The Young Golfers Revolution: How Millennials and Gen Z Are Transforming Golf Courses Across Utah and the Nation
New Generation of Golf Enthusiasts Drives Innovation in Golf Cart Technology and Course Design
The golf industry is experiencing an unprecedented transformation as young golfers flood Utah’s premier golf courses, bringing fresh energy and modern expectations to this traditional sport. At Intermountain Golf Cars in Sandy, Utah, we’re witnessing firsthand how millennials and Gen Z golfers are revolutionizing not just how golf is played, but how golf carts and course amenities are designed.
The Rise of Young Golf Enthusiasts
The National Golf Foundation’s latest research reveals remarkable growth in young adult participation. Golfers in the 18-34 age group are now the largest group of on-course players, at an estimated 6.3 million ¹. This represents the growing participation among 18–34-year-olds, which reached a near decade-high in 2023 and grew for the sixth straight year in 2024 ².
This demographic shift is reshaping everything from course design to golf cart features and technology integration. Young golfers in Utah are drawn to the sport for reasons beyond tradition, valuing the outdoor recreation opportunities, social networking aspects, and mental health benefits that golf provides.
Mental Health and Self-Care Drive Participation
Unlike previous generations who played primarily for business or tradition, today’s young golf community is motivated by wellness. According to Lightspeed’s 2025 Golf Industry Report, a majority of Gen Z (51%) ranked mental health and self-care as the top reason they play golf ³. The trend continues with 25-34-year-old Millennials and Xennials, where it was the third-most popular response (47%) ³.
This wellness focus directly influences their golf cart rental and purchase preferences, as modern young golfers seek comfortable, stress-reducing experiences on the course.
Technology-Driven Golf Cart Preferences
Today’s millennial golfers and Gen Z golf players demand more from their golf cart experiences. They consistently prioritize vehicles equipped with:
- GPS navigation systems for course management
- USB charging ports for smartphones and devices
- Bluetooth connectivity for music and communication
- Eco-friendly electric golf carts aligned with sustainability values
- Premium comfort features for enhanced course experiences
At Intermountain Golf Cars, our Club Car golf carts perfectly meet these evolving expectations. Young golfers buying golf carts consistently choose models with advanced technology features that seamlessly integrate with their digital lifestyles.
Significant Spending Power
Contrary to assumptions about budget-conscious young adults, millennials expect to spend about $4,557 this year on golf gear and expenses like course fees, club memberships, travel and lessons ⁴. This represents $693 more than Gen X and $1,798 more than Boomers ⁴, demonstrating the economic impact of this demographic.
This spending power extends to golf cart investments, with young golf enthusiasts particularly interested in golf cart financing options and premium features that enhance their playing experience.
Social Media and Golf Culture
The Instagram generation of golfers has transformed golf into a highly shareable experience. Young golfers on social media showcase everything from their golf cart customizations to their course adventures, driving increased interest in premium golf cart accessories and personalization options.
However, their social preferences are nuanced. When asked how golf entertainment venues compare to traditional golf, 39% of Gen Z and Millennials said they prefer them for a casual, social experience ³. Yet, nearly a third (29%) of Gen Z golfers surveyed said they always or primarily seek out solo/single tee times ³, showing their appreciation for golf’s meditative qualities.
Environmental Consciousness Drives Electric Preference
Environmentally conscious young golfers overwhelmingly prefer electric golf carts over gas models. The 2021 Millennial Golf Industry Study found that 60% of participating millennials prefer golf venues that actively exhibit social and environmental values ⁵. Even more compelling, 73% would be willing to pay more if excellent social and environmental practices increased the costs of golf venues ⁵.
This eco-friendly golf cart trend aligns with broader environmental values held by millennial and Gen Z golfers, making electric golf carts Utah dealers like Intermountain Golf Cars essential partners in their golf journey.
Accessibility and Innovation Focus
Budget-conscious young golfers appreciate flexible options that don’t compromise on quality. Many young golf enthusiasts prefer golf cart financing and used golf cart purchases that provide premium features without premium pricing.
The National Golf Foundation reports that a record number of 3.4 million people played on a golf course for the first time in 2023 ¹, with many being student golfers and young professional golfers who particularly value our flexible financing options and trade-in programs.
Technology Integration and Course Preferences
Unlike older generations who primarily play at private clubs, young golfers gravitate toward public courses and modern facilities. They seek venues that offer:
- Tech-enabled golf experiences with integrated scoring systems
- User-friendly golf cart features that enhance learning
- Modern golf cart safety features and intuitive control systems
- Premium amenities that support their social and wellness goals
The Future of Golf in Utah
As youth golf programs continue expanding across Utah, the demand for modern golf cart technology will only increase. Young golfers are already influencing course design, pushing for improved cart path systems and technology integration.
Beginner golfers in the younger demographic also value golf cart solutions that support their learning journey while providing the comfort and technology they expect from modern recreational equipment.
Intermountain Golf Cars: Supporting Utah’s Young Golf Community
At Intermountain Golf Cars, we’re proud to support Utah’s growing young golf community with cutting-edge Club Car technology and exceptional service. Our Sandy, Utah dealership specializes in helping young golfers find the perfect golf cart that matches both their lifestyle and values.
Whether you’re a college golfer, young professional, or new golf enthusiast, we offer golf cart solutions that align with your environmental consciousness, technology expectations, and budget requirements. From entry-level electric models to fully-loaded luxury golf carts, we help young golfers in Utah find their ideal ride.
Visit Intermountain Golf Cars today to discover how modern golf cart technology can enhance your golf experience. Call us at (801) 255-8828 to schedule your test drive and join Utah’s young golf revolution.
Sources:
¹ Golf Business News. “Millennials continue to drive up golf participation in the US.” October 31, 2024.
² Lightspeed. “Golf Industry Trends 2025: Golf Habits Across Generations.” April 30, 2025.
³ Lightspeed. “Golf Industry Trends 2025: Golf Habits Across Generations.” April 30, 2025.
⁴ Axios. “Golf spending trends: Millennials spend more than Gen X and Boomers.” May 6, 2025. (Millennials are spending $4,500 annually on golf.)
⁵ Golf Business News. “Millennial Golf Industry Study reveals key youth trends.” March 23, 2021.
Serving the Salt Lake City metro area, including Sandy, Draper, South Jordan, and surrounding communities with quality golf carts for Utah’s next generation of golfers.