Alistair Dunsmuir

In Great Britain and Ireland, membership of golf clubs dropped to a low of just over a million in 2019. That figure now stands at 1.35 million – the highest it’s been since 2010, according to new R&A figures.

One of the oldest golf clubs in England is to have its clubhouse demolished and housing will be built where it currently resides.  

The Belfry has unveiled a dramatic redesign of its Derby golf course, transforming it into a heathland layout with 60 new white sand bunkers, raised tees and three signature holes – completing a trio of distinct experiences alongside the Brabazon and PGA National.

A neuroscientist says new research shows the abdominal muscle movements involved in swinging a golf club drive cerebrospinal fluid flow in the brain, which, mixed with walking, could potentially protect against dementia.

A Dubai-based company, which recently acquired Old Thorns and Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has now taken on Breadsall Priory, St Pierre and Tudor Park in a major industry deal.

Prince’s Golf Club has unveiled The Laddie, a new championship composite course drawing the best holes from its three nines, named in honour of celebrated amateur golfer and RAF pilot P B “Laddie” Lucas.

The Mount Golf & Country Club has unveiled a premium four-court padel facility as part of a £500,000 investment, alongside £150,000 in drainage and £200,000 in changing facilities, as the Wolverhampton club pushes to become a leading Midlands leisure destination.

The 18-hole golf course at Gatton Manor Hotel & Country Club in Surrey is to permanently close after nearly six decades of uninterrupted play.

A comprehensive new report from The R&A has set out the strongest case yet for golf as a health-enhancing activity, citing evidence that golfers live on average five years longer than non-golfers and that the sport can help prevent and treat more than 40 major chronic diseases.

A new 12-hole golf venue featuring a driving range, padel and pickleball courts and modern hospitality with eco-cabin stays is to open in the South Downs this June.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has announced that Claire Dowling will serve as captain in 2026/27, the first time a woman has been appointed to the role since the club was founded in 1754.

Masters champion Ian Woosnam, Solheim Cup star Charley Hull and Walker Cup player Charlie Forster have officially opened the new Basingstoke Golf Club, marking the culmination of the club’s £20 million redevelopment.

A Russian oilman’s attempt to acquire a Lake District golf club sitting beside the only rail link to Britain’s nuclear submarine shipyard and Sellafield waste site has fallen apart following government intervention and questions from the Financial Times.

Ormskirk golfer Andrew Haswell won the Welsh Men’s Open Stroke Play Championship at Pyle & Kenfig — after a car smashed into his car, with him behind the wheel, outside the clubhouse.

Royal Lytham & St Annes has been named as the host of the 156th Open, to be played from July 30 to August 6, 2028. It will be the 12th time the Lancashire club has hosted the competition.

London Golf Club has appointed the former general manager of Walton Heath Golf Club, Josh Moses, as its new director of operations.

Helping schoolgirls across Cardiff into golf, along with developing their leadership potential, has brought Whitchurch (Cardiff) Golf Club the Wales Golf Women and Girls Project of the Year Award.

Vandals on motorbikes have devastated the greens at Dartmouth Golf Club, leaving the historic 120-year-old course in West Bromwich unusable. The club is now calling on Sandwell Council for urgent security measures to save the playing season.

Toptracer, the official range technology of The Home of Golf, has announced that the exclusive Old Course Reversed competition will return to its partner ranges around the globe from April 16 – May 17.

Cabot Highlands has confirmed that Old Petty, its acclaimed new Tom Doak-designed course, will officially open to the public on May 15, following a successful preview play period in late summer 2025.

Kinross Golf Courses has launched a major investment programme featuring £600k in new machinery, a GPS-enabled buggy fleet and a sensitive bunker restoration. The project honours designer Sir David Montgomery while elevating the player experience.

Alan Holcroft has been appointed the new general manager of Canterbury Golf Club in Kent, home to a Harry Colt classic course located just outside the cathedral city.

Lahinch Golf Club in Ireland saw its green fee income alone soar to £3.65 million in the last year, while it now has more than £10 million in cash reserves.

Manchester-based travel group Sports Tours International has completed the acquisition of European golf travel operator, Golfbreaks.

Golf Ireland has extended its congratulations to Rory McIlroy following a sensational back-to-back victory at the Masters in Augusta.