Staff WriterIf you thought golf was just for grey-haired gents in plus fours and Pringle sweaters, think again. England Golf is teeing up for its annual Get Into Golf Week (24–31 May), and new research reveals that nearly 9 in 10 Britons (87%) still believe the game is the preserve of the over-40s.
That dusty old stereotype is being taken to the woodshed – and one mother from Devon is leading the charge.
Lanie Bayliss didn’t exactly set out to smash perceptions and shift paradigms. She just wanted to try something new—something for herself—after undergoing surgery in 2017 to remove a borderline serous tumour and her left ovary. What she found on the driving range wasn’t just a hobby; it was healing.
“After my surgery, I made a promise to myself to embrace activities I’d always wanted to try without letting my body hold me back,” says Lanie.
“Golf was something I’d never seriously attempted, and it’s become unexpectedly therapeutic in my recovery journey.”
Lanie’s story is at the heart of the Get Into Golf initiative, which aims to make the sport as accessible as a Sunday stroll.
It’s about as far from elitist clubhouse exclusivity as you can get. Think fresh air, mindfulness, and that feeling when you absolutely stripe one down the fairway—without the pressure of carding a score.
As part of the campaign, Lanie signed up for a five-week course at Topsham Golf Academy, led by PGA professionals.
Weekend sessions made it possible to juggle a job and a four-year-old, and more importantly, gave her space to breathe.
“I couldn’t attend weekday sessions due to work and childcare commitments, so I opted for Saturday sessions while my husband cared for our son,” she explains.
“The five-week timeframe was perfect for learning the fundamentals while balancing my responsibilities.”
And here’s the kicker—it’s not just about hitting balls. “There’s something incredibly calming and restorative about focusing on your swing and watching the ball soar,” Lanie says.
“It’s become a form of mindfulness that connects my physical and mental wellbeing.”
Despite the pastoral joy that is golf, the sport is still viewed by many as out of reach. England Golf’s research shows cost is the biggest barrier (38%), with 11% citing access issues and 4% clinging to the idea that golf is still a “manly” sport.
But there’s hope yet. Forty percent of respondents expressed interest in trying golf for social meetups, 24% see it as a good form of exercise, and 19% believe it could help with stress relief.
And make no mistake—Britons are dabbling. Sixty-five percent have tried crazy golf, 51% mini golf, and 41% have taken a stab at pitch and putt.
A dedicated 13% would even travel over 21 miles to play a round. That’s not just interest—it’s potential.
Ben White, spokesperson for England Golf, says clubs across the country are stepping up to the tee.
“From family-friendly taster events to women-focused coaching sessions, our clubs and facilities are actively working to make golf more accessible to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.
Get Into Golf Week is just one example of how we’re opening doors to new players and showing them that this sport truly is for all.”
The research also sheds light on what would make golf clubs more welcoming. Nearly half (46%) favour family days, 41% back school partnerships, and 33% want events specifically designed for women.
And if you’re wondering what golf could offer you beyond a sore shoulder and the odd lost ball, consider this: 63% of respondents say golf helps them spend more time outdoors, 46% link it to better overall health, and 39% value the social side.
For Lanie, golf has become a family affair. She sometimes practices her short game in the garden, with her son watching on. “I want to set an example for my son that health challenges don’t define what you can achieve,” she says. “Whether it’s golf or any other activity, I hope he sees that the options are limitless.”
Since relocating to Devon in 2021, Lanie has taken to the outdoors like a duck to a water hazard. But golf holds a special place in her heart—a passion partly sparked by an interview she once conducted with professional golfer Gemma Dryburgh for SOCIALight, a magazine she founded to champion women in sport.
As Ben White puts it: “Stories like Lanie’s perfectly illustrate why we organise Get Into Golf Week.
Golf offers benefits that extend far beyond the physical—it can be genuinely therapeutic and life-changing for many people.”
So, whether you’re looking to destress, get moving, or just try something different, maybe it’s time to grab a 7-iron and give golf a go. You might just discover more than a game.
Find your swing at a Get Into Golf Week event near you:
📅 24–31 May 2025
🖱️ getintogolf.co.uk/getintogolfweek
📍Or check in with your local club.
After all, golf isn’t just for the over-40s. It’s for the underdogs, the dreamers, the comeback kids—and yes, the weekend warriors too.
