Golf is continuing to broaden its appeal across England, with new participation figures revealing that more than one in four adults – an estimated 12.6 million people – have played some form of golf during the past 12 months.
The latest data highlights the sport's growing popularity across both traditional and modern formats. While 7.3 million adults played on a 9- or 18-hole golf course, an even larger audience is engaging with golf in more accessible ways. Around 9.4 million people enjoyed crazy or mini golf, underlining the game's increasing appeal as a fun, social activity, while 5.3 million took part in off-course experiences such as driving ranges, adventure golf, simulators and Topgolf-style venues.
The figures also point to golf's impressive ability to retain participants. An overwhelming 98% of recreational golfers and 96% of leisure golfers expect to continue playing, with nearly six in ten recreational golfers (59%) saying they would like to play more often. Spending time with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, improving health and wellbeing, and simply having fun remain the key reasons people are drawn to the game.
The participation data builds on another encouraging milestone announced earlier this year, when junior club membership increased by 34% during 2025, rising from 46,028 to 61,483 young golfers nationwide. Looking to build on that momentum, England Golf will stage Get into Golf Week from 3-9 August, a nationwide initiative aimed at helping families, juniors and complete beginners experience golf in welcoming, beginner-friendly environments.
Clubs, facilities, PGA Professionals and Community Golf Instructors across Greater London, Birmingham, the East and West Midlands, the North West, Tyne and Wear, Suffolk, Devon and many other regions will host a wide range of activities. These include family taster sessions, women-only opportunities, junior and girls-only coaching, and activities designed specifically for underrepresented communities. Small bursaries have also been made available to support local delivery and promotion, helping keep sessions accessible and affordable. The campaign will be supported by paid social media, radio and television advertising featuring England Golf's Game Changers, showcasing the sport's modern, inclusive image.
Former England goalkeeper and England Golf Game Changer Carly Telford believes the changing face of the sport is creating more opportunities than ever before.
"Golf is becoming more fun, more social and more accessible than ever. With so many families already enjoying crazy golf and adventure golf, Get into Golf Week is the perfect chance to take the next step and try the game in a friendly, welcoming environment."
England Golf Development & Membership Director Matt Draper said the latest figures demonstrate the sport's strong foundations and significant potential for further growth.
"Our new data shows that millions of people are already engaging with golf in different ways, and junior membership is rising fast. With the excitement of The Open and the AIG Women's Open inspiring the nation, this summer is a brilliant moment to help more families discover how enjoyable and inclusive golf is."
