Orlando, August 21, 2025
News Summary
In 2024, junior golf participation has soared to a remarkable 3.7 million kids, marking the highest engagement level since 2006. This surge, particularly among golfers aged 11 to 17, has increased by 48% since 2019. Resorts are increasingly catering to families, blending targeted golfing experiences with recreational activities. Through various programs and family-friendly amenities, the focus on making golf vacations enjoyable for both kids and adults is reshaping the way families approach the sport.
Junior Golf Participation Hits Record High in 2024
Welcome to the sunny city of Orlando, where exciting news is spreading throughout the community and beyond! 2024 has brought about a remarkable surge in junior golf participation, with a staggering 3.7 million kids swinging clubs this year. This impressive number marks the highest engagement since 2006, and it seems like the sport is truly back in the groove!
A Growing Trend Among Young Golfers
What’s making this wave of excitement even more thrilling? Participation among golfers aged 11 to 17 has soared by 48% since 2019. That means more young players are getting involved, increasing fun for everyone out there on the fairways. With excitement buzzing, it’s clear that golf is gaining a foothold as a favorite pastime for children of all ages.
Family Golf Vacations Redefined
What does this mean for family golf vacations? Resorts are rethinking their game plans to prioritize experiences over just keeping score. Rather than a rigid focus on golf swings and par counts, the new wave of resorts is rolling out the red carpet for families who want to relish every moment of their time together.
As the popularity of golf rises, many resorts are adapting to cater to young players. Families can now enjoy trips where kids can have fun both on and off the golf course. Kids can chase birdies in the morning and then grab their boogie boards for some summer fun at the beach in the afternoon!
Golf Resorts Creating New Experiences
Take the stunning Sun Peaks Golf Course, for instance, where golfers can take in breathtaking elevations while navigating narrow fairways on the front nine and an open layout on the back. This makes for a unique challenge that both seasoned golfers and younglings can appreciate.
Then there’s Grande Lakes Orlando, where the cool incentive of letting juniors aged 15 and under play for free with a paying adult is making golf even more accessible. It’s all about creating opportunities for family bonding at the course!
The Reserve at Grace Bay in the scenic Turks and Caicos takes family golf vacations to the next level, blending golfing with sun-soaked beachfront amenities. Picture this: a whopping 4,500-square-foot putting green designed with junior-friendly tee boxes, ensuring the little ones have a blast!
Balancing Golf with Fun
But wait, there’s more! Resorts understand the need for balance between golf and recreational activities for kids. Big Cedar Lodge is a prime example, boasting a Fun Mountain activity center equipped with nimble ropes courses, high-energy laser tag, and even mini-golf — perfect for winding down after a long day of play!
For those seeking unique experiences, Brasada Ranch offers horseback riding and hands-on interactions with ranch staff. Meanwhile, at Domes Lake Algarve in Portugal, families can embark on dolphin-watching tours and eco-friendly beach adventures. This blend of nature and sport is captivating and is sure to create lasting memories!
Creating Future Golfers
Resort golf instruction also plays a vital role in promoting the sport to the younger generation. By focusing on personal achievement and fun, programs like the Junior Golf Fundamentals at Domes Lake Algarve work wonders in instilling a love for the game in young players. Young golfers are provided with instruction from expert coaches, fostering confidence through fundamental techniques.
And let’s not forget the Kids Play Free program in Myrtle Beach! It allows juniors under 16 to join the fun on the golf course at no extra cost when accompanied by an adult: a perfect way to introduce the little ones to golf without any pressure!
Family-Centric Amenities and Activities
These resorts are all about emphasizing family-friendly amenities to make golf vacations truly inclusive. Various activities cater to every age group, enhancing the overall experience during your family golf getaway. Post-golf, families can savor ice cream socials, gather ’round the fire for some s’mores, or bask in the cozy atmosphere of outdoor movie screenings. Now that’s what you call keeping the energy high!
So, whether it’s a love for the game or just some quality family time, 2024 is the year to hit the greens. This shift towards a more engaging, family-centered golf experience is reshaping how families plan their golf vacations, ensuring fun and adventure for everyone involved!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Golf Enthusiasts Eagerly Await the Ryder Cup in New York
Prestwick Country Club Named 2025 Golf Course of the Year
Prestwick Country Club Named 2025 Myrtle Beach Golf Course of the Year
Breeze Airways Launches New Nonstop Flights from New Orleans
Additional Resources
- Norfolk Daily News
- Travel + Leisure
- TravelAge West
- First Call Golf
- NRToday
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Family Golf Vacations
- Google Scholar: Junior Golf Participation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Junior Golf Participation
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
