Report: Golf participation, spending, and behavior trends for Arizona golfers — and how course operators, startups, and golf brands can capitalize on them.

Spending Trends & Market Insights

🏜️ INTRODUCTION: ARIZONA—GOLF’S MOST PREDICTABLE MARKET

Arizona’s golf ecosystem isn’t just weatherproof—it’s opportunity-rich. Arizona offers a near-perfect testbed for golf innovation with more rounds per capita than nearly any state and a blend of local loyalty and tourism turnover.

But how are players spending their time and money? And what does that mean for your business?

This report gives you the answers—and shows you why hiring me as your golf market consultant might be the most brilliant move of your year.

🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR:

• Operators running at 80 %+ tee time capacity

• Golf brands are trying to win the AZ market

• Founders building for serious golfers

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 rose from $47 in 2019 to $56.50 in 2024—a 20.2% increase.

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 makes their game better or their round more fun.

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.

DON’T JUST WATCH THE BOOM—WIN IT

Arizona golfers are playing more, spending more, and expecting more.

If you’re:

• A golf startup looking to validate your product

• A course operator needing to increase per-round revenue

• A brand wondering how to reach players authentically

🎯 I can help you hit your mark.

CONSULTING PACKAGE: DATA-DRIVEN GROWTH FOR GOLF BRANDS + COURSES

What You Get:

• Market-fit validation from low-index players

• First-party feedback loops from 665 AZ golfers

• CX audits, pricing elasticity tests, and on-course product trials

• Custom-built surveys, loyalty programs, and retention funnels

📅 Book your strategy call now