Data collected shows that 2025 set a new record for the number of rounds played in Great Britain, underlining that golf continues to grow and remains as popular as ever.
Research conducted by Sporting Insights points to a 14% increase in rounds played compared with 2024, pushing the year-end total to its highest level since comparable records began in 2005.
Even more striking is that this rise in participation was felt nationwide, with every region recording its strongest figures for the fourth consecutive year.
John Bushell, Managing Director at Sporting Insights, commented:
“This is obviously extremely good news for the golf industry. Our sport has never been more visible, more accessible, or more popular, and huge credit should go to everyone involved.”
Golf Rounds Played Reach All Time High
Nationwide Growth Across Every Region
The increase in golf participation was not isolated to one area. Every region across Great Britain recorded new peak figures, continuing a four-year trend of consistent growth.
This widespread rise reinforces the idea that golf is no longer a niche or regional pastime but a truly national sport with broad appeal.
The Impact of Weather on Golf Participation
A Helpful Tailwind Rather Than the Whole Story
Some golfing skeptics will argue that kinder weather is the main driver behind the elevated figures and to a degree they have a point. 2025 was warmer, sunnier, and slightly drier than average across the year, despite the occasional intense downpour and storm that swept the country.
While researchers acknowledge this influence, the elements alone do not explain golf’s sustained success in recent seasons.
Technology Driving Golf Accessibility and Growth
New Entry Points to the Game
One of the key factors highlighted by Sporting Insights is the role technology is playing in improving access to golf in Great Britain and beyond.
New entry points to the game, along with enhanced practice facilities, are offering a wider range of venues for both newcomers and seasoned players to sharpen their skills.
Simulators, Shot Tracking, and Modern Practice Facilities
Simulator venues and shot-tracking equipped driving ranges, for instance, provide golfers of all abilities with richer feedback and deeper insight into their games.
These developments are also reshaping how and where golf is played, with many players turning to alternative ways to enjoy golf when traditional course access is limited.
These modern formats are also attracting a different demographic. Younger golfers and those drawn to a more social, indoor experience are embracing the growing menu of golfing alternatives.
Year Round Golf and Global Participation
Overcoming Weather Barriers Worldwide
At the same time, regular players who once struggled to play year-round due to weather limitations are spending more time swinging clubs.
Scandinavian, northern European, and Canadian markets, traditionally restricted by long winters, now have fresh outlets for their golfing fix. This added opportunity is feeding into the sport’s expanding global participation.
Together, these forms of golf are encouraging both new and repeat involvement. Crucially, this enthusiasm appears to be translating into more rounds of traditional golf, as reflected in the Rounds Played data from Sporting Insights.
Industry Support for All Forms of Golf
More Golf, More Often, in More Places
Bushell is firmly supportive of all expressions of the game, adding:
“We in the industry know well the many benefits and joys of golf, from fresh air to time with friends and family, the challenge, the competition, the decades-long hunt to lower that handicap, or simply the excitement and fulfilment of a perfectly struck shot.
“That more golf is being experienced at clubs, on courses, and elsewhere is a wonderful thing.”
Adaptation, Accessibility, and a Winning Formula
The expansion of golf, powered by technological progress, is an encouraging sign for the sport. At a time when many sports are being forced to rethink how they engage participants, golf’s ability to adapt while preserving its core appeal has been put to the test and in 2025, it passed with flying colours.
Greater participation in the game we all love is something to celebrate. Improved access for new players and the ability to stay involved year-round, whatever the weather, only strengthens golf’s position as a sport that continues to entertain and thrive.
Still, a few extra sunny days on the course would not go amiss.
Related: Ramside Hall Unveils New Short-Game Facility in Bid to Become North East’s No.1 Golf Resort
Key Details: Record Golf Rounds Played in Great Britain in 2025
- 2025 marked the highest number of golf rounds played in Great Britain since records began in 2005, according to Sporting Insights.
- Golf participation increased by 14 percent year on year, with every region setting new best figures.
- Improved accessibility, technology driven formats, and year round playing opportunities continue to support growth across the golf industry.
