For many young professionals, a country club is becoming the new hub for fitness, friendships, and weekend living.
Young professionals aren’t just returning to private clubs. They’re reshaping what membership looks like. They want community, consistency, and a place where their free time feels well spent. Country clubs, once seen as reserved for retirees, now offer exactly that.
Brookside sees this shift every year: more members in their 20s, 30s, and early 40s looking for connection and a break from fast-paced routines.
Statistics & Demographics: Why the Trend Is Real
Recent data show that young professionals are driving golf’s growth and fueling renewed interest in private club membership.
- The National Golf Foundation (NGF) reports 6.8 million on-course golfers ages 18 to 34 in the U.S., making this the largest age segment in the game. Junior participation reached 3.7 million golfers, the highest since 2006, pointing to long-term growth.
- A Sports Illustrated report notes that the 18 to 34 age group is responsible for golf’s “explosive growth” and now represents roughly 30% of new private-club memberships in recent years.
- According to golf.com, the average golfer age dropped from 44.6 to 43.5 between 2019 and 2024, showing a measurable shift toward younger players.
What this means for country clubs:
Young professionals are not a fringe demographic. They are the fastest-growing group in the sport, eager for structured leisure, reliable access to golf, and community-driven environments. Clubs that offer predictability, connection, and modern amenities are well-positioned to welcome this new wave of members.
A Different Kind of Networking
Networking used to happen in conference rooms. Today, it happens on fairways, patios, and pickleball courts.
Young professionals want relationships, not just business cards. Country clubs offer an easy way to meet people from different industries while doing something enjoyable.
At Brookside, those connections grow naturally through:
- Leagues and weekly golf groups
- Young professional social events
- Tennis and pickleball mixers
- Seasonal gatherings on the patio
Professionals can build genuine relationships without the pressure of a formal networking event.
A Better Work Life Balance
Remote and hybrid schedules changed everything. Younger members now want places to unplug, move, and relax.
Country clubs offer what gyms, public courses, and cafés can’t: a single place to play, exercise, eat, and meet friends.
At Brookside, members use the club to:
- Fit in a quick nine on lighter workdays
- Bring their laptop to the patio
- Play tennis before heading to the office
- Take a fitness class after work
- Bring the family for dinner without needing reservations elsewhere
It’s not just recreation. It’s rhythm.
Golf Is Growing Again
Golf’s younger audience is the fastest-growing in the sport. Apps, simulators, TikTok creators, and short-form golf content made the game more accessible.
Private clubs offer what public golf struggles to guarantee:
- Reliable tee times
- Faster rounds
- Consistent course conditions
- A community of players to join any day of the week
Brookside’s five sets of tees and walkable layout make it appealing for all skill levels, including new golfers who want room to grow.
Predictability Matters
Young professionals value their time. They want to know that their three hours of free time on a Saturday afternoon won’t turn into a five-hour round.
Private clubs deliver:
- Smooth pace of play
- Courses that stay in great shape
- Dining that’s quick when you need it
- Events that start on time
That level of consistency is rare elsewhere, which makes membership feel worth it.
Social Life Without the Planning
Many young professionals are busy, newly married, raising kids, or building careers. They want social plans that feel easy.
That’s why the social calendar is such a draw. Clubs offer ready-made events that remove the planning from people’s lives.
At Brookside, the most popular events for younger members include:
- Holiday brunches
- Summer pool parties
- Trivia and themed dinners
- Wine and craft beer tastings
- Young professional mixers
You show up, enjoy, and repeat. No group chats or restaurant hunts required.
A Place for Families to Grow Into
Many younger members join before or just after starting families. They want a safe, familiar place where kids can grow up.
Country clubs give them:
- Swim lessons and youth programs
- Junior golf clinics
- Family nights and holiday events
- A place where children can build friendships
Brookside’s pool, dining spaces, and junior golf program create a comfortable environment families return to year after year.
Value Beyond the Price Tag
Young professionals do the math. They look at green fees, gym memberships, dining costs, and weekend activities and see how quickly it adds up.
A private club brings everything into one place. More importantly, it brings a sense of belonging you can’t price out.
Membership isn’t just a financial decision. It’s a lifestyle decision.
The Return of Community
No matter why young professionals are joining country clubs, whether for golf, a reliable routine, family time, or simply a break from work, the common thread is the search for real connection.
It is easy to get caught up in a digital world where interactions are quick, constant, and often shallow. But this new wave of members shows something important: even in a screen-first generation, people still value places where community feels real..
Thinking About Membership?
If you’re curious about how Brookside fits into your routine, whether golf, fitness, social life, or family time, schedule a visit and experience it for yourself. Brookside offers a modern, inclusive atmosphere where young professionals, families, and long-time members all feel welcome.