Staff WriterEngland Golf has teed off on a bold new chapter, unveiling its 2025-2030 strategy with all the fanfare of a major championship Sunday.
The national governing body, representing more than 1,800 clubs across the country, is setting its sights on a simple but ambitious goal: “Let’s Inspire More Golfers.”
And not just a few casual putters and pitch-n-putt pirates—England Golf wants everyone, from Sunday slicers to bunker magicians, feeling welcome on the green.
The strategy, announced with just enough corporate optimism to rival a well-holed 40-footer, revolves around four key pillars: safe, inclusive, sustainable, and inspirational.
In other words, England Golf isn’t just polishing the clubhouse windows—it’s trying to futureproof the entire game.
And it’s already seeing results. Membership is up by 8,000, hitting a healthy 730,000 across England in 2024.
Meanwhile, iGolf—the digital arm offering a Handicap Index® to non-club members—has racked up over 61,000 subscribers.
That’s not just a flash in the pan either; more than 17,400 iGolfers have gone full-commitment and joined traditional clubs since the programme launched in 2021.
If you’re looking for further proof that golf is no longer your grandad’s elbow-patched pastime, look no further than iPlay—a new tool letting golfers track their progress using an average score indicator.
Over 10,000 users have already signed up, no doubt motivated by the chance to brag with data instead of just barstool bluster.
Then there’s Respect in Golf, the initiative that’s sweeping inclusivity through the sport with the efficiency of a robotic greenkeeper.
Every club and county has now signed England Golf’s Terms of Affiliation, putting accessibility and equality at the top of the leaderboard.
Jeremy Tomlinson, England Golf’s Chief Executive and one of the game’s more articulate ambassadors, spoke with the kind of pride usually reserved for a well-played matchplay victory.
“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,” Tomlinson said.
“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.”
“It is essential that golf is relevant in today’s competitive sporting landscape… together, we can continue to build upon golf’s post-pandemic boom, promoting golf for everyone, however and wherever they wish to play.”
And England Golf isn’t just talking the talk. The governing body bagged the Sports Innovation Award at the 2024 Sports Business Awards and is a frontrunner once again in 2025, nominated for both Sport Organisation of the Year and the Wellness at Work Award at the FEVO Sport Industry Awards.
So, where does this all lead? According to England Golf, it leads to more people calling themselves “golfers.” Not fans. Not hackers. Not weekend warriors. Golfers. Full stop.
To explore the full 2025-2030 England Golf strategy—complete with mission statements, performance metrics, and enough inspiration to fill a Ryder Cup locker room—click here.
Because as England Golf makes perfectly clear, the future of the game isn’t waiting politely on the tee box. It’s already mid-swing.
