Nebraska & Iowa are the Best States for Retiring Golfers

Fore! Are you a retiree ready to swing into your golden years with a set of golf clubs? If so, you're in luck. A recent study by Gambling.com has identified the best states for golfers to retire, based on factors like the number of golf courses, green fees, sunny days, home values, and the cost of a beer. Let’s take a leisurely stroll through the best (and worst) states for retiring golfers.

Swinging Success: Nebraska Tops the Leaderboard

First on the leaderboard is Nebraska, earning the gold jacket with a total score of 84.1. Nebraska shines with its affordable green fees, the third cheapest nationwide. Whether you’re looking for a challenging course or a casual nine holes, Nebraska is the hole-in-one choice for retirees. And hey, what's easier than golfing on flat ground? Sorry Nebraska, I had to poke a little fun at you.

Iowa: A Hole-in-One for Retirees

Iowa swings into second place with a score of 82.9. Be proud fellow Hawkeyes, our state boasts the highest number of golf facilities per capita, with 12.4 courses per 100,000 residents. Combine that with affordable living, ice cold brews, and a welcoming community, and you’ve got yourself a golfer’s paradise. Sometimes the course views are worth the trip alone.

Noteworthy Mentions: Wisconsin and Illinois

Wisconsin lands at 19th place (20), proving it’s more than just cheese and Packers, with a balanced array of golfing options. On the lower end, Illinois ranks 38th, offering opportunities for golfers who enjoy the occasional round amidst cityscapes.

On the Rough Side: Washington and Others

Washington tees off at the bottom with a score of 18.4, due to limited golf courses and fewer sunny days.

New Jersey and Alaska tie for the second-worst spot with scores of 20 each, struggling across all evaluated metrics.

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Methodology: Crunching the Numbers

All the info was courtesy of Gambling.com which evaluated each state based on:

1. Facilities/Golf Courses Per Capita: Sourced from Local Green Fees and the US Census Bureau.
2. Green Fees: Analyzed from Local Green Fees in the town/city with the most courses in each state.
3. Average Sunny Days Per Year: Data from Data Pandas.
4. Median Home Value: Information from World Population Review.
5. Cost of a Pint of Local Beer: Data from Numbeo.

Let's Tee Off Already!

Retiring in a state that suits your golfing passion can make all the difference in your golden years. Whether you choose the top-ranked Nebraska, the golf-rich Iowa, or explore the balanced offerings of Wisconsin, there’s a perfect fairway waiting for you. And for those of us already in Iowa; enjoy those drives... That is until the winter comes...

So, grab your clubs, find your favorite course, and enjoy those leisurely days on the greens. For more detailed information and to view the full data set, check out the Gambling.com article here.