Growth of Amateur Golf and Its Future Challenges

Television audiences continue to follow new professional leagues and headline-making rivalries. Yet, an important conversation is emerging in golf. Participation has increased in recent years. Women represent a significant growth area, making up over 50% of net participant gains. Governing bodies invest in broadening access, aiming to engage 22 million more golfers over the next five years.

Despite this growth, many top amateur golfers face a simple question once youth competitions end: What comes next? While elite amateur golf has produced many of the sport’s champions, the pathway from junior success to the professional ranks is narrow. Only a small fraction of talented amateurs make a living on tour. Each year, many are left without a competitive pathway after investing years in developing their skills.

As golf expands, the focus shifts from participation to sustaining competition throughout adulthood. Women’s golf contributes significantly to this discussion. Record participation and growing TV audiences are reshaping perceptions of the women’s game. However, competitive opportunities become limited once players exceed collegiate golf or choose not to pursue professional careers. Accessibility now involves not only learning the sport but also creating competitive venues regardless of financial circumstances.

Alan Fadel sees this area as a key opportunity. He has spent the past ten years, as president and chairman of the Amateur Golf Alliance (AGA), building structures to reward ability first. According to Fadel, if elite amateur golf diminishes, the sport risks losing a crucial tradition.

“The catalyst was how well the Concession Cup was received,” Fadel said. “Especially by the women who have very little to compete in. We believe making this team will engage women in the mid-amateur game.”

The Amateur Golf Alliance, operating as a non-profit think tank, aims to strengthen elite amateur competition. In addition to international events, it funds college players who lack financial resources and offers stipends so amateur golf team members can compete equally. It developed player-performance technology, launched a national championship with the National Links Trust, and expanded opportunities for mid-amateur women through top-rated competitions.

Fadel emphasizes merit in competition, reflecting on changes in golf’s financial landscape. “After what’s happened with LIV Golf and professional tour purses, money is dominating the sport,” he states. “We’re trying to create elite competitions where money isn’t the primary focus. Players participate for the love of the game.” His focus remains on elevating individuals based on merit.

Fadel, a player raised as a caddie, appreciates what golf has provided. “My motivation is I’m paying back what I’ve received,” he says. “Golf gave me a free education and a chance on the professional tour.” Fadel believes in offering others similar opportunities.

Workforce development is now part of golf’s expansion. Fadel’s workforce program in Washington, D.C., supported by AGA and the National Links Trust, introduces students to golf facilities’ operations. This program offers insight into potential careers linked to the sport.

Fadel’s most ambitious goal is preserving what he calls golf’s “missing middle.” He notes that many talented juniors eventually reach an age where professional careers are unlikely, yet structured competition fades. Instead of ending competitive golf, he believes it should begin another chapter.

“We think it’s about playing the game for a lifetime,” Fadel explains. “We’re hoping to fill that gap.”

Professional golf will always attract attention, but future participants, mentors, and ambassadors may emerge from amateur ranks. Fadel asserts, “The most important consumers in golf are in our category. They support the professional game.” Preserving amateur pathways means investing in golf’s future. Organizations treating elite amateur competition as infrastructure may define the next era of golf as much by opportunity as trophies.