Global Golf Equipment Market Hits $20.9 Billion in 2026 as AI Gadgets Drive Demand
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jun 5
Global Golf Equipment Market Hits $20.9 Billion in 2026 as AI Gadgets Drive Demand
1 articles · Updated · CNN · Jun 5
Summary
More than 160 million people played some form of golf in 2025, helping lift the global golf equipment market to an estimated $20.9 billion in 2026, with Mordor Intelligence projecting $26.7 billion by 2031.
AI is a key growth driver, moving from club design and fitting into consumer products such as Botronics’ self-driving iXi trolley, which uses cameras, GPS and swing analysis and is targeted to ship in June 2027.
Botronics priced the trolley at $5,385 and said a crowdfunding drive raised about $1 million, with roughly 125 units preordered in the first 10 minutes.
Callaway, Wilson, Sportsbox AI, SWEE and Arccos are also pushing AI into golf through club design, fitting apps, swing-analysis tools, coach clones and rangefinders built on data from 1.5 billion shots.
High prices, technical complexity and competition rules could slow adoption, with some devices requiring stripped-down modes because AI-assisted advice is not fully permitted or regulated in tournament play.
As AI gadgets like the $5,385 iXi trolley emerge, is golf becoming a pay-to-win sport inaccessible to average players?
With casual venues and elite AI booming, will golf split into two different sports: entertainment and tech-driven competition?
Golf’s Next Decade: How AI, Regulation, and Sustainability Are Reshaping a $13 Billion Equipment Market
Overview
The immediate future of golf is being shaped by major regulatory changes, especially the new golf ball rollback announced by The R&A and USGA. This change, set for 2028, will require elite and non-professional players to use balls that travel shorter distances. At the same time, the governing bodies are increasing their focus on driver testing to prevent equipment from exceeding performance limits over time. These actions are pushing manufacturers to innovate quickly, balancing new rules with the demand for high-performance gear. As a result, the golf industry is experiencing rapid technological advancement and a vibrant, evolving market.