New data from Sporting Insights shows golf rounds in Great Britain surged again in 2025, with record participation, busy clubhouses and strong growth across England, Scotland and Wales sustaining the post-Covid boom.
COMING hot on the heels of our own membership survey, which showed club golf to be in rude health, comes news from market research and data analytics company Sporting Insights that the number of rounds of golf played in Great Britain in the third quarter of 2025 increased by 7% compared with the same period in 2024.
Given the incredible summer weather we experienced this year, this should come as no great surprise.
Speaking from personal experience, I know that the all courses I played during the summer of 2025 were incredibly busy. This can only be great news for golf clubs the length and breadth of the country because it also meant that clubhouses were bursting at the seams as golfers enjoyed a beer or two after playing.
It continues a positive trend with both second quarter and half-year figures at record levels. Compared to 2024, rounds played in the first half of the year rose by an incredible 23%.
John Bushell, managing director of Sporting Insights, told the Golf Business: “These figures reinforce the sustained success golf is experiencing in Great Britain.
“Similar positive trends are evident internationally, including in the USA, where rounds played remain above record levels from 2024. The demand for golf and access to courses could not have been achieved without the dedication of greenkeepers, PGA professionals and hospitality teams who work tirelessly to enhance the golfing experience.”
This marks another period of sustained growth for the game.
Year-to-date figures remain incredibly positive, with the number of rounds being played increased by 15% compared to 2024.
The picture for 2025 to date is the highest average number of rounds played over the past five years and suggests that the sport is in very good health. It is highly encouraging because it shows that the boost the sport experienced post-Covid has been sustained. There had been a fear that many people either taking up the sport for the first time or returning to the game would walk away but all the available evidence suggests this has not happened.
It has helped that many golf clubs have launched special introductory offers in an attempt to entice new members. My own club, Dunston Hall Golf Club, on the outskirts of Norwich, has a special winter deal and most golfers who have taken advantage of this have gone on to become full-time members. It is all highly encouraging.
Growth was consistent across the board for the quarter, with England, Scotland and Wales all reporting increases each month. Scotland led the way, achieving double-digit growth throughout the quarter, including a remarkable 23 percent rise in August over 2024.
However, compared to previous years, 2024 showed the second lowest recorded figure over the past five years, and so it is useful to compare this year to 2022 and 2023. This shows 2025 rounds are up by 13% and 10% respectively. When compared with 2022, this means that in 2025 each club has been seeing over 10 extra rounds per course per day.
Favourable weather conditions contributed significantly, with warm, dry spells in July and August driving participation. Even September, despite being wetter than average in many areas, saw improved conditions in the south east compared to last year.
Set against the wider findings from the Golfshake survey, this latest data paints a positive picture for golf with 2026 looking to be much of the same. With rounds already at such high levels, that points towards another busy year on the tees.
Taken together, the data and the commentary suggest that while golfers may be more realistic about time and cost, their appetite for the game remains strong, and clubs should be preparing for the likelihood that 2026 will be every bit as active, if not busier, than the season we’ve just enjoyed.
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.