The R&A has introduced new world participation figures that present that there are ten million extra golfers are taking part in the sport worldwide now than they had been 2016.
In response to new analysis undertaken by the governing physique, there are actually 39.6 million golfers – those that have performed golf on each 9 and 18-hole programs in R&A affiliated markets, which incorporates, amongst others, the UK, Europe, Canada, Japan and the Republic of Korea.
The analysis figures point out that the expansion pattern started earlier than the onset of Covid and continued through the pandemic – up 34% from 29.6 million on-course golfers in 2016. The game has since continued to extend in reputation post-pandemic, up 15% from 34.5 million on-course gamers in 2020.
The information is offered in a brand new World Golf Participation Report, which, for the primary time, collectively measures The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Center East and Oceania.The report additionally highlights that 61 million adults (exterior the USA and Mexico) have interaction with the game in some format, which is the primary time an estimate has been made past on-course exercise to incorporate alternative-only codecs, equivalent to par-3 golf, indoor simulator golf and driving vary use.
Phil Anderton, Chief Improvement Officer at The R&A, mentioned, “Golf’s reputation has surged in recent times, which is mirrored in a notable enhance within the variety of individuals taking part in the game in each conventional on-course and various codecs.It’s vital that ten million extra golfers are taking part in on the course since 2016, however it’s also vital that hundreds of thousands of others are engaged in golf by means of many different various codecs, equivalent to driving ranges, that are so very important to the expansion of the game.
“It additionally underlines why efficient and impactful participation programmes are vital for encouraging extra individuals into the game and retaining them in higher numbers. We’re working carefully with our affiliated nationwide federations and stakeholders inside golf to maintain this momentum. We thank them for his or her efforts as we goal to make sure that golf is flourishing for years to return.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR COUNTRIES FOR GOLF OUTSIDE OF THE US?
The highest 5 on-course grownup golfer markets general in 2023 are in Japan (8.1m), Canada (5.6m), Republic of Korea (5.4m, England (3.4m) and Germany (2.1m). Asia is the main area for individuals participating with golf amongst R&A affiliated areas, with whole grownup engagement of twenty-two.5m. Europe is subsequent highest with 21.1m.
Girls make up nearly 1 / 4 of grownup registered golfers in R&A affiliated markets worldwide, demonstrating the optimistic affect of initiatives centered on selling higher range and inclusivity in golf.
View The R&A’s World Golf Participation Report right here.
