How Many Golf Pro Players Are There?
When the US Open golf tournament starts, there are 156 players, which is reduced down to a top 65 after the first cut. These are the kinds of numbers, then, that people tend to think of when wondering just how many pro golf players there are in the world. It seems reasonable that there are perhaps hundreds of them, the best of which make it into the big tournaments, and the others who don’t.
There are approximately 50,000 golf professionals globally. These include tour pros playing in elite tournaments like the PGA Tour, and club pros who teach, manage golf clubs, and support local golf communities. The majority of these, 29,000 and 8,000 are based in the USA and UK.
The true answer to this question of how many golf pro players is probably a surprise to you so we go into more details below on what they do and why they are vitally important to the future of golf below.
How Many Golf Pro Players Are There?
When looking at all those who fit the title of “golf pro”, there are actually around 50,000 golf pro players around the world. As one might expect, the majority of these pro players are based in the US and the UK, which account for around 29,000 and 8,000 respectively.
The reason no one expects such a high number is because not everyone fully understands what exactly constitutes a golf pro.
You might think a pro golfer is someone who plays on the PGA Tour, but as we have mentioned already, the major competitions of the PGA Tour have limited spots, and many don’t make the cut. However, this does not mean that those who don’t make it are not pro players.
There are many other smaller competitions, and other jobs that golf pros engage in. If you’re a member of a golf club anywhere in the world, it’s more than likely that your club has employed at least one of these golf pros to help with their activities.
What Do Golf Pro Players Do?
The natural question that follows here is what all these pro golfers do with their time. If they’re not part of the PGA tour, then what else do these people do? For the most part, pro golfers serve as instructors and work for private golf clubs and other organizations around the world.
These teachers are normally referred to as “club pros” as a way to distinguish them from “tour pros”. The former has an income derived from working for a golf club, whereas the latter gets their income from playing golf on a professional circuit.
It is not very common for club pros to move into the tour pro circuit, but the US PGA Tour system does allow for a number of lower-ranked golf pros to have the chance to play in bigger tournaments.
Given that places in these professional tournaments are so limited, it’s logical and reasonable that the vast majority of them do other things for a living. Club pros main responsibilities tend to be giving golf lessons and advice to members, but they very often also get involved in other areas:
- Partners/managers at the club
- A source of information on golf rules and strategy for club members
- An arbiter in disputes on rule violations, etc.
- And more
Unlike common knowledge they do not have to have the best of handicaps, ( 1) they jsut don’t have the worst.
How Many PGA Tour Pros Are There?
For those who are serious about the game of golf, becoming a PGA Tour is the ultimate career goal. Achieving it is impressive for all manner of reasons, of course, but among the biggest reasons is that there are simply so few full-time bona-fide PGA Tour pros out there out of the 50,000 or so global pro players.
The first tiny number to consider here is 125. This refers to the number of players who make it onto the FedEx Cup Standings each year. These 125 golfers are automatically granted entry into the next year. So, if we refine our question a little to ask “how many golfers are sure to be part of the PGA Tour each year” then we can answer with a very low number of 125.
However, this doesn’t give us the full picture, because there are always a number among the top 125 who perhaps don’t play every week in the annual season, which opens up other spots that other pro golfers can get into.
On top of that, those who place from 126th to 150th are given some limited guarantees of entry into the following year’s events, giving them ample opportunity to climb the ladder further if they want to.
In addition, other tours from around the world, and some others related to the PGA’s development program are given quotas in which their best players can gain access to the PGA Tour via their own tournaments.
For instance, the DP World Tour in Europe gets about 10 cards for entry into the PGA Tour for its best players who so far haven’t gotten one. A further 30 places are awarded to players on the Korn Ferry Tour (the main developmental tour belonging to the PGA).
When all it totaled up, you get to about 200-220 golfers each year who find their way onto the PGA Tour. As a percentage of the total global pro golf total of 50,000, that’s 0.4%. It’s a truly elite group, but perhaps it’s to be expected given the way the game works and how places at the top table are so limited.
Career Path of a Professional Golfer
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “How many people actually become a Golf Pro?”, you’re not alone. The journey from amateur golfer to professional is a complex and arduous process.
Most golfers start at a young age, honing their skills in high school and collegiate competitions. Next, many compete in regional and minor league tours, which are stepping stones to more prestigious circuits.
For golfers who exhibit exceptional talent, there’s the option of attending Qualifying Schools – rigorous tests that offer an accelerated route to the upper tiers of professional golf.
However, a successful career isn’t guaranteed even after receiving a Golf Pro status, making the exact count of new Golf Pros fluctuate each year.
Influence of Geography on Pro Golf
The concentration of Golf Pros is not evenly distributed worldwide. The question of “how many Golf Pros are there in a particular region?” is greatly influenced by geographical factors.
The US and UK have historically dominated in terms of pro golfers due to their rich golfing tradition, widespread availability of courses, and robust infrastructural support. Emerging golf nations, such as China and India, are slowly increasing their numbers, although they still face barriers like limited access to courses and high costs. Geography’s influence on the numbers and success of Golf Pros cannot be overstated.
The Economic Side of Professional Golf
Golf may appear to be a lucrative sport, with headline-grabbing prize money figures at major tournaments. However, “how many Golf Pros actually make a comfortable living from their winnings?” is a valid question.
The reality is that only a small percentage of Golf Pros earn significant money from tournament winnings alone. Most professionals rely on a combination of tour earnings, sponsorship deals, and off-course income, such as offering lessons or managing golf clubs.
For instance, many club pros supplement their income through lessons, golf clinics, and pro shop operations. The economic realities of being a Golf Pro can be challenging, requiring both golfing prowess and business acumen.
The Role of Golf Pros in the Golf Community
So, just how many Golf Pros serve as the bedrock of local golf communities? The answer is a substantial majority. Golf Pros, particularly club pros, play an integral role in nurturing and maintaining the spirit of the sport at the grassroots level.
They introduce new enthusiasts to the game, offer guidance on techniques, rules, and golf etiquette. Golf Pros also organize local tournaments, encouraging healthy competition and fostering camaraderie among members.
These professionals help sustain and grow the golf community, making the sport accessible and enjoyable for all.
Physical and Mental Challenges of Being a Golf Pro
Being a Golf Pro is about more than just skill; it’s a test of physical endurance and mental fortitude. But how many truly appreciate the rigor and challenges of a professional golf career?
Golf Pros must maintain peak physical fitness to compete at high levels, manage potential injuries, and have a longevity in the sport.
On the mental side, golf requires exceptional focus, resilience, and the ability to handle pressure, especially during high-stakes tournaments.
Balancing the physical demands and mental toughness can be the deciding factor in a Golf Pro’s career success.
Conclusion
In understanding the world of professional golf, it’s clear that being a Golf Pro involves more than just playing the game. Whether they’re touring pros on the PGA circuit or club pros contributing to local golf communities, these individuals represent a small fraction of the global golf-playing population.
The journey to becoming a Golf Pro, the geographical implications, economic realities, and physical and mental challenges of the career paint a complex, yet fascinating picture of professional golf.
As we continue to ask “how many Golf Pros are there?” we should also remember to appreciate the significant roles these professionals play in shaping and growing the beloved sport of golf.
References
- https://toftreesgolf.com/golf-knowledge/how-many-golfers-are-on-the-pga-tour/#:~:text=Commonly%2C%20there%20are%20approximately%20215,to%20attend%20all%20the%20events.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Golfers%27_Association_of_America
- https://www.golfmonthly.com/news/how-many-pga-tour-pros-are-there
- https://sports.answers.com/Q/How_many_professional_golf_players_are_there_in_the_world
