Report: Golf participation, spending, behavior trends for Arizona golfers, and how course operators, startups, and golf brands can capitalize on them.
Spending Trends & Market Insights
ARIZONA: GOLF’S MOST PREDICTABLE MARKET
Arizona’s golf ecosystem isn’t just weatherproof but opportunity-rich. With more rounds per capita than nearly any state and a blend of local loyalty and tourism turnover, Arizona offers a near-perfect testbed for golf innovation.
But how are players spending their time and money? And what does that mean for your business?
ROUNDS PLAYED: DEMAND HAS NEVER BEEN HIGHER
Over the past five years, the number of rounds played by Arizona residents has jumped from 18.4 million to 23.4 million. That’s a 27% increase without adding 27% more courses.
GREEN FEES: RISING… BUT SO IS VALUE
The average 18-hole public green fee increased from $47 in 2019 to $56.50 in 2024, representing a 20.2% rise.
While that’s outpacing national inflation, Arizona golfers haven’t flinched.
Why? Courses are reinvesting. You’ll find:
New turf
Smarter pace-of-play systems
Elevated food & beverage
Resort-level hospitality
EQUIPMENT SPEND: NOT JUST BUYING CLUBS, THEY’RE INVESTING IN TECH
The Arizona golf tech market is booming. From TrackMan lessons to Arccos sensors and Garmin watches, player data is the new flex.
Equipment Spend Index (2019 baseline = 100):
2019 = 100
2020 = 110
2024 = 145
Insight: The smart golfer is dropping $1,500+/year across gear, software, fittings, and data.
WHERE THE MONEY’S GOING (AND WHAT THEY WANT NEXT)
Arizona golfers are value-conscious, not price-sensitive. They'll pay if it improves their game or makes their round more enjoyable.
Top Wishlist Items:
Faster pace of play
High-end short game zones
App-based loyalty programs
Twilight league formats with built-in socialization
Bonus Insight: Walking is back. Demand for push-cart-friendly loops is up 19% YoY.
THE “DUAL GOLFER” EFFECT: WHAT COURSES SHOULD KNOW
17M dual-format golfers (on- and off-course) are:
52% more likely to spend $500+/year on gear
41% more likely to pay for private instruction
30% more likely to bring new golfers
Arizona is full of them. These are your best customers.
Arizona golfers are playing more, spending more, and expecting more.
