(NAPLES, Fla.) – Golf Life Navigators (GLN) – the industry’s premier resource for private club membership and golf community real estate, has released its Mid-2025 Buying Trends Report, offering exclusive insights into the evolving behaviors, motivations, and expectations of tomorrow’s private club members.
Based on robust data from Golf Life Insights, the report identifies five major trends reshaping the golf lifestyle market:
- Full Golf Membership Demand Remains Strong:Nearly 90% of Golf Life Navigators users are seeking full golf memberships. These prospects are deeply engaged, often playing 3–4 days per week, and prioritizing a strong golf culture.
- Real Estate & Club Search Are Deeply Linked:80% of buyers are pursuing both a home and club membership simultaneously, making it essential for clubs to engage prospects early in the 12–14 month decision window.
- Non-Resident Memberships Are on the Rise:49% of buyers now prefer to live outside the gates of their club, signaling a move toward more flexible, lifestyle-driven living arrangements.
- Lifestyle Amenities Are Becoming Essential:Demand is growing for wellness programs, modern fitness facilities, poolside F&B, and casual dining environments like sports bars and breakfast service.
- Culture & Community Are Top Priorities:Internal motivators—such as belonging, purpose, and shared values—are driving long-term engagement, with “clubs within the club” (interest-based groups) playing a major role in membership decisions.
“This data paints a clear picture of a rapidly evolving private club landscape,” said Jason Becker, CEO of Golf Life Navigators. “The traditional golf club model is giving way to something more holistic—where culture, lifestyle, and flexibility are just as important as the course itself. Clubs that adapt now will lead tomorrow’s market.”
Dr. Jim Butler, CEO of Club Benchmarking, added, “Data like this is indispensable for today’s club leaders. Understanding the nuanced preferences of the next generation of club members isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Strategic planning based on these forward-looking insights ensures clubs can evolve with the market, not chase it after it’s shifted.”
The Mid-2025 Buying Trends Report is available now.
About Golf Life Navigators
Based in South Florida with active presence across the U.S., GLN efficiently eases the process of determining the precise golf and country club membership choices for golfers looking to retire, relocate or engage in the “snowbird” life. Created in 2014 by grass-root PGA Professionals, club managers and membership directors, GLN guides discerning golfers, club seekers and property buyers through an in-depth analysis, insights befitting their unique lifestyle desires, budgets and connectivity to decorated club and golf real estate officials. More information: www.GolfLifeNavigators.com, 800.447.8707.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Tess Romano
Golf Life Navigators
800.447.8707
tess@golflifenavigators.com
