Once facing a prolonged decline, golf has reemerged as a booming industry — and with it, a growing real estate niche catering to golf-centric lifestyles, Cowboy State Daily reports.
Across the US, and increasingly in Wyoming, golf communities are attracting a new generation of homebuyers interested in combining luxury living with recreational amenities.
Industry data shows that golf-related real estate has grown into a $147 billion sector, fueled by renewed interest in the sport during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. With record-setting participation — including over 500 million rounds of golf played in 2023 — demand for golf-accessible properties has followed suit.
Enter companies like Florida-based Golf Life Navigators, which connect prospective homebuyers with communities tailored to their golfing preferences. Often described as “eHarmony meets Zillow for golf,” the platform has expanded from its Florida roots and now includes Wyoming, where it has partnered with Anne Fish, a seasoned real estate professional based in Jackson Hole.
Fish, who has been in real estate since 2001, said the golf lifestyle is increasingly shaping homebuyer decisions in her market.
“It’s a unique buyer,” she noted. “People want to know what kind of community they’re joining — whether it’s welcoming or formal, full-time or seasonal.”
In Wyoming, golf communities vary in how they integrate housing and club membership. Some require home ownership to join the club, while others allow membership for residents living outside the community. Understanding these nuances, Fish said, is critical in guiding clients.
Golf Life Navigators’ research also shows that interest in the golf lifestyle is shifting demographically. While retirees once dominated the market, millennials are increasingly seeking golf properties, drawn not only by the sport but also by the social opportunities such communities provide.
“The No. 1 reason people join clubs now is the social programming — wine tastings, events, and networking,” Fish said.
The resurgence in golf was partly driven by the pandemic, when the sport’s outdoor, socially distanced nature made it a popular recreational choice. Media exposure, including Netflix’s “Full Swing,” has also played a role in attracting new enthusiasts by offering behind-the-scenes access to the lives of professional golfers.
While Wyoming has a modest number of golf courses compared to other states — around 65 in total — it offers scenic and exclusive options that appeal to discerning buyers. Properties at clubs like Snake River Sporting Club, Teton Pines, and Bronze Buffalo Ranch range from $1.5 million to over $10 million. Some include high-end amenities such as clubhouse dining, designer courses, and proximity to nature.
“Even though the golf season is short here, Wyoming offers a variety of courses that are as stunning as they are challenging,” Fish said. “You’ll see wildlife like moose and bear — it’s not your average round of golf.”
Fish currently serves areas on both sides of Teton Pass, including Jackson Hole and parts of Idaho’s Teton Valley. She also participates in the state’s golf community, including tournaments and events across clubs in Sheridan, Casper, and Laramie.
Golf properties can be complex, Fish explained, noting that some require club memberships while others offer more flexibility. Her expertise helps clients understand those conditions, from club dues to property restrictions.
“I know what’s required — who needs to be a member, where you can live, what kind of events the club hosts. That’s part of the service,” she said.
Prices in this niche remain high. Teton Pines currently has homes listed between $7 million and nearly $12 million. The homes often feature expansive layouts and are located within walking distance of the clubhouse, making them appealing for year-round or seasonal residents.
For those considering the transition, Fish offers a simple personal motto:
“Watch golf, play golf, sell golf.”
