remarkable 11.83 million scores were submitted through WHS in 2025 – a 16% increase on 2024 and the highest total since the system’s introduction.

Nine-hole golf saw particularly strong growth, with submissions rising 28%, and 18-hole scores increased by 14%. Meanwhile, general play continued its upward trajectory, accounting for 52% of all scores and growing 26% year-on-year.

Following the introduction of four-ball better-ball (4BBB) scores for handicapping purposes in 2024, England saw a 68% increase in acceptable 4BBB scores being submitted in 2025, which shows the education and support provided is having a real impact on the number of acceptable scores being recorded.

England Golf’s sustained focus on growing the women and girls’ game has delivered significant results.

WOMEN’S GOLF

Female golfers submitted more than 151,000 additional scores in 2025, representing a 14% increase. Bank Holiday Monday 5 May was the most popular day of the year for female participation, with 13,200 scores entered.

Meanwhile, Saturday 3 May became the busiest day overall for golf in England, with 98,361 scores submitted – including 93,591 from male golfers.

Richard Flint, Chief Operating Officer at England Golf, said the figures reflect a sport in excellent health.

“Golf really is thriving in England, and the stats are there to back it up,” said Flint. “Our commitment to inclusivity and accessibility through the Respect in Golf movement is making a real difference. All affiliated clubs and counties have embraced and implemented modern ED&I policies, ensuring the game is welcoming to all.

“The rise in WHS scores also shows the simplicity and popularity of the MyEG app, which enjoyed a record year with more than 500,000 downloads. Education around score entry has clearly improved, and shorter rated tee sets for men and women are helping more people play together on courses that suit their ability.”

THE RORY EFFECT

Flint also highlighted the growing appeal of shorter formats. “The growth in nine-hole scores – particularly among women, up 24% – shows that golf doesn’t always have to mean 18 holes. If nine holes help people enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of the game, that’s fantastic.

“Other factors for the growth would certainly include the fact that we had a dry, hot summer, so therefore more people want to get out on the course, and there’s no doubt the feel-good factor from Rory McIlroy’s grand slam win at The Masters, or Europe’s away win at The Ryder Cup, had an impact on inspiring more people to pick up a club.

“All of these factors have played a role in driving our core aim of inspiring more golfers, and we hope more will continue to catch the bug in 2026.”

The post England Golf celebrates record-breaking 2025 appeared first on Golf News.

We all strive to get to a certain number.

But have you ever wondered what percentile of the population you fall into?

We have over 780,000 golfers in England with a Handicap Index.

Just 1 in 100 golfers have a handicap below 0.4, while 18 in 100 have a handicap of 10.4 or better.

How low do you hope to go?

Check out the tables below to see where you sit…

The post Where do you sit on the Handicap Table? appeared first on Golf News.

The club, based in Crawley, was bought by Homes England in 2020 as part of plans for a 3,000-home development west of Ifield. A hybrid planning application was submitted to Horsham District Council in August.

Attracting around 6,000 unique visitors each year, the club is set to celebrate its centenary in 2027,  just one year before its land lease runs out. But the milestone is now under threat, with members fearing the doors could close instead.

Alan Covey, a member of the club and an England under-18s selector, said: “It would be a disaster. Not only for Crawley. In my mind as an England selector [for the under 18s], we’re not encouraging kids to play golf.

“I deal with the elite players in the country but I need places like this to develop kids to get to my level.

“What’s good about this place is that it’s welcoming to the kids. They don’t feel intimidated, they come along, play golf and feel relaxed. And that’s what we need as a country, places like this.”

SUGGESTED MITIGATION

The club has members ranging from just seven years old to 101. Alan also highlighted the importance of the sport for older players, calling golf in retirement “absolutely critical” for both body and mind, from the five-mile walk around the course to the simple act of socialising and having “a reason to get up in the morning.”

He added: “We’re all flabbergasted. It’s a great community and it will be very sad if that goes. I don’t know where our 500 members would go. It’s not just about a golf club,  they’re friends.”

In its application, Homes England admitted that Ifield Golf Club was not surplus to requirements but still labelled its position as “marginal.” As a result, it ruled that a like-for-like replacement would not be “proportionate or warranted.”

Instead, the developer has suggested improvements to Tilgate and Rookwood courses, in Crawley and Horsham, with the final mitigation package to be agreed with Horsham District Council, Sport England and England Golf.

But Alan was unimpressed. Rather than losing facilities, he argued the country needed “100 others just like it” to get more children into the game.

With Europe’s Ryder Cup win over the USA fresh in the memory, he noted the boost such success could give to the next generation of golfers.

Alan said: “Mitigation to me is to give similar to what we have got. Do they build another golf course as good as this? Mitigation is so wide open.

“We’ve got to have houses but not here. It would be so sad if we lost this.”

The post Concerns Grow Over Plans to Close Ifield Golf Club appeared first on Golf News.

In a dramatic final day, three of the four teams were able to win the title and around the turn of the afternoon singles, it looked as if Lancashire were going to complete a remarkable turnaround.

But Leicestershire & Rutland held their cool to not just pick up enough points, but to ensure they won all three matches.

In doing so, they also became the first Midlands county to win the title in 35 years, while amazingly due to the final-day drama, Lancashire finished 4th, with Kent 2nd and Gloucestershire 3rd. Check out the league table.

Leicestershire & Rutland Captain Richard Wale, who was one of just four players at the event to win all his singles matches, said: “There were leaderboards out there and our advisor was telling us just how close it was! We looked like we were never out of it, but right at the end there, we came good.

“It’s amazing, the lads are so excited about this. We’ve been practising and playing all season, eight games unbeaten – five league matches and three here – it’s going to be good fun tonight!

“We’ve had messages galore coming in from the lads at Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk – they all wanted us to win it as much as we did.

“Six of the lads work, with one playing golf full-time, so getting time off work and things like that, it’s a huge effort and I really appreciate it from the lads.”

Read the reports from each day of action by clicking the links below.
Day 1: Lancs and Leics shine on opening day
Day 2: Leics & Rutland in pole position to win maiden title
Day 3: Leics & Rutland land maiden County Champions title

Leicestershire & Rutland team as pictured below:
Back row: James Billingham, Will Plant, Scott Wormleighton, Luke Burrows
Front row: Martin Anderson, Richard Wale, Josh Rudkin

The post Leics & Rutland land maiden County Champions title appeared first on Golf News.

The 21-year-old first joined the England Golf set-up in 2017, declaring in her application letter that her dream would be to “become a professional golfer”.

Eight years later, through a lot of hard work and dedication, the Farnham golfer has achieved her dream.

Below is a timeline of some of Lottie’s key achievements since she has been part of the England Golf set-up, while you can find out more in detail by clicking here.

England Golf Performance Director Nigel Edwards said: “Lottie Woad has been a really special member of the England Golf Squads over the years, moving from Regional Squads through to National Girls and more recently, National Women’s squad.

“She has embraced all that has been provided, from the extensive playing opportunities to the coaching support of our national coaches and national lead practitioners. Her successes have been well-documented which have included the British Girls’ Championship, Augusta National Women’s Amateur and more recently, the Women’s Irish Open.

“Lottie has been a joy to work with and support – she has a fantastic work ethic, a desire to learn and get better, and loves the big occasion. Lottie will thrive in the professional game and I really believe that Lottie will become one of the biggest names in professional golf in the years to come.

“For our squad members who have seen Lottie train through the years, she is a complete inspiration and has shown what can be achieved if you dedicate and commit yourself to your dream – an absolutely stellar role model.”

The post Lottie Woad turns professional appeared first on Golf News.

Having won silver at the 2024 European Team Championship for Disabled Golfers in Germany, England Golf’s new England Disability Squad will get access to the same standards of elite coaching and facilities at Woodhall Spa as the other National Squads.

The Disability Team’s first squad weekend will take place in October, with a Lead Coach to be appointed soon.

England Golf Deputy Performance Director Steve Burnett said: “After two successful campaigns at the European Team Championships for Golfers with a Disability, we have taken the proactive step of introducing the England Disability Squad, with a view to providing this elite group of players with the opportunities for coaching and development afforded to our existing England Squads.

“By having this squad, we hope to inspire golfers with a disability to try and reach their potential and represent their country, where they will not only get access to the best facilities and coaching, but have the opportunity to win medals.”

England Golf Disability Manager Tom Dobson added: “Golf is a game for everyone, and we want all aspiring players with a disability to enjoy our sport in whatever capacity they wish, and to challenge themselves to be the best they can be.

“We’d like to see more players competing and signing up to be assessed for their EDGA passes, which in turn will provide greater depth and more entries for the English Open for Golfers with a Disability – a championship which has seen increased entries year on year since 2023, and the growing number of disability golf events in England.”

Qualification for the squad will conclude in early September following the European Individual Championships. View the selection policy by clicking here. For more information on disability golf, visit the EDGA website by clicking here.

The post England Golf announces new England Disability Squad for 2025/26 appeared first on Golf News.

The Oaks golfer shot rounds of 69, 65, 71 and 75 at The Berkshire Golf Club to finish on -7, adding to his 2024 English Men’s U25 Championship victory.

He said: “It’s such a great feeling to win a national competition, especially at The Berkshire. It’s such an amazing golf course and is one of my favourite events of the year.

“To be able to hold off when my game wasn’t there today and still manage to get a win, was a great achievement for myself.

“The standout shot was in the first round on the Blue Course. On the 11th hole, I had 235 yards into a slight breeze and the pin was tucked on the top shelf. I landed it on the top to six feet and rolled it in for eagle.

“I celebrated by putting my feet up and watching the PGA championship with a pizza! I’m having a day off before I prepare for the Brabazon Trophy later this week and then hopefully I’ll be playing St Andrews Links, but I’m just focusing on trying to improve my game and development.”

The post Sowden soars to win Berkshire Trophy appeared first on Golf News.

The 2025-2030 strategy will see the national governing body operate around its four key pillars which include being; safe, inclusive, sustainable, and inspirational.

With over 1800 affiliated golf clubs and facilities, England Golf aims to support and empower a thriving community of golfers to get the most out of the game.

England Golf has seen golf club membership increase by 8,000 to 730,000 in 2024, while iGolf – catering for golfers without a club to obtain a Handicap Index® – now has over 61,000 subscribers.

The growth hasn’t stopped there either, with over 17,400 iGolfers having now transitioned into club membership since its inception in 2021.

iPlay, a free functionality for golfers to track their progress with an average score indicator, has also seen over 10,000 people register.

And following the launch of the Respect in Golf movement, England Golf has seen all clubs and counties sign its Terms of Affiliation, demonstrating a commitment to making the game more inclusive and accessible to all.

ENGLAND GOLF COMMENTS

England Golf Chief Executive Jeremy Tomlinson said: “I am very proud of all the work the England Golf Board, team and stakeholders have put in to create our “Let’s Inspire More Golfers” 2025-2030 strategic plan.

“As such, I am excited and energised to share with you our fully supported England Golf 2025-2030 strategy “Let’s Inspire More Golfers!”

“The mission, purpose and strategic goals emanate from a strong foundation and learnings earned through delivering our 2021-2025 Course Planner, most definitely setting the stage for our next chapter in promoting the sport we love…golf.

“The beating heart of our new strategy is a simple yet powerful message: “Let’s Inspire More Golfers!”.

“It is essential that golf is relevant in today’s competitive sporting landscape, as such I hope you believe as we do, that together, we can continue to build upon golf’s post-pandemic boom, promoting golf for everyone, however and wherever they wish to play.

“And if we can do that successfully, then we will have the best chance of inspiring more people who participate to call themselves golfers!

“Thank you for joining the drive to Inspire More Golfers.”

England Golf won the Sports Innovation Award at the 2024 Sports Business Awards, and is once again up for two accolades at the 2025 FEVO Sport Industry Awards, with the national governing body nominated for Sport Organisation of the Year and the Wellness at Work award.

The post England Golf launches new strategy for 2025-2030 appeared first on Golf News.

England led 10.5-4.5 after Friday’s first day of play, thanks to a 3.5-1.5 win in the morning foursomes and a commanding 7-3 win in the afternoon singles.

A 3-2 win in the morning foursomes on Saturday, including a mammoth 8&7 win for Eliot Baker and Ben Bolton, saw England take a strong lead heading into the final session’s singles, where they triumphed again 6-4, to take ‘Seve’s hands’ back to England.

Their star performer was Matilde Santilli, who in her first England Women’s appearance, won 3.5 out of 4 points available to her. Check out all the results from the matches by clicking here.

MANAGER QUOTES

England Golf Men’s Performance Manager Ben Gorvett said: “We’re really pleased to come away with the win, our 17th win out of the 20 occasions we’ve played this fixture.

We always pride ourselves on bringing a strong team to play Spain and this match is always played in the right spirit, but also with true competitiveness.

“Both the men and women won their respective genders which is always pleasing to see and we’re very proud of this young but quality team we’ve assembled, with several players making their full senior caps.

It was very pleasing how the players handled themselves on the back-nine and how they kept their composure on the final day, despite being exhausted due to the heat and physical terrain.

“It’s a very proud occasion for all players and staff and it’s something that will be remembered for a very long time. We’re pleased we can bring ‘Seve’s hands’ back to England for another two years before we compete again on home soil.

“It’s been a fantastic start to both the male and female programmes this year, where we’ve had a number of individual and team wins, and England U16s beating Spain too.

We’re looking forward to competing on the European stage in the coming months and seeing more individual success over the coming months.

“This early season success wouldn’t have been possible without the great support of our coaches and support staff, particularly Rob Watts and Steve Robinson who have done a fantastic job in keeping the guys motivated and focused to earn another tremendous victory.”

The post England storm to victory over Spain to win ‘Seve’s hands’ appeared first on Golf News.

The 22-year-old, who won the West of England Open Match Play in September, fired -19 in Portugal to secure his finest win to date, as he finished three shots clear of Czech Republic’s Louis Klein and four ahead of fellow England teammate Daniel Hayes, who finished 3rd.

The Devon golfer revealed: “I was feeling some nerves before I teed off in the final round, but once I got the first hole out of the way, I was mostly comfortable.

And when I was stood on the 18th tee with a three-shot lead, I was pretty sure I could see it out from there!”

His standout moment from the week included a monstrous 75-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole during the second round, in which Baker admitted:

“That boosted my confidence and felt like a big momentum shift for the rest of the tournament.

“It’s definitely my biggest win to date and I’ll be celebrating by having a few drinks with my family when I get home.

I’m sure the trophy will make its way onto the mantelpiece too!”

With a busy calendar of events ahead in 2025, the Tiverton Golf Club member has set his sights on more glory.

He added: “It’s a proud achievement to win this tournament with so many talented players from around Europe.

I hope I can keep giving myself opportunities to win golf tournaments throughout the year, and hopefully I can close out a few more.

“I just want to keep improving my overall game and push forward, and hopefully the results will come.”

NATIONS CUP

Elsewhere, England’s Ben Brown finished tied-13th, while a further nine England youngsters made the cut to finish among the top-42 players. Check out the final leaderboard here.

The tournament also had a team element to it, with England winning the Nations Cup over the first three rounds, thanks to Andrew Haswell, Ben Brown and Tom Osborne.

The trio helped England finish on -22, five shots ahead of Italy II, and seven ahead of Czech Republic, the Netherlands and Wales.

The post Baker bags Portuguese Championship title appeared first on Golf News.