Golf Courses and Country Clubs — Business Survival Rate
An estimated 61% of golf courses and country clubs businesses survive their first 5 years, based on U.S. Census Bureau Business Dynamics Statistics. The annual business closure rate is 9.3%.
Is Golf Courses and Country Clubs a Good Business to Start?
With a 61% five-year survival rate, golf courses and country clubs has an above-average survival rate compared to the national average of roughly 50%. This makes it a relatively safe industry to enter — businesses here tend to find stable demand and sustainable economics.
The annual exit rate of 9.3% is lower than many sectors, suggesting that once established, these businesses have staying power. That said, lower failure rates often correlate with higher barriers to entry or established competition.
Entry vs. Exit Rates
Annual rate of new businesses opening versus existing businesses closing.
Net positive: more businesses opening than closing (+2.6 pp spread).
Job Creation & Destruction
The industry is adding jobs faster than losing them — a positive sign for both workers and new business owners looking to hire. Total employment: 1,417,223 workers across 59,619 firms.
Want to know how much golf courses and country clubs businesses actually make?
See full revenue benchmarks for Golf Courses and Country Clubs →Frequently Asked Questions
- What percentage of golf courses and country clubs businesses fail?
- Approximately 39% of golf courses and country clubs businesses fail within their first 5 years. The annual closure rate is 9.3%, with 5,419 firms closing permanently in 2023.
- Is the golf courses and country clubs industry growing or shrinking?
- The golf courses and country clubs industry is currently growing with a net job creation rate of +7.8% per year. New businesses are entering at 11.9% while 9.3% close annually.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Business Dynamics Statistics (2023). Survival rate estimated from annual exit rates.