Golf clubs across Wales are already seeing the ripple effect of the AIG Women’s Open‘s staging at Royal Porthcawl later this month thanks to this year’s Steps Challenge, especially among women and girls as excitement builds towards the final major championship of the women’s season.
Figures released today [July 25] reveal the success of the 2025 Steps Challenge, an initiative launched by Wales Golf with the support of The R&A to celebrate the AIG Women’s Open, the largest women’s sporting event ever held in Wales, and drive grassroots engagement with the sport.
The initiative encouraged players of all ages and abilities to get active and engage with the sport, using the imminent arrival of world-class talent on Welsh soil as a powerful source of inspiration.
During this year’s Steps Challenge, a total of 92,370 rounds of golf were played across participating Welsh clubs, marking an 8% increase from the 85,602 rounds recorded during the same period last year. Notably, rounds played by girls rose by 22%, while rounds played by women grew from 8,874 to 9,712, representing a 9% rise.
The Steps Challenge invited clubs to host inclusive, fun competitions throughout July, with each round contributing to a collective step count in celebration of golf’s health and community benefits.
On average, golfers who play 9 holes will take around 5,000 steps, while those playing 18 holes will walk close to 10,000 steps, meaning a staggering 876,235,000 steps were taken by Welsh golfers throughout July, enough to walk around the world more than 17 times.
Not only did participants enjoy the spirit of competition and community on the course, but they also reaped the many health benefits of golf. These include the treatment and prevention of over 40 major chronic diseases, improved strength and balance in older adults, and better cholesterol, body composition, and metabolism. The social benefits are equally compelling, 80% of golfers report being happier with their social life, compared to 60% of the general population, and regular golfers are statistically less likely to experience loneliness.
Theo Baker, Head of Participation at Wales Golf, said, “Golf courses across Wales were buzzing with energy this July. It’s clear the AIG Women’s Open is already inspiring more people, especially women and girls, to get out and play. We’re thrilled to see this growth in participation. Every new player, every extra round, is a sign that the championship is helping golf become more accessible, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve.”
Kevin Barker, Director – Golf Development, GB&I and Africa at The R&A, added: “The AIG Women’s Open is a celebration of elite competition, but its legacy must live beyond the final putt. The Steps Challenge proves that major events don’t just entertain; they can shift perceptions, create lasting impact, and welcome new faces to our sport.”
Cottrell Park outside Cardiff was the golf club which had the most steps. Club PGA Professional Gareth Bennett said: “We’re delighted to see so many members playing golf at the club. The club is in a fantastic place with a thriving junior section, a popular women’s beginner program and members that just love playing here.”
This year marks the first time the AIG Women’s Open is hosted in Wales, with Royal Porthcawl set to welcome the world’s best golfers from 30 July – 3 August. The championship serves as a flagship for The R&A’s ongoing commitment to growing women’s and girls’ golf, delivering lasting change and showcasing golf’s potential as a sport for all.