The United States Golf Association (USGA) today released its 2024 Golf Scorecard, the organization’s first data report that highlights domestic golfer participation trends using information from scores posted under the World Handicap System™ (WHS). With 3.35 million golfers posting over 77 million scores in 2024, the WHS™ contains first-person data that offers a one-of-a-kind snapshot of how the game was played this year at a macro level. The report also compares data going back to 2020 to reveal trends about the recreational game.
The data release coincides with a completely redesigned GHIN Rewind experience going live to all users of the GHIN mobile app presented by Sentry, allowing golfers to see their personal year-in-review. The data set used for both the Golf Scorecard and GHIN Rewind runs from January 1, 2024, to November 30, 2024. As the calendar turns to 2025, users can interact with an updated GHIN Rewind in January to see a complete picture of their 2024 golf game.
Looking at the 77 million-plus scores posted in 2024, and comparing that to WHS data going back to 2020, trends include:
“It’s been exciting to see year-over-year trends develop as the World Handicap System has matured, shedding light on how and where the game is being played in the U.S.,” said Steve Edmondson, USGA Managing Director of Handicapping and Course Rating. “We’ve been able to use that data to inform recent Rules of Handicapping changes, including updating how 9-hole scores are treated for handicap purposes, based on the record popularity in playing 9. We’re grateful for our Allied Golf Associations in support of this work and are excited to give players more insight into how the game is being played across the country.”
Showcasing an entirely new layout, the 2024 GHIN Rewind highlights a more evolved GHIN user experience, with more data points to offer golfers a comprehensive review of their year. The features include:
“Heading into our third year of GHIN Rewind, our team wanted to go deeper on golfer data, and I think users will be really excited by the new GHIN Rewind experience,” said Tom Padula, USGA senior director of GHIN. “Buoyed by data, GHIN Rewind is just the latest development of GHIN app, where our recent free trial launch has opened doors for many more golfers. We’ve seen amazing support from our partner in Sentry and can’t wait to unveil more new features to improve the golfer experience in 2025.”
The GHIN app is fully integrated with the World Handicap System, which the USGA also oversees in its governance function, to ensure fair and equitable play for all golfers. More than 3.3 million golfers in the U.S. alone maintain a Handicap Index, across a wide range of playing abilities.
Download the GHIN app now on iOS or Android, and for more information about the app and its features, please visit www.GHIN.com.