Bob MacIntyre boosts golf club membership in Scotland as boys' figure soars

The total playing membership at clubs in the home of golf last year rose by just over 11,000 to 220,210, marking the biggest growth for four years since an upturn following the Covid pandemic.

According to the figures released by Scottish Golf, adult male and adult female totals rose by 2.9 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively while the number of junior girls with a playing membership went up 2.9 per cent.

But, on the back clearly of MacIntyre coming close to winning a major last year before breaking into the world’s top ten for the first time, it’s the figure for junior boys that has made the big difference. It has jumped by 28.2 per cent thanks to a staggering rise of 6,075 players.

“The new membership figures are the product of so many good things happening around the country supported by our day-to-day work with clubs, areas and counties,” said Scottish Golf CEO Robbie Clyde.

"We know that there is still a lot of work to do to drive membership into clubs in some areas, but there is a real buzz around the game.

"I speak for everyone who works for and with Scottish Golf when I say that we will not take our foot off the pedal in driving continued growth.

“Going into 2026 on the back of so much positivity gives me and everyone at Scottish Golf the incentive to push on with our plans.

“Clubs and facilities, the places where golf is enjoyed, are at the heart of community life in Scotland, and we will continue to back them with support, guidance and funding.”