It’s shaping up to be an incredible year – if the first six months of scores submitted into the WHS platform are any guide
The records keep being broken in England this year.
Following a 2024 which saw the highest number of scores ever entered into the World Handicap System, the first six months of this year are smashing all previous figures.
England Golf have revealed that from January to June, more than 5.75 million scores have been entered into the WHS platform. That’s an increase of 29% compared to the same period in 2024.
Cold weather and frosts meant January was 11% down on the previous year. But it’s been almost an inexorable rise ever since. February was 28% up, March was 85% up, April rose by 98% and May increased by 18%.
The numbers in June were 3% down on 2024, but the governing body said it was well on course to surpass last year’s totals, where over 10.2 million scores were recorded.
Richard Flint, England Golf Chief Operating Officer, said: “Certainly the warmer weather this year has played a key role in more people getting out and playing more golf, but there are other important factors at play which are helping us to increase participation.
“Golf is appealing to a wider range of people, and the work we are doing with initiatives across junior golf, women’s golf and also iGolf – catering for independent golfers who aren’t members of a golf club – are providing a host of opportunities for people to track their progress.
“Furthermore, our Respect in Golf movement, is growing from strength to strength, with all affiliated clubs and counties committed to welcoming people of all backgrounds and abilities, and organisations showing their commitment by pushing the message that golf is a game for all to enjoy.”
Picture courtesy of Leaderboard Photography
