More than one in four adults in England – 12.6 million people – played some form of golf in the last 12 months, according to fresh participation figures from England Golf.
The highest figure for one format was the 9.4 million people who played crazy or mini golf, highlighting the game’s reach well beyond traditional formats. In addition, 7.3 million adults played at least one round on a nine- or 18-hole course, while 5.3 million took part in at least one off-course format, such as a driving range, adventure golf, simulators and / or a Topgolf-style venue.
The data also points to strong retention: 98 percent of recreational golfers and 96 percent of leisure golfers expect to keep playing, with 59 percent of recreational players wanting to play more regularly. Socialising, being outdoors, health benefits and simple fun remain the strongest motivations cited.
The figures follow news earlier this year that junior club membership grew by 34 percent in 2025, rising from 46,028 to 61,483 young golfers nationwide.
To build on this momentum, England Golf is launching Get into Golf Week from 3-9 August, with family taster sessions, women-only opportunities, junior and girls-only coaching, and activity for underrepresented communities running across regions including Greater London, Birmingham, the Midlands, the North West, Tyne and Wear, Suffolk and Devon.
Matt Draper, England Golf’s Development & Membership Director, said: “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.”
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