How Many Women Play Golf?

Date Published: 12/09/2025

In recent years, women’s golf has experienced significant growth both on and off the course. 

With increased visibility in professional tournaments, more inclusive initiatives, and changing perceptions around the sport, the number of women playing golf continues to rise across the UK and globally. 

But how many women actually play golf today—and what’s driving this surge in participation?

The increasing number of women in golf

According to figures from The R&A’s 2024 Participation Report, women and girls now make up around 20% of all adult golfers in Great Britain and Ireland. While this percentage has remained consistent, the raw number of women golfers has shown steady year-on-year growth.

There are now around 1.46 million female players across different levels of the game. This includes club members, independent golfers, and those who play recreationally without formal affiliation.

More encouragingly, female participation among beginners and juniors is accelerating. In fact, one in three new golfers in the UK is now female—a shift driven by accessible programmes such as Girls Golf Rocks, supported by England Golf and The Golf Foundation.

Globally, The R&A reports that over 36 million women play golf, with notable growth in the United States, South Korea, and Japan. This highlights a worldwide trend toward greater female engagement with the sport.

What’s Driving the Increase?

Several factors are behind the rise in women taking up golf:

• Increased Visibility of Women’s Golf
  Coverage of events such as the AIG Women’s Open, Solheim Cup, and Ladies European Tour has raised the profile of professional women golfers. Role models like Georgia Hall, Charley Hull, and Leona Maguire are inspiring the next generation of players.
• More Inclusive Initiatives
  Campaigns such as the Women in Golf Charter, led by The R&A, encourage clubs and organisations to create more welcoming environments. Flexible membership options, women-only coaching sessions, and mixed-gender competitions are helping to break down traditional barriers.
• Lifestyle and Health Benefits
  Golf offers not only physical exercise but also social connection and mental wellbeing. Many women are discovering the game as a low-impact, outdoor activity that can be enjoyed at any age.
• Independent Golfers
  More women are also engaging with the sport as independent golfers who play without being tied to a club membership. Platforms like iGolf make it simple for female players to maintain a handicap, track progress, and play competitively at their own pace.

Independent Golfers

An increasing number of women are also engaging with the sport as independent golfers who play without being tied to a club membership. Platforms like iGolf make it easier than ever for female players to maintain a handicap, track progress, and play competitively at their own pace.

For just £46 per year, iGolf provides a digital route into the game that suits busy lifestyles and offers flexibility for women who may not want to commit to full club membership. This modern approach supports the continued growth of female participation by removing long-standing entry barriers.

Whether you’re new to golf or returning after a break, iGolf offers a supportive, flexible way to engage with the sport. Sign up today and be part of the positive change in women’s golf.