Gen Z and Millennials embrace golf for
self-care and solo play while redefining the sport through
entertainment venues.
MONTREAL, Jan. 16,
2025 /PRNewswire/ - As 2024 came to a close,
recreational golf remained on the upswing for younger generations.
Lightspeed Commerce Inc. (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD)
("Lightspeed"), the one-stop commerce platform empowering
merchants to provide the best omnichannel experiences, revealed new
insights today from a consumer survey, outlining how golfing habits
are changing amongst the younger demographic of golfers.
Lightspeed surveyed over 700 American and Canadian golfers
revealing that while golf has long been a space traditionally known
for relaxation and social connection, Gen Z and Millennial players
are increasingly combining personal well-being with
technology-driven experiences.
"Golf is evolving into more than just a sport—it's becoming a
space for self-care, community, and connection for younger
generations," said JD Saint-Martin, President at Lightspeed. "The
way Gen Z and Millennials engage with the game is different from
previous generations—they seek intentional experiences, whether
through solo play or tech-enabled convenience. By embracing these
trends, operators can unlock new revenue streams, foster brand
loyalty, and have a unique chance to inspire the next generation of
players."
Mental Health and Self-Care Lead Motivations for Younger
Golfers
Lightspeed's survey findings show that personal well-being is
a key motivator for golfers across age groups:
- 51% of Gen Z golfers rank mental health and
self-care as their top reason to play, alongside social
activity and time spent outdoors in nature.
- 53% of Millennials cite time outdoors in
nature as their leading motivator, alongside social activity
and mental health and self-care.
- 65% of Gen X and Boomers value time outdoors in
nature most, alongside physical fitness and social
activity.
Golf's role as a personal escape highlights its unique ability
to combine self-care with connection to nature—resonating strongly
with younger generations looking to disconnect and fully immerse
themselves in the game.
Golfing Solo: A Growing Trend Among Gen Z and
Millennials
Solo golf is emerging as a significant trend,
particularly among Gen Z and younger Millennials, who seek out golf
as a personal and focused activity:
- 76% of Gen Z golfers and 84% of Millennial
players expressed interest in playing solo rounds.
- 29% of Gen Z players and 21% of Millennials always or primarily
seek out solo tee times or as a single.
This shift demonstrates how younger generations are approaching
golf not only as a social sport but also as a mindful, individual
activity for personal well-being.
Entertainment Venues Reshape Golf for Younger
Audiences
Tech-driven entertainment venues like Topgolf and
Drive Shack are redefining the golf experience for younger
players:
- 68% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials visit
golf entertainment venues regularly.
- Younger players cite the casual, social atmosphere
and laid-back environment as key appeals.
These venues can create accessible, fun golf experiences that
blend technology, entertainment, and community—attracting younger
generations who are reshaping the sport's future.
A New Era for Golf
Lightspeed's survey reveals that while golf is consistently
valued for reasons related to personal well-being, younger
generations are reshaping how they engage with the sport. Gen Z and
Millennials are driving trends like solo play as a personal retreat
and the rise of tech-driven entertainment venues as a social
experience.
Lightspeed powers the world's best businesses in Golf; including
Founders Group International, Landscapes Golf Management,
KemperSports, The Park West Palm, The Sea Pines Resort, Cape
Kidnappers and Advance Golf Partners.
Dive into the transformative features of Lightspeed Golf on
our website.
About Lightspeed
Powering the businesses that are the backbone of the global
economy, Lightspeed's one-stop commerce platform helps merchants
innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional omnichannel
customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution transforms and
unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales,
expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions,
and connection to supplier networks.
Founded in Montréal, Canada in
2005, Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and
Toronto Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) (TSX: LSPD). With teams across
North America, Europe, and Asia
Pacific, the company serves retail, hospitality, and golf
businesses in over 100 countries.
Follow us on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram,
YouTube, and X.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may include forward-looking information and
forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable
securities laws ("forward-looking statements").
Forward-looking statements are statements that are predictive in
nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions and are
identified by words such as "will", "expects", "anticipates",
"intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates" or similar expressions
concerning matters that are not historical facts. Such statements
are based on current expectations of Lightspeed's management and
inherently involve numerous risks and uncertainties, known and
unknown, including economic factors. A number of risks,
uncertainties and other factors may cause actual results to differ
materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this
news release, including, among other factors, those risk factors
identified in our most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under "Risk
Factors" in our most recent Annual Information Form, and in our
other filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities
and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, all of which are
available under our profiles on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on
EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned to consider these and
other factors carefully when making decisions with respect to
Lightspeed's subordinate voting shares and not to place undue
reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements
contained in this news release are not guarantees of future
performance and, while forward-looking statements are based on
certain assumptions that Lightspeed considers reasonable, actual
events and results could differ materially from those expressed or
implied by forward-looking statements made by Lightspeed. Except as
may be expressly required by applicable law, Lightspeed does not
undertake any obligation to update publicly or revise any such
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information,
future events or otherwise.
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SOURCE Lightspeed Commerce Inc.
