2025 continues to be another record-breaking year for golf in England, with four of the first six months smashing previous records for rounds recorded through the World Handicapping System, and the first half of the year seeing recorded scores up by almost 30% on the same period in 2024.
England Golf has confirmed that in the first six months of 2025, over 5.75 million scores have been entered through the World Handicap System.
While January was 11% down on the previous year, February (28%), March (85%), April (98%) and May (18%) saw significant increases in rounds played. June was slightly down (-3%) but the national governing body is well on course to surpass 2024’s record-breaking year, where over 10.2 million scores were entered.
England Golf Chief Operating Officer Richard Flint 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 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.”