Downward trend in golf participation slowing

The downward trend in the number of people who play golf regularly is slowing, according to Sport England’s Active People Survey.

The Active People Survey (APS), which tracks the numbers playing sport in England, showed that figures for once-a-week golfers rose steadily from April 2014 to a high of over one million in July and August.

Overall 730,300 people, aged 16-plus, played golf at least once a week – for a session lasting over 30 minutes - during the year. That’s a reduction of less than three per cent on the figure for October 2013. By contrast, the drop in participation in the previous year was almost 12%.

The figures for the 26-plus age group are even more encouraging. They fell by just 1.1% to 691,900 in the year to the end of October; compared again to almost 12% in the previous year.

The report shows that numbers of regular players are growing in the 55-plus age group; that participation in the 45-54 age group has stabilised, after a steep drop; and there are also indications that club membership is increasing.

Sandy Jones, chief executive of The PGA, commented: "In recognising that the APS shows that there is still much to be done to increase the participation rates within the game of golf, we should take heart from the fact that the initiatives that have been put in place within the game are having an effect in arresting further decline in numbers.

“England Golf and The PGA along with many other partners are committed to returning the game to positive growth.

“There can be no doubt that golf now offers more opportunities and better value to all participants than it ever has and this should be reflected in an upward trend across the game in the year ahead."

Initiatives including the Get into Golf campaign have inspired adults to take up or return to golf and offers great value coaching with PGA Professionals. Get into Golf have over 400 facilities offering opportunities for beginners, improvers and returners to the game.

Meanwhile the England Golf Partnership’s network of County Golf Partnerships last year encouraged thousands of people to take up opportunities to learn and to play the game, according to England Golf Research.

In the six months to September 2014 over 24,000 took part in structured activity (59% increase) and more than 13,700 people became regular, once a week players (83% increase).

“The Active People Survey offers some encouraging news,” said England Golf chief executive David Joy.

“There is much still to do to achieve the growth that we all want to see, but it is very heartening to see indications that the downward trend in participation is slowing.

“This will provide great encouragement to those who care about the game and who are working so hard at club, county and national level to increase participation and club membership.

“We have made real progress in the past 12 months in better understanding the challenges, putting the right plans in place and encouraging everyone to work together to develop and promote the game.”

For more information on the Active People Survey results for individual sports click here

To read about the Active People Survey click here