Most Googled Golfers and Courses
Scheffler Dethrones Woods as Most Googled Golfer
For the first time since Google Trends launched in 2004, Tiger Woods did not top the list of most Googled golfers. In 2024, Scottie Scheffler edged out the 15-time major champion. His breakout season—including seven wins, a Masters title, and a surprising arrest at the PGA Championship—dominated headlines and boosted his online presence. As a result, Scheffler topped the list of Most Googled Golfers and Courses, a notable shift in the sport’s digital landscape.
According to Google Trends, Scheffler earned 100% of the search interest index. Woods followed closely at 99.1%. While the gap was small, it marked the end of a 20-year streak for Woods. Until now, he had led every year since the platform began tracking data.
Scheffler’s Season of Dominance
Scheffler wasn’t just winning online—he was winning everywhere. He claimed victories at Bay Hill, the Players Championship, and the Masters. He also won Olympic gold in Paris, where he wept with emotion on the podium. In total, he notched nine wins in just 21 starts, including an unofficial win at Tiger’s own Hero World Challenge.
In addition, Scheffler made headlines off the course. He was arrested in May outside Valhalla Golf Club before the second round of the PGA Championship. The incident stemmed from a misunderstanding with police over traffic directions. Although the charges were dropped, the story went viral and further amplified his visibility.
Woods Slows Down
Meanwhile, Woods made only five official starts. He extended his streak of cuts made at the Masters to 24—an all-time record. However, he missed the weekend at the PGA Championship, U.S. Open, and Open Championship.
Following The Open at Royal Troon in July, Woods disappeared from public view for months. He re-emerged at the Hero World Challenge but didn’t play due to back surgery. He’s now expected to return at the PNC Championship with his son, Charlie.
Golf’s Most Searched Players in 2024
Rory McIlroy came in third. He had a strong year, winning the Zurich Classic and Wells Fargo Championship. He also suffered a tough loss to Bryson DeChambeau at the U.S. Open. Tragically, fourth-ranked Grayson Murray passed away in May, just months after his Sony Open win.
Bryson DeChambeau’s fifth-place finish may surprise some. He won the U.S. Open and racked up millions of views on social media. His YouTube series “Break 50” featured appearances from Tom Brady and President-elect Donald Trump. Despite the buzz, his Google search index was only 31.3.
Other names in the top 10 included Jordan Spieth, women’s World No. 1 Nelly Korda, two-time 2024 major winner Xander Schauffele, plus fan favorites John Daly and Rickie Fowler.
Top 10 Most Googled Golfers (U.S., 2024)
Scottie Scheffler (100.0)
Tiger Woods (99.1)
Rory McIlroy (43.2)
Grayson Murray (31.5)
Bryson DeChambeau (31.3)
Jordan Spieth (16.4)
Nelly Korda (15.2)
Xander Schauffele (14.5)
John Daly (13.6)
Rickie Fowler (9.6)
What Golf Fans Are Googling
Interest in golf terms grew across the board. The most searched phrase was “golf courses near me.” This suggests that more Americans are playing or looking to book local rounds. The U.S. Open came in second, followed by “LIV Golf.”
In addition, consumer-related searches like “shop golf shirts,” “golf now,” and “golf shoes” appeared high on the list. Brand names and media outlets, including Callaway and Golf Channel, also made the top 10. Clearly, fans were as interested in playing as they were in watching.
Top 10 Golf-Related Search Terms (U.S., 2024)
golf courses near me (100.0)
us open golf (89.5)
liv golf (55.3)
shop golf shirts (46.5)
golf now (30.6)
olympic golf (27.1)
golf channel (25.2) callaway golf (25.2)
golf channel (24.5)
golf cart (24.0)
golf shoes (21.4)
Most Googled Golf Courses
Augusta National once again topped the list of most searched courses. The legendary site of the Masters may have attracted even more interest this year due to Hurricane Helene, which caused damage in the region last October.
Torrey Pines followed in second. The San Diego municipal course is home to the Farmers Insurance Open and remains one of the most iconic public venues in golf. TPC Sawgrass, Valhalla, and Streamsong rounded out the top five.
Top 10 Most Googled Golf Courses (U.S., 2024)
Augusta National Golf Club (100.0)
Torrey Pines Golf Course (70.3)
TPC Sawgrass (56.1)
Valhalla Golf Club (48.4)
Streamsong Golf Resort (30.1)
Pinehurst No. 2 (27.5)
Bethpage Black Golf Course (24.7)
Whistling Straits Golf Course (23.9)
Pebble Beach Golf Links (23.8)
TPC Scottsdale (23.0)
The Bigger Picture
The surge in online interest around the Most Googled Golfers and Courses reflects a broader trend. More people are playing, watching, and engaging with golf than ever before. Scheffler’s rise, Tiger’s enduring relevance, and the appeal of public courses like Torrey Pines all contributed to this momentum.
As we move into 2025, expect that growth to continue. With more high-profile events, social media content, and local course access, golf is evolving into a true mainstream phenomenon.
Ready to tee off at the second most Googled golf course of the year? Play where the pros play—Torrey Pines Golf Course, home to PGA Tour legends and unforgettable championship moments. Our team makes it easy to reserve your tee time, so you can experience one of the most iconic courses in the game. Give us a call today!
