R&A Highlights Golf’s Expanding Reach With Participation Crossing 100 Million Mark

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R&A Highlights Golf’s Expanding Reach With Participation Crossing 100 Million Mark

Originally posted on DailyClubGolf | By Sneha Abraham | Last updated Apr 22, 2026 2:22 PM ET

Golf has reached a number few expected this quickly. The R&A released new figures showing that 112.2 million adults and juniors are now playing golf worldwide outside the U.S. and Mexico. That is an increase of 4.2 million in just one year.

With that growth in the background, the governing body has launched a new five-year global plan to take that number even higher.

The plan is built around The R&A’s goal of “Opening Golf to the World,” with three main focuses: unite, inspire, and lead.

R&A Chief Executive Mark Darbon said: “Golf is in a strong position, and these new figures show that participation continues to boom around the world, especially among younger audiences.”

He added that their task now is to turn this momentum into long-term growth by reaching more people and expanding the game worldwide.

Over the next five years, The R&A wants to attract 22 million additional golfers, create more than £25 billion in social value, and generate over £1.5 billion in economic benefit through its championships alone.

Out of the 112.2 million players, 65 million are adults, which is 1 million more than in 2024. Junior golf grew faster, increasing by 3.2 million in one year to 47.1 million.

Golf outside the course is also growing fast. Now, 68.3 million adults and juniors take part through driving ranges, simulators, and adventure golf.

Keeping players is the real issue Darbon pointed to.

Mark Darbon’s Warning: Why the Golf Boom Means Nothing Without This

The R&A is now chasing bigger reach, with a goal of five billion fan interactions across events, TV, and digital platforms linked to The Open, the AIG Women’s Open, and top amateur events. It plans to support that with more than 200 strategic partnerships.

But Darbon warned it is not just about growing the numbers. With growth comes responsibility.

“We have a responsibility to uphold the values and traditions that make golf special, while ensuring the sport continues to evolve and connect with modern audiences,” he added.

This article first appeared on DailyClubGolf and was syndicated with permission.

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