Golf is experiencing steady growth across southeastern Europe, propelled by expanding regional networks, new international tournaments, and increasing participation among women and juniors. Once considered outside the region's mainstream sporting culture, the sport is gaining traction through grassroots initiatives and coordinated efforts by national federations.
According to statistics from The R&A’s Global Golf Participation Report in 2025, registered golfer numbers are on the rise in the region. Croatia recorded a 5% increase in registered golfers—comprising both club members and direct national federation subscribers—from 2024, while Bulgaria saw a 3% growth rate.
At the grassroots level, cross-border collaboration was highlighted by the launch of the inaugural Balkan Women's Open in early April at Bucharest Golf Club in Romania.
Seth Underwood, General Secretary of the Bulgarian Golf Association, conceived the idea for the event after attending a presentation on the Balkans Junior Tour at the European Golf Association's AGM last November. Savina Pesheva of the Bulgarian Golf Association spearheaded the organization of the tournament, which brought together 66 players from four countries competing across three divisions (A, B, and C).
"It went well and everyone enjoyed it. In the first year to have that number of players was amazing," Pesheva said. "We had an opening dinner and it was a mixture of all the countries. Everyone was swapping phones, exchanging details and inviting each other to different championships. It was communication like we were all one country."
Underwood credited Pesheva with bringing the concept to fruition and emphasized the event's underlying social focus.
"Our target is 90 to 100 women playing next year," Underwood said. "Next year will be hosted in Sofia, 2028 will be in Belgrade and then 2029 we will be in Zagreb. I just had the idea for the championship but Savina made this happen. She is the driving force behind it all. It's not just about the golf. It's about the camaraderie. It's about meeting people from different countries."
Hugo Mills, Director Golf Development – Europe, Canada & Latin America at The R&A, noted the significance of these regional developments.
"It is pleasing to read these success stories as golf in the Balkans continues to blossom," Mills said. "Working with national federations is so important to our development work and championships like the inaugural Balkan Women's Open highlight the interest and desire to play golf. With The R&A unveiling a new five-year global strategy earlier this year aiming to open golf to millions more people, our research underlines the sport’s growing appeal and provides a strong platform for long-term development."
The expanding participation base includes players of all ages, illustrated by 75-year-old Draga Cherecheanu from Bucharest. Cherecheanu took up the sport at age 64 after visiting a driving range while traveling in Canada.
"Up until I was 64 I never thought about golf," Cherecheanu said. "When I turned 64 I made a visit to Canada with some friends. One of them plays golf and he invited me to the driving range. He gave me a basket of balls and a club and said to me, 'look at me and (do it) yourself'."
Upon returning home, she began practicing on a local nine-hole course before entering competitions hosted by the Bulgarian Golf Association.
"After one year I saw a notice that the Bulgarian Golf Association had the President’s Cup. I wrote to them, paid the fee and went along," she said. "The people understood I was a beginner but I still got a point. From then up until now I have played in all the Bulgarian Association President's Cup."
Despite taking a break for back surgery three years ago, she returned to the sport within six months, citing its health benefits.
"Golf is great for health, not just physical but mental," Cherecheanu said. "I find that when I am about to play, instead of thinking about everything, my mind is empty. I think this is very important."
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Draga Cherecheanu Balkan Women's Open competitor |
Underwood noted her regular involvement in regional events. "Her energy is amazing," Underwood said. "For everything we host, Draga is one of the first to register. She is incredible. Here in the Balkans, it's like one big family. For the last ten years she has met so many people from different countries and in this game you make friendships for life."
Alongside rising participation, the region is seeing developments at the competitive level. Seventeen-year-old Yordan Yanakiev became the first Bulgarian golfer to compete on the DP World Tour when he entered the Turkish Airlines Open in April.
Four years prior to his tour debut, Yanakiev won the Eastern European and Middle East Trophy at The R&A Junior Open.
"It's a massive honour to represent Bulgaria, being the first to ever do it," Yanakiev said ahead of his debut. "I definitely have high expectations for myself. I hope my fellow Bulgarians also have high expectations for me."
Source: The R&A
