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Two of the biggest pandemic beneficiaries are none other than Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) and Acushnet Holdings (NYSE: GOLF).

Consider these statistics…

More than 24.8 million people played golf in the U.S. in 2020 – which represents the largest year-over-year net increase in 17 years (which makes sense, as people sought out socially distanced outdoor activities during the pandemic – and golf led that charge).

The average number of rounds played by golfers hit all-time highs – driven by younger golfers and especially female players.

Golf equipment companies are seeing substantial growth in sales. Acushnet – which owns golf brands like Titleist and FootJoy – said second quarter net sales in the U.S. grew 117.1%, fueled by a 98.1% increase in Titleist golf ball sales and a 111% increase in Titleist golf clubs. Over the first half of its fiscal 2021, sales in the U.S. have been up 75.2%. Callaway Golf, which offers several golf equipment and apparel brands, just raised its financial outlook for its third quarter as well as for the entirety of 2021.

Why the popularity boom?

Aside from the pandemic benefit, golf is innovating in ways to attract new players.

The Ryder Cup this past weekend makes golf spectatorship fun. Who doesn’t want to see their favorite golfers enjoying a beer with fans between holes?

Golf broadcasting has innovated as well, with events like The Match – pairing NFL quarterbacks with golf tour pros. These events take place in amazing locations (like Big Sky, Montana), put cameras everywhere and show them all to the viewers.

Golf is also an easy and fun recreational activity beyond an 18-hole course – with sport and entertainment venues like Topgolf making it easier for parties of more than four to all have fun playing together.

Action Plan: As the demographics of golf change, there are really only two pure investment plays to capitalize on this trend: Acushnet Holdings and Callaway Golf. Golfers continue to flock to courses – and Callaway owns 14% of Topgolf and its 70 locations worldwide. So both stocks represent buys at current levels.