Survey Results Reveal a Robust, Confident Golf Travel Market with Southeast Coastal Destinations Ranking Highly
Charleston, S.C. – A new study by Buffalo Groupe indicates a significant increase in economic optimism among U.S. golfers, leading to a rise in golf travel plans and spending. The Buffalo Groupe Golf Travel Study analyzes the state of golf travel among U.S. golfers, comparing year-over-year trends and focusing on travel behaviors, future intentions, and golfer demographics.
Research objectives explored past golf travel behavior, future intentions, and additional golfer-focused metrics. The study was based on a survey of more than 700 respondents who must have golfed in the past year, taken a golf trip in the last five years, or taken one or more golf-focused getaways.
“The surge in golf travel confidence and spending is a clear indicator of the industry’s robust recovery and sustained growth,” said Buffalo Groupe CEO Kyle Ragsdale.”Our findings provide several actionable insights for golf businesses looking to capitalize on this market’s potential.”
Key Study Findings: The study provides valuable insights for golf travel providers, marketers, and destinations, including the following highlights:
Strong Economic Confidence: 81% of golfers feel optimistic about the economy, a significant increase from only 56% in 2023. Additionally, 21% of golfers feel financially confident.
Increased Spending: 44% of golfers plan to spend more on golf travel in 2025, while 48% plan to spend the same as last year.
Destination Preferences:
International: Scotland and Ireland remain the most desired international destinations.
Domestic: The Southeast Coast (Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia) is the most popular U.S. destination.
Shifting Social Media Trends: YouTube and Instagram are now the preferred platforms for consuming golf content, with a significant drop in Facebook usage.
To review the full results, please visit the ‘Buy Reports’ page and navigate to the Reports section for purchase options.
About Buffalo Groupe
Buffalo Groupe, LLC, with corporate headquarters in Charleston, SC, has spent more than two decades building the most prominent travel and hospitality-focused marketing platform. Our carefully assembled team includes a full-service marketing firm, a research arm, an events division, and a media property that authentically serves the travel, hospitality, real estate, lifestyle, and outdoor recreation industries.
Buffalo Groupe was formed in early 2019 when Buffalo Agency acquired Charleston-based Rawle Murdy Associates. Today, Buffalo has close to 100 team members who deliver integrated marketing programs focused on business results for our golf, travel and real estate clients.
In June 2024, Buffalo Groupe merged with ClubWorks, a luxury and private club services holding company founded by Tidewater and Palm Beach Capital. Other investors in Buffalo Groupe include professional golfer Rory McIlroy and MLB All-Star Mike Trout.
More information about Buffalo Groupe can be found by visiting buffalogroupe.com, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.