With the school summer holidays having begun and the recent excitement around The Open and upcoming AIG Women’s Open, England Golf is launching a major campaign to help even more families and young people discover the game.
Fresh participation figures show 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 9- or 18-hole course, while 5.3 million took part in off-course formats such as driving ranges, adventure golf, simulators and Topgolf-style venues.
The data also shows golf’s staying power: 98% of recreational golfers and 96% of leisure golfers expect to continue playing, with 59% of recreational players wanting to play more regularly. Socialising with friends and family, enjoying the outdoors, health benefits, and simple 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.
Get into Golf Week: 3–9 August
To harness this momentum, England Golf is launching Get into Golf Week from 3-9 August, 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
- Activity for underrepresented communities
Small bursaries have been made available to support delivery and local promotion, ensuring sessions remain accessible and affordable. Find out more about the activities by you by clicking here.
The campaign will be backed by paid social media, radio and TV activity, featuring England Golf Game Changers as positive, relatable spokespeople who champion golf’s inclusive, modern appeal.
Carly Telford, former England goalkeeper and England Golf Game Changer, 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.”
Win a cruise with Ambassador Cruise Line
Throughout August, England Golf’s Official Cruise Partner, Ambassador Cruise Line, is offering a national competition: a chance to win a five-night Dutch & Belgian Delights sailing for two, including a twin ocean view cabin aboard their flagship, Ambience. The prize aims to reward new and returning golfers who take part in Get into Golf activity this summer.
Departing London Tilbury on 26 July 2027, the five-night cruise offers the perfect opportunity to ‘Get into Cruising’, complementing England Golf’s call to Get into Golf. Guests will discover the historic charm of Bruges and the vibrant culture of Amsterdam, while enjoying Ambassador’s Warmest Welcome At Sea.
Designed as an ideal introduction to cruising, the voyage combines memorable destinations with outstanding hospitality, comfort and value. Enter the competition by clicking here.
The competition will run from Monday 3 August 2026 to Monday 31 August 2026. Terms and conditions apply.