England Golf has revealed that more scores were submitted through the World Handicap System™ (WHS™) in 2025 than in any other year.
A remarkable 11.83 million scores were submitted through WHS™ in 2025 – a 16 percent increase on 2024 and the highest total since the system’s introduction.
Nine-hole golf saw particularly strong growth, with submissions rising 28 percent, and 18-hole scores increased by 14 percent. Meanwhile, general play continued its upward trajectory, accounting for 52 percent of all scores and growing 26 percent year-on-year.
Following the introduction of four-ball better-ball (4BBB) scores for handicapping purposes in 2024, England saw a 68 percent increase in acceptable 4BBB scores being submitted in 2025.
Female golfers submitted more than 151,000 additional scores in 2025, representing a 14 percent increase. On May 5, a Bank Holiday Monday, a record 13,200 scores were entered.
Saturday May 3 was the busiest day overall for golf in England, with 98,361 scores submitted – including 93,591 from male golfers.
Richard Flint, chief operating officer at England Golf, said the figures reflect a sport in excellent health.
“Golf really is thriving in England, and the stats are there to back it up,” said Flint.
“The growth in nine-hole scores – particularly among women, up 24 percent – shows that golf doesn’t always have to mean 18 holes. If nine holes help people enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of the game, that’s fantastic.
“Other factors for the growth would certainly include the fact that we had a dry, hot summer, so therefore more people want to get out on the course, and there’s no doubt the feel-good factor from Rory McIlroy’s grand slam win at The Masters, or Europe’s away win at The Ryder Cup, had an impact on inspiring more people to pick up a club.
“All of these factors have played a role in driving our core aim of inspiring more golfers, and we hope more will continue to catch the bug in 2026.”
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