A resurgence in golf is being driven by a much younger crowd, even at this week's 3M Open in Blaine

Amid a of summer events all across the Twin Cities area, golf has remained a mainstay activity for younger Minnesotans as courses continue to compete with other forms of entertainment.

Just a few years ago, during the height of the pandemic, it looked like golf courses could become a thing of the past. But a new surge in popularity is bringing golfers of all ages back out on the green.

Chris Weinhold is the General Manager at TPC Twin Cities, the host of this weeks 3M Open. He says a few factors have really skyrocketed this new trend back to the golf courses.

"The young crowd has really gotten into the game," Weinhold says. "I mean, it's a sport anyone can do. I think Top Golf has played a big role. You know, I'm a millennial so a little older, but I compare it to kind of like bowling when we were that age."

That uptick in Gen Z players could mean a new start for the game.

"I think we definitely see more and more young people every year," he says.

Two of the big drivers in the popularity of golf beyond the actual "sport" are the social aspect of getting out with friends, and even golf fashion. The global golf apparel market was valued at $3 billion in 2023, and is expected to reach $5.4 billion by 2033 driven heavily by a younger crowd in prim polos and fashion-forward gear.

Weinhold says that social part of golf has changed PGA Tournament events with even some of the planning for this weekend's 3M Open having those young people in mind with live music and a party deck being featured this year.

"We have the Stilly Party Deck out here on the 18th hole, which has a DJ and is playing live music during the day," explained Weinhold. "That's very much filled with young people."

The theme of that party deck in 3M Open marketing? Come for the party, stay for the golf. That's a party Gen Z can get behind.

The 3M Open started Thursday with the pros hitting the course, and wraps up Sunday in Blaine, Minnesota.