic growth is often associated with population growth, which expands the potential customer base in the market. Overall, a thriving economy stimulates consumer spending, drives demand, and supports the growth and profitability of the golf apparel market.

Demographic Factors

Demographic factors are important macroeconomic factors impacting the golf apparel market. Population size, age distribution, and lifestyle preferences play an important role in shaping the market product demand. According to a recent report by the National Golf Foundation, golfers between the ages of 18 and 34 now make up more than a third of all golfers in the US. This demographic is driving demand for more modern and comprehensive golf apparel.

Additionally, approximately 25 million people played golf on U.S. golf courses in 2020, according to the National Golf Foundation. That's about 8 percent of the total US population. Additionally, in the United States, there have nearly 6 million golfers young from the age of 18 to the age of 34.

Golf Apparel Market Dynamics

Market Driver- Increasing Golf Participation Rates

The golf industry registered significant growth and has continued to evolve over the past few decades. Increased accessibility and affordability of the sport over the years have attracted a sizable number of golfers as well as large demographic groups outside of the elite class. Participation of women and people in the middle-income bracket has greatly expanded, creating opportunities for growth. Many people view golf as a leisure activity, and an increasing number of people regard it as a sport that is utilized to build connections with people and as a necessary business skill.

Golf is still considered as a nascent industry in emerging countries, with significant potential for expansion. Golf is one of the few sports and physical activities where participation rates rise with age, reaching a peak at 65 years of age and older. For instance, according to recent data from the R&A, golf participation in Great Britain and Ireland increased significantly in 2022 and remained far higher than it had been before the COVID-19 pandemic. The R&A, along with England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf, and Wales Golf, conducted research that demonstrates how the sport has thrived, due to participation initiatives and increased awareness about the beneficial impact of golf on physical and mental health. According to R&A data, 5.6 million adult golfers enjoyed playing on full-length courses (9 or 18 holes) in Great Britain and Ireland in 2022. Participation rose by 265,000 to surpass the total of 5.3 million in 2021. Golf registered tremendous growth throughout the pandemic, as it enhances the health and well-being of players and can be safely played outdoors. According to the NGF's (National Golf Foundation) State of the Industry Graffis Report, the number of participants playing golf in the US rose by 600,000 to 37.5 million in 2021, indicating a 2 percent gain.

Demand for golf apparel is rising, as a large number of people are engaging in the sport and need appropriate clothing to adhere to dress standards on golf courses and improve their playing experience. Increasing number of golfers across a variety of demographics is creating a large consumer base that demands for fashionable, functional, and comfortable golf apparel, which creates growth opportunities for manufacturers and retailers of golf apparel.

Market Driver- Dressing Etiquette on Golf Course

Players must follow certain etiquettes and clothing standards when playing golf. This has served as a means of preserving the traditions of the game for both newcomers and seasoned players. The appropriate attire varies, depending on the golf course and the tournament. Several golf courses have an apparel code. Many municipal golf courses do not have dress standards; however, participants must abide by the casual golf attire requirements. Strictness of the dress code varies, based on the rules and the cost of the golf course.

The likelihood of stricter rules increases with greater green fees. Most luxury golf courses have a no-denim policy and demand collared shirts. Few exclusive, private courses have no-shorts policies that call for golf slacks. The PGA Tour has a shirt and shoe requirement for spectators. People are advised to wear low-heeled sports shoes to protect the surfaces of the golf course. On the PGA tour, golfers normally wear trousers and a golf shirt. Hats, gloves, and other accessories are frequently provided; however, they are not required. Golfers do not have uniforms; however, they have a standard outfit. Thus, the demand for golf apparel is rising globally, as golf courses are enforcing tough dress standards.

Market Restraint- Expensive Golf Courses

Most people consider golf as an expensive hobby. Expensive nature of club memberships & golf courses and reluctance of the middle-class population to participate in the sport hampers the market growth. Research conducted by The National Golf Foundation indicates that a round of golf typically cost $61 in 2020 in the US. A round of nine holes typically costs $33 in the US. The median rate is $49 for 18 holes and $26 for nine holes.

High cost of modern golf courses is partly a result of the high cost of course construction. This prevents people from registering themselves for the sport, thus hampering the market growth. Numerous employees are forced to work for 60 hours a week, which impacts their productivity at work and prevents them from engaging in sports such as golf. Therefore, busy work schedules prevent people from getting golf memberships, which has an impact on the growth of the market. Tennis, softball, and kickball have grown in popularity as rival sports.

Golf is losing popularity as a result of its high membership rates and the adoption of tennis or other games by its active members. Tennis players frequently play more rounds than golfers, who usually only play one or two games. The young population is expanding rapidly and favors sports that helps them stay physically fit without costing them money, whereas the elder age opts for golf as a hobby. Therefore, the high cost of golf courses limits the expansion of the golf apparel market.             

Scope of Golf Apparel Market Report            

The report on the global Golf Apparel Market includes an assessment of the market, trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.

Golf Apparel Market Segmental Outlook

Based on type, the global golf apparel market is segmented into top wear, bottom wear, and others. The top wear segment held a XX% market share in 2022, due to the advent of nanotechnology and microfibers. These new technologies have opened up new possibilities to create smart textiles to meet the needs of golfers and also help athletes achieve peak performance with increased comfort & safety. These new advanced technologies and materials help the golfer to stay comfortable during the swing and maintain their focus on the game.

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Based on the function, the market is categorized as 20 or younger, 20 to 40 years, 40 to 50 years, 50 to 60 years, and 60 or older. The 50 to 60 years segment held a XX% share of the market in 2022. People from this age group often have a stable income with an interest in golf, which make them invest increasingly in golf apparel.

Based on gender, the global golf apparel market is divided into male and female. The male segment is anticipated to grow at a XX% CAGR of the market in 2031, due to increasing men’s golf competitions in developed countries. It is a time-consuming sport, which is expected to boost the segment in the coming years.

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Based on basis of application, the golf apparel market is fragmented into leisure and professionals. The leisure segment held a XX% market share in 2022, due to the increasing leisure time and participation in golf among old-aged people. This is directly impacting the demand for comfortable golf apparel. Furthermore, the growing disposable income of people in developing countries and increasing leisure activities are creating a high demand for golf apparel.

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Based on the distribution channel, the market is categorized as online and offline. The offline segment is dominating the market, as the popularity of physical stores and shopping experiences cannot be fully replicated by online platforms. The hands-on experience is particularly important for golf apparel, which is further driving the demand for offline distribution channel, as customers are able to assess the fabric quality, fit, and functionality in person.

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Regional Outlook

On the basis of regions, the global Golf Apparel market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America held a XX% market share in 2022. Consumers in the region increasingly prefer golf as a sport, especially in the US, resulting in the increased demand for golf apparel in the region.

 Key Benefits for Industry Participants & Stakeholders

• In-depth Analysis of the Global Golf Apparel Market

• Historical, Current, and Projected Market Size in terms of Value

• Potential & Niche Segments and Regions Exhibiting Promising Growth Covered

• Industry Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities Covered in the Study

• Recent Industry Trends and Developments

• Competitive Landscape & Strategies of Key Players

• Neutral Perspective on Global Golf Apparel Market Performance