PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida — As the golf world gathered last week for the annual PGA Show in Orlando, Make Golf Your Thing, an initiative under the American Golf Industry Coalition umbrella, is marking five years of shared progress in making the game and industry more welcoming to all.
The milestone arrives as golf participation reaches historic levels, with multiple factors contributing to the game’s growth.
Golf participation reached record highs in 2025 with 48.1 million Americans experiencing the game, a 55% increase over the past decade, including off-course participation, according to the National Golf Foundation.
The sport has seen notable gains among women (8.1 million on-course players last year, up 46% since 2019), people of color (7.7 million, up 61% since 2019), and juniors (4 million, up 58% since 2019).
“Five years ago, Make Golf Your Thing was formed around the belief that expanding access to the game benefits everyone,” said Greg McLaughlin, CEO of the American Golf Industry Coalition. “Today’s progress in making golf more accessible reflects the continued efforts of organizations and individuals who are united by a driven commitment to inclusion.”
Through Make Golf Your Thing, the industry has invested $3 million in 187 grassroots organizations, reaching more than 150,000 adults and children nationwide. Of those reached, 81% represent ethnically diverse communities, 49% are women, and 76% are younger than 18.
“Our entire program is dedicated to access and inclusion,” said Frederick Corcoran, Executive Director, Golf for All, an organization in the Northeast offering free adaptive golf for people with disabilities. “We are further convinced that the game of golf has the potential to change lives by bringing people together, regardless of ability.”
Heading into 2026, Make Golf Your Thing will continue its Grassroots Grant program while amplifying the stories of program impact across the country. Applications will open Feb. 9 for grants of $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000, with $500,000 in total funding available.
Beginning in 2026, the PGA of America will lead the Make Golf Your Career job portal, which features more than 11,000 openings and generated more than 325,000 job listing views in 2025.
Industry representatives have partnered with 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, with three campuses developing dedicated golf learning centers, and participated in major recruiting events such as the National Black MBA Conference, Delta Sigma Theta National Convention, and Get in the Game Conference.
Additionally Make Golf Your Career will continue hosting webinars to discuss opportunities in golf.
Expanding internships in golf, two programs offered by the USGA, Pathways Launch and Pathways Discover, provide career exposure and opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds looking to work in the sport.
Pathways Launch, a new initiative under Make Golf Your Thing, will celebrate its inaugural class this year. The USGA-led, three-month long internship across 10 world-class, globally recognized businesses thoughtfully places students within a wide variety of disciplines and careers that exist in golf.
Pathways Discover is a 10-day, behind-the-scenes experience at the U.S. Open featuring professional development, networking, and career-building opportunities.
Make Golf Your Business is a platform to connect diverse-owned suppliers with golf decision-makers. PGA TOUR is leading an effort to revamp the Make Golf Your Business portal to include a broader array of new, local, small and diverse suppliers, along with better search capability.