Golf Travel Survey 2026: Nights out reveal the biggest generational divide in golf travel

Golfbreaks surveyed more than 2,500 golfers in 2026 to understand how golf travel preferences change across different generations. For this analysis, respondents were grouped into five age categories, from 25-34 through to 65+, to explore how priorities evolve over time.

While some travel habits change with age, the survey also reveals the experiences that unite golfers of every generation.

• 52.9% of golfers aged 25-34 prefer a lively night out after golf, compared with 25.1% of golfers aged 65+, making evening preferences the biggest generational divide.
• 46.9% of golfers aged 25-34 identify as "The Organiser", compared with 30.8% of golfers aged 65+, while older golfers are more likely to see themselves as "The Holiday Golfer" (43.8% vs 31.2%).
• 86.9% of golfers aged 35-44 prefer booking online, while 31.1% of golfers aged 65+ still prefer booking by phone.
• Despite generational differences, playing with friends was the most popular type of golf holiday across every age group, chosen by between 71.4% and 81.8% of respondents.
• Across all generations, great golf courses and good value for money remained among the most important factors when choosing a golf holiday.

The research found that younger golfers are more likely to identify with "The Organiser" personality type when it comes to golf travel.

Almost half (46.9%) of golfers aged 25-34 identify as "The Organiser", compared with just 30.8% of golfers aged 65 and over.

Meanwhile, only 31.2% of golfers aged 25-34 describe themselves as "The Holiday Golfer", rising steadily to 43.8% among those aged 65+.

The findings suggest that younger golfers are more likely to see themselves as taking the lead when it comes to golf trips, while older golfers are more likely to identify with enjoying the experience and going along with plans made by others. This points to a shift in how different generations perceive their role within a golfing group, with younger golfers more closely associating themselves with organising and coordinating trips, and older golfers more likely to embrace the social and leisure aspects of golf travel.

Read the full analysis on Beginners' golf preferences here.

The survey also challenges the perception that golf holidays are primarily about improving scores or playing as much golf as possible.

Just 17% of golfers aged 65+ identify as "The Serious Golfer", while 43.8% see themselves as "The Holiday Golfer".

The results suggest that for many golfers, the appeal of a golf holiday extends well beyond the fairways. Quality accommodation, good food, enjoyable surroundings and the opportunity to unwind all play an important role in creating memorable trips.

Rather than focusing solely on golf, many travellers appear to be seeking a balanced holiday experience that combines great courses with relaxation and social time.

One of the strongest findings from the research is the importance of friendships. When asked about their ideal golf trip, playing with friends was the clear winner across every age group.

Despite differences in age, lifestyle and travel habits, golfers overwhelmingly view golf holidays as an opportunity to spend quality time with friends.

The consistency of this result suggests that companionship and group consensus may be just as important as the destination itself when planning a golf getaway.

The 2026 survey revealed some of the clearest generational differences when it came to evening activities.

More than half of golfers aged 25-34 (52.9%) said they prefer a lively night out while still being ready for golf the next day.

That figure declines steadily with age, falling to 25.1% among golfers aged 65+. In contrast, the proportion of golfers who prefer a few quiet drinks increases significantly with age.

The findings suggest golf holidays do not become less social with age. Instead, socialising simply takes a different form, with lively nights gradually giving way to more relaxed evenings.

Although online booking is now the preferred method across all age groups, the survey found a significant difference in how golfers book their holidays.

More than eight in ten golfers aged 35-44 (86.9%) prefer booking online, compared with 68.1% of golfers aged 65+.

At the same time, nearly one-third (31.1%) of golfers aged 65+ still prefer booking by phone.

The results highlight the continued value of expert advice for many golfers, particularly when booking larger group trips or more complex overseas holidays.

Read the full analysis on experienced golfer' preferences here.

Despite the differences between generations, the survey uncovered one clear conclusion: golfers are more similar than they are different.

Across every age group, playing with friends was the most popular type of golf trip, selected by 81.8% of golfers aged 25-34, 79.2% of those aged 35-44, 71.4% of 45-54 year olds, 75.2% of 55-64 year olds and 73.1% of golfers aged 65+.

The survey also found remarkable consistency in what golfers value most when choosing a destination. Great golf courses and good value for money ranked among the most important booking factors regardless of age, while only 3.1% of golfers said their ideal trip involves a competition, showing that social golf dominates across every generation.

While travel styles may evolve over time, from lively evenings and online bookings in younger age groups to quieter nights and greater reliance on expert advice among older golfers, the foundations of a successful golf holiday remain remarkably consistent.

For golf travellers of every generation, great golf, great company and memorable shared experiences continue to define the perfect getaway.

This survey was conducted among UK golfers in March 2026. Responses were collected via Crowd Signal from a sample size of 2,500 golfers with varying handicaps, ages, and travel habits. Segments were analysed by age, gender, and playing experiences to identify behavioural differences in golf travel preferences.

Golfers were recruited across Golfbreaks and Golfshake-owned channels across web, email and social media. 79% of the golfers surveyed were over 55 years old, so behavioural habits will be more reflective of this age range unless otherwise specified.

Due to rounding, percentages may not always total to 100%.

While golfers may approach travel differently at different stages of life, the foundations of a great golf holiday rarely change. Whether you are the organiser of the group, the golfer who simply turns up and enjoys the experience, or somewhere in between, spending time with friends, playing quality courses and getting good value for money remain the key ingredients of a memorable trip.

Booking tips from Judith Cook, product Director at Golfbreaks

• Consider the personalities within your group before choosing a destination. Some groups will prioritise nightlife and social activities, while others may prefer relaxation and great dining.
• Great golf remains the biggest priority across every age group, so start by choosing a destination with courses that will appeal to everyone travelling.
• If you are the organiser, look for packages that simplify planning and offer added value such as free places, group discounts or flexible booking options.
• Book popular destinations and resorts early, particularly if travelling with a larger group or during peak travel periods.
• Think beyond the golf course. The best trips often include memorable moments away from the fairways, whether that is a great meal, a few drinks with friends or exploring the local area.

Discover the most recommended destinations according to the Golf Travel Survey here.

Q: Do golfers' priorities change as they get older? A: To some extent, yes. Younger golfers are more likely to organise trips and seek out lively evenings, while older golfers tend to place greater importance on relaxation and the overall holiday experience. However, every age group values great golf, spending time with friends and good value for money.

Q: What is the most important part of a golf holiday? A: Playing with friends was the most popular answer across every age group in our survey. While great golf matters, the social experience remains at the heart of most golf trips.

Q: Are golf holidays becoming more about the holiday than the golf? A: For many golfers, yes. The research suggests that quality accommodation, good food, enjoyable surroundings and time to relax are increasingly important parts of the overall experience, particularly among older golfers.

Q: Why should I book with Golfbreaks? A: With more than 25 years of experience arranging golf holidays worldwide, Golfbreaks offers expert advice, trusted resort partnerships and access to some of the world’s most sought-after golf destinations. Whether you are planning a quick European golf break or a bucket-list long-haul adventure, our specialists can help tailor the perfect trip for your group, budget and travel style.

Find out why booking with Golfbreaks means booking with peace of mind

Q: How do I book my golf trip? A: You can browse golf holiday packages online or speak directly with one of our Golf Travel Experts for personalised recommendations. From all-inclusive resorts in Turkey to legendary links tours in Scotland and Ireland, we will help guide you every step of the way.

Discover more about how to book a golf trip here

If there is one clear lesson from our survey, it is that golfers have more in common than they might think. While travel habits, booking preferences and evening plans may evolve over time, the reasons people take golf holidays remain remarkably consistent.

Across every generation, golfers value great courses, good company and memorable experiences. Younger golfers may be more likely to organise the trip, while older golfers may focus more on relaxation, but both are ultimately looking for the same thing: quality time with friends in destinations that deliver outstanding golf.

Whether you are planning your first golf getaway or your fiftieth, the formula for a great trip remains unchanged. Choose great courses, travel with people you enjoy spending time with and make space for the moments away from the fairways. Those are the memories that last long after the final round.