The latest participation figures released by The R&A reveal there are over 100 million players in the governing body’s affiliated markets
There is no sign of the golf participation boom ending any time soon.
New figures released by The R&A show the sustained growth of the sport globally – and the numbers are just staggering.
Combining adult and junior data for the first time, the 2024 Global Participation Report says there are 108 million people playing golf across all formats in the governing body’s affiliated markets.
That’s an increase of almost three million golfers since 2023.
The research, which details on-course golfers – those who play 9 and 18-hole golf – as well as those who take part in indoor simulator golf, adventure golf and use driving ranges, is based on information provided by national federations in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania; and R&A commissioned research.
The report excludes the USA and Mexico as these fall under the jurisdiction of the USGA.
Total adult participation stands at 64.1 million – up 1.8 million from two years ago. Total junior participation is 43.9 million.
Interestingly, 80 per cent of young people engage with the sport through formats that are not 9 or 18-hole on course golf.
But that form of the game remains in a very good place. Some 43.3 million adults and juniors played 9 or 18 holes in 2024 – up from 42.7 million the year before.
The number of registered golfers, members of a club or affiliated with their national association through a subscription, increased from 8.2 to 8.4 million.
That’s a million more than in 2020 when the world was in the grip of the Covid pandemic.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive of The R&A, said: “I am delighted to see participation continue to grow in our affiliated markets across the world, encompassing 148 countries. Over 100 million people playing golf in some format is significant and highlights the sport’s sustained appeal.
“The growth in non-traditional formats such as driving ranges, adventure golf and simulator golf, is helping drive participation among adults and juniors on a global scale while on-course activity also remains very popular.
“The millions of juniors enjoying the sport across all formats offers huge potential for future growth. New golfer participation programmes with appealing propositions are important for encouraging more people into the sport, transitioning many into on-course golf and retaining them in greater numbers.
“The broad appeal of golf is testament to the endeavours of so many involved in the industry and I thank our affiliated national federations and partners around the world for their hard work as we collectively grow the sport.”
What are the biggest regions for golf?
Asia is the leading region for adults playing golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult participation of 26.2 million.
Europe is second highest with 20.3 million adults and Canada next best with 6.9 million adults. Total junior participation is largest in Europe with 18.5 million golfers.
In The R&A’s nine biggest markets, women make up 31% of total adult participation and 25% of all 9 and 18-hole adult golfers.
Across other formats – not 9 and 18-hole golf – in those key markets, women make up 50% of total adult participation.
And the importance of providing pathways into the sport is clearly demonstrated in the research, which shows that 37% of on-course golfers in Canada and 36% in England played alternative formats before moving onto a golf course.
The R&A is currently investing £200 million over ten years in developing golf across the world, including encouraging participation through various initiatives such as the ‘Just Swing’ campaign launched in March and its Golf It! facility in Glasgow opened in 2023.
Main picture courtesy of The R&A
