Just as questions such as How Many Golfers Break 90? can provide different answers according to how exactly one defines a ‘golfer’, so can estimates of the total numbers of golfers in the world. But, if counting only those who play on-course rounds, even if only of nine holes, this makes the worldwide figure for the number of golfers at about 68 million. But, if counting those who have hit a golf ball with a golf club, whether on or off course, the figure is more than 106 million.
There and two governing bodies for golf globally. The United States Golf Association governs golf in the USA and Mexico, and The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews governs the game in the rest of the world, and has 146 countries affiliated to it.
