May was a record-breaking month for scores submitted for handicapping, iGolf subscriptions, and iPlay sign-ups according to new figures released by England Golf.
More than 1.59million scores were submitted across England for handicapping in May, the highest number ever recorded – beating the 1.57million scores submitted in August 2024 and an 18% increase on May 2024. From January to May, there has been a 45% increase on scores submitted compared to last year.
iGolf, the scheme set up to cater for independent golfers, saw 5,686 people subscribe, up from last month’s record-breaking number of 5,221. iPlay, a free-to-use functionality within the MyEG app, has seen 1,284 sign-ups, beating the 1,182 in April.
England Golf chief operating officer Richard Flint said: “The figures so far this year have been tremendous and show that our game is thriving. With our new 2025-2030 strategy being launched just last month, a key focus for us is inspiring more people to take up the game, and the fact that more people are signing up to iPlay and iGolf, and that more scores are being entered for handicapping purposes, is testament to the great work the team is doing.
“April’s records perhaps could have been attributed to the great weather and the Rory McIlroy factor after his amazing grand slam achievement, but it seems the feel-good factor around the game has continued to inspire plenty more in May.
“The hard work won’t stop there. At England Golf, we are committed to driving inclusivity and accessibility within the game, and we want as many people as possible to pick up a club, whether that’s at a driving range or a crazy golf course, because it’s clear that so many pick up the bug and don’t want to stop. The pathway is there for anyone and everyone. iPlay is there to support beginners and those playing who aren’t yet ready for a handicap, iGolf is there for people ready to obtain a handicap or for those who can’t justify a club membership, and then of course, we have more than 1,735 clubs around the country which cater for a whole host of people wanting to be a member of a club and play regularly.”
