The R&A targets 22 million new golfers around the world through new strategy

On the back of a current participation boom in the game, the St Andrews-based governing body has unveiled a new five-year global strategy aiming to open golf to millions more people around the world.

The new strategy aims to see The R&A achieve three goals: unite through governance of the sport, inspire through outstanding championships and lead by shaping golf’s future with our partners

In addition to aiming to attract a huge number of additional golfers and create an enormous social value through the sport, it is also intending to generate more than £1.5 billion in economic benefit through its championships.

The strategy has been introduced against the backdrop of continued global participation growth in 2025, with research soon to be published by The R&A showing that 112.2 million adults and juniors are now playing golf in all its forms worldwide outside of the USA and Mexico.

‘Golf is in a strong position’

This represents an increase of 4.2 million golfers year-on-year, underlining the sport’s growing appeal and providing a strong platform for long-term development.

The research also shows that 65 million adults are now playing golf, up 1 million on 2024, while 47.1 million juniors are participating in the sport, an increase of 3.2 million in just one year.

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

“Our task now is to convert this momentum into long-term growth by reaching more people, creating greater impact and ensuring golf continues to grow in every part of the world.”