The number of golf courses per million people varies significantly across different countries and regions, influenced by factors such as population density, cultural interest in golf, and the availability of land for recreational purposes.

As of recent statistics, the United States has the highest number of golf courses, with approximately 15,000 courses serving a population of about 330 million people. This translates to around 45 golf courses per million people. The popularity of golf in the U.S. is supported by a strong culture of sports and leisure activities, making it a prime location for golf enthusiasts.

In contrast, countries like Japan, which also has a strong golfing culture, report around 2,400 golf courses for a population of approximately 125 million, resulting in about 19 golf courses per million people. Japan's golf scene is characterized by a mix of public and private courses, with many facilities being quite exclusive.

In Europe, the density of golf courses varies widely. For instance, Scotland, known as the "Home of Golf," has around 600 golf courses for a population of about 5.4 million, which equals approximately 111 golf courses per million people. This high ratio reflects Scotland's deep historical connection to the game.

On the other hand, countries like Germany, with about 800 courses and a population of around 83 million, have around 10 golf courses per million people. The sport is growing in popularity here, but it still lags behind the more golf-centric nations.

In summary, while the average number of golf courses per million people can range from as low as 10 in some European countries to over 100 in places like Scotland, the global average tends to hover around 30 to 40 golf courses per million people. This variance illustrates not only the popularity of golf in specific regions but also highlights the cultural and economic factors that contribute to the development of golf facilities.

For further reading and detailed statistics, you may refer to resources such as the National Golf Foundation and the Statista database, which provide comprehensive insights into the state of golf worldwide.