Golf is booming in England as 12.6 million adults now play the game

Golf is enjoying a major surge in popularity, with new figures this week revealing 12.6 million adults in England played some form of golf in the last 12 months.

The latest figures show that more than one in four adults are now engaging with the sport, highlighting how golf’s appeal has expanded beyond traditional club membership and 18-hole courses.

From crazy golf and adventure golf to driving ranges, simulators and entertainment venues, millions of people are discovering the game in new and accessible ways.

With the excitement surrounding The Open and the upcoming AIG Women’s Open, England Golf is aiming to build on this momentum with the launch of Get into Golf Week, a nationwide campaign encouraging more families, young people and beginners to experience the sport.

Running from 3-9 August, the campaign will see clubs, facilities, PGA professionals and Community Golf Instructors host beginner-friendly activities designed to showcase golf as a fun, social and inclusive activity.

Golf reaches millions through new formats

The latest participation figures highlight the changing landscape of golf in England.

Of the 12.6 million adults who played golf over the last year:

• 9.4 million enjoyed formats such as crazy golf and mini golf
• 7.3 million played on traditional 9- or 18-hole courses
• 5.3 million took part in off-course activities including driving ranges, simulators and adventure golf

The research also shows golf’s long-term appeal, with 98% of recreational golfers and 96% of leisure golfers expecting to continue playing.

Socialising with friends and family, spending time outdoors, improving health and simply having fun remain among the biggest reasons people are choosing to play.

Junior golf growth provides further boost

The latest figures follow another positive milestone for English golf, with junior club membership rising by 34% in 2025.

Membership among young golfers increased from 46,028 to 61,483, highlighting growing interest among children and families.

England Golf believes initiatives that make the sport more welcoming and accessible are helping create a new generation of players.

Get Into Golf Week to welcome new players

The Get into Golf Week campaign will feature events across England, including Greater London, Birmingham, the East and West Midlands, the North West, Tyne and Wear, Suffolk and Devon.

Activities will include family taster sessions, women-only opportunities, junior coaching, girls-only sessions and events aimed at encouraging participation from underrepresented communities.

England Golf has also provided small bursaries to support clubs with delivery and promotion, helping ensure activities remain affordable and accessible.

The campaign will be supported by social media, radio and television activity featuring England Golf Game Changers, including former England goalkeeper Carly Telford.

Telford believes golf’s growing appeal reflects how the sport is becoming more social and accessible, with Get into Golf Week providing a perfect opportunity for families already enjoying formats such as crazy golf and adventure golf to take their first step into the wider game.

England Golf Development & Membership Director Matt Draper added that the combination of rising participation, increasing junior membership and the visibility created by major championships makes this an ideal time to introduce more people to golf.

Golfers could win luxury cruise holiday

To celebrate the campaign, England Golf’s Official Cruise Partner Ambassador Cruise Line is offering participants the chance to win a five-night Dutch & Belgian Delights sailing for two.

The prize includes a twin ocean view cabin aboard Ambassador’s flagship Ambience, with the competition open to those taking part in Get into Golf activities during August.

The cruise departs from London Tilbury on 26 July 2027, visiting destinations including Bruges and Amsterdam.

ENTER THE COMPETITION HERE

With participation rising, junior golf thriving and more people discovering the sport through different formats, England Golf believes golf is entering an exciting new era.

Whether it begins with crazy golf, a visit to the driving range or a first round on the course, the message is clear: golf is becoming more accessible than ever, and more people are finding a way to enjoy the game.