Record year for golf participation in England
England Golf has confirmed that 2025 was another landmark year for the game across the country, with participation and scoring reaching record levels. The organisation revealed that more scores than ever before were submitted through the World Handicap System during the year. A total of 11.83 million scores were recorded, representing a 16 percent increase on 2024. It is the highest annual total since the system was introduced. The figures underline the continued strength of golf participation nationwide. They also highlight growing engagement across multiple formats of the game.
England Golf says the numbers reflect a sport that continues to appeal to a wide and diverse audience. Participation levels remained strong throughout the season. Players embraced a variety of playing formats across clubs and independent golf. Digital tools and education initiatives supported accurate score submission. The organisation believes accessibility has been a key driver of growth. The overall picture points to a healthy and evolving game.
World Handicap System reaches new heights
The World Handicap System continued to play a central role in England’s golfing activity during 2025. Submissions through WHS rose to their highest level since its launch. Both nine hole and 18 hole formats saw significant growth across the year. Nine hole score submissions increased by 28 percent. Traditional 18 hole scores also grew by 14 percent. These figures demonstrate how golfers are embracing flexibility in how they play.
General play scoring also saw a notable rise during the year. More than half of all scores submitted came from general play rounds. That category accounted for 52 percent of total submissions. Year on year growth for general play reached 26 percent. England Golf believes this reflects changing attitudes towards informal competition. Golfers are increasingly confident entering scores outside formal competitions.
Four ball scoring growth shows education impact
Four ball better ball scoring also experienced significant growth during the year. Acceptable 4BBB scores increased by 68 percent compared to 2024. The format was only introduced for handicapping purposes the previous year. England Golf credits improved education and guidance for the sharp rise. Clubs and players have become more confident in submitting eligible scores. This has helped ensure handicap accuracy across team formats.
The growth highlights the success of England Golf’s support programme. Clear communication around acceptable scoring formats has been widely adopted. Players now better understand how team golf fits within the handicapping system. The result has been greater participation in social and competitive four ball golf. It has also encouraged more inclusive playing opportunities. England Golf views this as a positive long term development.
Digital pathways continue to expand
England Golf’s digital participation platforms also delivered exceptional growth during 2025. iGolf, which supports independent golfers, surpassed 72,800 subscribers. Nearly 40,000 new registrations were recorded during the year. That represented a 33 percent increase compared to 2024. Female sign ups increased by 34 percent. The platform continues to attract players seeking flexibility outside traditional club membership.
iPlay also experienced strong growth throughout the year. Designed for beginners and infrequent players, the platform grew by 61 percent. Registrations exceeded 10,400 by the end of 2025. England Golf views iPlay as a key entry point into the sport. It allows new golfers to engage at their own pace. The pathway has proven effective in retaining interest.
Clear progression from iPlay to club membership
The progression pathway between iPlay, iGolf and club membership has delivered measurable success. More than 2,000 iPlay users moved on to iGolf since launch. Over 24,000 iGolf subscribers progressed into club membership overall. Of those, 9,600 made the move during 2025 alone. England Golf says this demonstrates the strength of its participation model. Players are finding routes that suit their individual needs. The system allows golfers to progress as far as they wish.
Claire Hodgson, Head of iGolf and iPlay, said the figures clearly show the pathway is working. “Since launch, more than 2,000 iPlay users have progressed to iGolf, and over 24,000 iGolf subscribers have moved into club membership,” she said. Hodgson highlighted that there is now a platform for everyone to begin their golfing journey. She added that players can progress at their own pace. The approach has helped remove traditional barriers. It continues to widen access to the sport.
Strong growth in women and girls’ participation
England Golf’s long term focus on growing the women and girls’ game produced strong results in 2025. Female golfers submitted more than 151,000 additional scores during the year. That represented a 14 percent increase compared to 2024. Participation peaked on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May. On that day alone, 13,200 scores were entered by female golfers. The figures highlight increasing confidence and engagement across the women’s game.
Nine hole golf proved particularly popular among female players. England Golf reported a 24 percent rise in nine hole scores from women. The shorter format continues to attract those balancing time and lifestyle commitments. It also encourages new players to remain involved. England Golf believes this flexibility is vital to sustaining growth. The data suggests women are embracing formats that fit their needs.
Busiest days underline nationwide engagement
The scale of participation was further highlighted by record breaking daily totals. Saturday 3 May became the busiest day for golf in England during 2025. On that day, 98,361 scores were submitted nationwide. Male golfers accounted for 93,591 of those scores. The figures demonstrate the sheer volume of golfers engaging with the sport. They also reflect favourable conditions and high seasonal interest.
Richard Flint, Chief Operating Officer at England Golf, said the numbers point to a sport in excellent health. “Golf really is thriving in England, and the stats are there to back it up,” he said. Flint highlighted the impact of inclusive policies across clubs and counties. He noted the importance of the Respect in Golf movement. Together, these initiatives are helping ensure the game is welcoming to all.
Technology and inspiration drive continued growth
Flint also pointed to the role of technology in supporting participation growth. The MyEG app recorded more than 500,000 downloads during a record year. Education around score entry has improved significantly. Shorter rated tee sets have allowed more players to compete together. These changes have helped simplify the playing experience. England Golf believes ease of use is central to continued growth.
External factors also played a part during the season. A dry and hot summer encouraged more people onto courses. Flint noted the feel good factor created by Rory McIlroy completing a grand slam at The Masters. He also referenced Europe’s away victory at the Ryder Cup as a source of inspiration. Together, these moments helped drive interest and enthusiasm. England Golf hopes even more players will catch the golfing bug in 2026.
