New participation figures introduced at this time [July 14] by The R&A present the sustained progress of golf around the globe.
With mixed grownup and junior knowledge launched for the primary time within the 2024 World Participation Report, there are 108 million adults and juniors enjoying golf throughout all codecs of the game in The R&A’s affiliated markets – a rise of virtually three million golfers since 2023.
The brand new analysis detailing on-course golfers (9 and 18-hole) and golfers who play different codecs – reminiscent of indoor simulator golf, journey golf and driving vary use – is predicated on data offered by nationwide federations in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Center East and Oceania; and R&A commissioned analysis.
The report, which was produced by main sports activities market analysis agency Sporting Insights, excludes the USA and Mexico which fall underneath the jurisdiction of the USGA.
The analysis figures spotlight whole grownup participation of 64.1 million – grownup golfers enjoying a number of of the numerous codecs of golf – a rise of 1.8 million since 2023.
With the addition of junior knowledge for the primary time – because of new analytical instruments in R&A affiliated markets internationally – whole junior participation is 43.9 million, with 80% of younger folks partaking with the game by way of codecs that aren’t 9 or 18-hole on-course golf.
The game continues to extend in recognition amongst on-course golfers, with 43.3 million adults and juniors enjoying 9 and 18-hole golf in 2024 – up from 42.7 million in 2023. Given the rise of non-traditional codecs of the game, extra golfers are actually enjoying different codecs than 9 or 18-hole on-course golf.
The variety of registered golfers – these members of a golf membership inside their nationwide affiliation or affiliated by way of a direct subscription – has elevated from 8.2 to eight.4 million and displays a sustained progress from 7.4 million in 2020.
Mark Darbon, Chief Government of The R&A, stated, “I’m delighted to see participation proceed to develop in our affiliated markets internationally, encompassing 148 nations. Over 100 million folks enjoying golf in some format is critical and highlights the game’s sustained attraction.
“The expansion in non-traditional codecs reminiscent of driving ranges, journey golf and simulator golf, helps drive participation amongst adults and juniors on a worldwide scale whereas on-course exercise additionally stays very talked-about.
“The hundreds of thousands of juniors having fun with the game throughout all codecs gives enormous potential for future progress. New golfer participation programmes with interesting propositions are essential for encouraging extra folks into the game, transitioning many into on-course golf and retaining them in better numbers.
“The broad attraction of golf is testomony to the endeavours of so many concerned within the business and I thank our affiliated nationwide federations and companions around the globe for his or her arduous work as we collectively develop the game.”
Asia is the main area for adults enjoying golf amongst R&A affiliated areas, with whole grownup participation of 26.2 million. Europe is second highest with 20.3 million adults and Canada subsequent greatest with 6.9 million adults. Complete junior participation is largest in Europe with 18.5 million golfers.
In The R&A’s 9 largest markets, ladies make up 31% of whole grownup participation and 25% of all 9 and 18-hole grownup golfers. Throughout different codecs – not 9 and 18-hole golf – in these key markets, ladies make up 50% of whole grownup participation.
The chance to maneuver from different codecs to on-course golf is clear in additional analysis from The R&A on pathways into golf, which reveals that 37% of on-course golfers in Canada performed various codecs earlier than they performed on a golf course, with 36% doing so in England.
The R&A is constant its dedication to take a position £200 million over ten years (2017-2026) in creating golf internationally, together with encouraging participation by way of varied initiatives such because the ‘Simply Swing’ marketing campaign launched in March and its Golf It! facility in Glasgow opened in 2023.
With The 153rd Open staged at Royal Portrush this week, The R&A’s work is featured in a brand new video launched at this time, narrated by Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt. Proceeds from The Open, golf’s authentic championship, are reinvested in rising and supporting the game on a worldwide scale, from grassroots to the elite stage.
