About 46% Cite 'Too Expensive' as Reason for Quitting Golf; Approximately 45% Choose to 'Dispose or Discard' Golf Equipment After Quitting

■ The Reality of Those Who Quit Golf — We Asked About Their Reasons and the Fate of Their Equipment

Golf has long been a beloved sport, but not everyone can continue playing for life.

Various circumstances — work, family, health, and financial burden — eventually lead people to set aside their clubs.

So, what reasons did those who quit golf give for stepping away?

And where are their cherished golf items now?

To explore these questions, we conducted a joint survey with the used golf apparel e-commerce site 'Stst,' targeting 133 men and women across Japan who previously played golf but have since stopped.

※ When quoting this press release, please adhere to the following:

· Clearly state the source as 'Survey by NEXER Inc. and Stst'

· Include a link to Stst (https://www.stst-used.jp/)

Survey Overview: 'Reasons for Quitting Golf and the Fate of Equipment'

Survey Method: Online questionnaire

Survey Period: May 11–14, 2026

Respondents: Men and women nationwide who answered 'previously played golf but have since stopped' in a preliminary survey

Valid Responses: 133 samples

Survey Questions:

Question 1: How long has it been since you quit golf?

Question 2: Why did you quit golf? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 3: What did you do with your golf equipment (clubs, apparel, shoes, bags, etc.) after quitting? (Multiple answers allowed)

Question 4: Why are you keeping your golf equipment?

Question 5: What are your plans for the golf equipment you are currently storing?

Question 6: Please explain the reason for your answer.

※ Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole number, so totals may not sum to 100%.

■ 75.2% Have Been Away from Golf for 'Over 10 Years'

First, we asked how long it has been since respondents quit golf.

The most common response was 'over 10 years' at 75.2%.

'3 to under 5 years' and '5 to under 10 years' each accounted for 8.3%, 'under 1 year' was 4.5%, and '1 to under 3 years' was 3.8%.

This means that three out of four people have been away from golf for over a decade.

It appears that for many, golf isn't just 'on a break' — it's been a long time since they last played.

■ 46.6% Cite 'Too Expensive' as Reason for Quitting Golf

Next, we asked why respondents quit golf.

The top reason was 'too expensive (green fees, equipment costs, etc.)' at 46.6%.

This was followed by 'not improving or no longer finding it enjoyable' at 30.8%, 'physical difficulty, injury, or health issues' at 21.8%, 'no one to play with' at 21.1%, and 'lack of time due to work or family commitments' at 18.0%.

Other reasons included 'developed a new hobby' at 9.0%, 'lifestyle changes such as moving or changing jobs' at 8.3%, and 'other' at 6.0%.

About half cited the financial barrier.

Then there's the motivational issue — 'no longer enjoying it.'

Additionally, factors beyond individual control, such as physical limitations and loss of playing partners, ranked highly.

It's clear that quitting golf is influenced by a combination of financial, emotional, physical, and social factors.

■ 45.1% Disposed of Their Golf Equipment After Quitting

Next, we asked former golfers what they did with their golf equipment (clubs, apparel, shoes, bags, etc.).

The most common response was 'disposed of or discarded' at 45.1%.

This was followed by 'still storing at home' at 32.3%, 'gave to family, friends, or acquaintances' at 12.0%, 'sold to a recycling shop or buyback specialist' at 9.0%, and 'sold via flea market apps or online auctions' at 2.3%.

Additionally, 'partially stored, partially disposed' and 'other' each received 3.0% of responses.

While 'disposed of' was the most common choice, over 30% still keep their equipment at home.

Though choices varied — discarding, storing, gifting, or selling — it's notable that valuable golf equipment is often discarded.

The findings suggest that resale, recycling, or gifting options are not always the first choice.

■ Reasons for Keeping Golf Equipment: It's Not Just 'Might Use Again'

Next, we asked those who answered 'still storing at home' or 'partially stored, partially disposed' why they are keeping their equipment.

Why are you keeping your golf equipment?

· In case I want to play again. (Female, 40s)

· Tried to sell but couldn't get a price. (Male, 40s)

· Use apparel as casual wear; want to keep clubs as a memento. (Male, 50s)

· Can't bring myself to part with them. (Male, 50s)

· Disposal would cost money. (Male, 60s)

· I have space, might play again, and selling would get me almost nothing. (Female, 60s)

While some express hopeful anticipation of returning to the sport, others face practical barriers — 'disposal costs money' or 'couldn't sell it' — making it difficult to let go.

Some want to keep clubs as memorabilia, while others repurpose apparel as everyday clothing, showing that golf equipment continues to play diverse roles in owners' lives.

You might recall a forgotten golf bag tucked away in the back of a closet.

■ 47.8% Plan to 'Continue Storing' Their Golf Equipment

Next, we asked those storing equipment about their future plans.

The most common response was 'continue storing' at 47.8%.

This was followed by 'want to dispose or discard' at 26.1%, 'want to sell (to buyback shops, recycling stores, etc.)' at 15.2%, and 'want to give to family or friends' at 10.9%.

About half plan to keep storing, while the other half are considering some form of disposal. Combining those who chose 'sell' or 'give away,' about 26% show interest in reuse, indicating a segment open to reactivating their gear.

We collected some reasons for these responses:

Those who answered 'continue storing'

· I might want to play again. (Male, 40s)

· Can't sell it, so I'll keep it at home. (Male, 40s)

· I want to preserve the evolution of my hobbies in physical form. (Male, 50s)

Those who answered 'want to dispose or discard'

· Not sure if it's safe to use anymore, and I don't need it, so I want to throw it away. (Male, 50s)

· I don't use it. (Male, 50s)

· It's in the way, so I want to get rid of it. (Male, 60s)

Those who answered 'want to sell (to buyback specialists, recycling shops, etc.)'

· I want to dispose of it without losing money.