England Golf is launching a major campaign to help even more families and young people discover the game of golf after new participation figures showed golf’s appeal widening well beyond traditional formats, with more than one in four adults in England – 12.6 million people – playing some form of golf in the last 12 months.
This figure includes 9.4 million who enjoyed crazy or mini golf, highlighting the game’s growing reach beyond traditional formats, and underlining the sport’s growing accessibility and fun-first appeal.
Alongside this, 7.3 million adults played on a nine- or 18-hole course, while 5.3 million took part in off-course formats such as visiting driving ranges, adventure golf courses, simulators and Topgolf-style venues. The data also shows golf’s staying power with 98% of recreational golfers and 96% of leisure golfers expecting to continue playing, and 59% of recreational players wanting to play more regularly. Socialising with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, health benefits and having fun remain the strongest motivations.
The figures follow the news earlier this year that junior club membership grew by 34% in 2025, climbing from 46,028 to 61,483 young golfers nationwide.
To harness this momentum, England Golf is launching Get into Golf Week on August 3-9 – a nationwide celebration designed to help families, juniors and beginners find welcoming, beginner-friendly opportunities.
Activities will run across Greater London, Birmingham, the East and West Midlands, the North West, Tyne and Wear, Suffolk, Devon and other regions, delivered by clubs, facilities, PGA professionals and community golf instructors. Sessions will include family taster sessions, women-only opportunities, junior and girls-only coaching, and activity for underrepresented communities.
Small bursaries have been made available to support delivery and local promotion, ensuring sessions remain accessible and affordable.
Former England goalkeeper and England Golf game changer Carly Telford said: “Golf is becoming more fun, more social and more accessible than ever. With so many families already enjoying crazy golf and adventure golf, Get into Golf Week is the perfect chance to take the next step and try the game in a friendly, welcoming environment.”
England Golf development & membership director Matt Draper 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.”
