Golf Is the New Happy Hour: Why More Young Adults Are Hitting the Course
Golf is the new social scene—young adults trade happy hours for tee times. Here’s why.
Golf if Changing - And It's About Time
If you’ve been paying attention, you’ve probably noticed something: golf is having a moment. More and more young adults are trading in their bar tabs for tee times, discovering that a few hours on the course can be just as social, competitive, and fun as a night out—but with way fewer regrets the next morning.
So, what’s behind this shift? And if you’ve never picked up a club before, how can you get started without feeling completely out of place? Let’s break it down.
Why More Young Adults Are Getting Into Golf
It wasn’t long ago that golf was seen as a slow, expensive sport reserved for country club elites. But today, the game is evolving—public courses are booming, social golf leagues are on the rise, and places like Topgolf are making the game more approachable than ever.
Here’s why so many 18-35-year-olds are picking up clubs:
- It’s social – Whether you’re out with friends, meeting new people, or networking with coworkers, golf is built around conversation, not just competition.
- It’s a workout (kind of) – Walking 9 or 18 holes adds up to a few miles, and swinging a club works more muscles than you think.
- It’s an excuse to be outside – Let’s be honest, spending a few hours on a scenic course beats another day indoors scrolling TikTok.
- It’s more affordable than ever – Public courses, affordable gear, and beginner-friendly leagues make it easy to get started without blowing your budget.
Where to Play Without Breaking the Bank
One of the biggest misconceptions about golf? That it’s expensive. Sure, some courses charge hundreds per round, but there are plenty of affordable public courses across Massachusetts where you can play for the price of a couple of cocktails.
Best Beginner-Friendly Courses in Massachusetts
If you’re new to golf and looking for a welcoming place to play, check out these courses:
- Brookline Golf Course (Brookline, MA) – Affordable, laid-back, and great for post-round drinks.
- Sassamon Trace (Natick, MA) – A quick 9-hole course perfect for casual rounds.
- Kimball Farm Golf Club (Westford, MA) – Hit the course, then grab ice cream and play mini-golf after.
- Granite Links (Quincy, MA) – A little pricier, but worth it for the views and rooftop bar.
- Fore Kicks Golf Club (Norfolk, MA) – A short executive course that won’t punish beginners.
👉 Want more course rankings? Check out Golf TotalGuide’s Rankings for a full list of the best public courses in Massachusetts.
What You Actually Need to Start Playing (Hint: Not a $2,000 Set of Clubs)
You don’t need to go all-in on expensive gear to start playing. Here’s how to get on the course without draining your bank account:
Budget-Friendly Essentials:
✅ Clubs – Buy used! Facebook Marketplace, GlobalGolf, and Callaway Pre-Owned have great deals.
✅ Shoes – You don’t need them right away, but waterproof golf shoes are a solid investment.
✅ Balls – Don’t waste money on premium balls you’ll lose in the woods. Grab a budget-friendly dozen. Best golf balls for beginners.
✅ Casual Golf Wear – Most public courses allow athletic wear—no need for stuffy country club outfits.
Golf, But Make It Fun: Alternative Ways to Play
Not ready to commit to a full round? Here are some low-pressure ways to get into the game:
Driving Ranges & Indoor Golf
- Topgolf (Canton, MA) – Golf, music, and drinks? Yes, please.
- X-Golf – Play simulated courses indoors with your crew.
- KOHR Golf Center (Natick, MA) – Nighttime range sessions? Count us in.
Short Courses & Pitch & Putt
- Sassamon Trace (Natick, MA) – A quick, fun 9-hole course with no pressure.
- Fore Kicks (Norfolk, MA) – Shorter holes = fewer lost balls.
Scrambles & Group Events
- Tournaments, but fun – Scrambles are like team golf with no stress—just swing away and have fun.
👉 Check out the upcoming tournaments and events in Massachusetts.
How to Meet Other Young Golfers
Golf is way more fun when you have a crew to play with. Here’s how to find your people:
Join a Social Golf League
- NextGen Golf – Boston & Worcester – Competitive, fun, and designed for 20-30 somethings.
- Spark Golf – A casual league for golfers of all skill levels.
Ready to Give It a Shot?
Golf is easier, more affordable, and more fun than ever before. Whether you’re looking to play casually, get competitive, or just find a new weekend hobby, there’s a course, a range, or a social event waiting for you.
So grab some clubs, hit the range, and start playing!