In 2024, England Golf experienced a record-breaking year with the most scores ever submitted via the World Handicap System (WHS™) in a single calendar year. A total of 10,213,894 scores were submitted, which was a significant increase of 811,712 scores compared to the previous year, showing an overall increase of 8.63%. This surge in submissions included 754,009 more scores from male players, representing an 8.93% increase, and 57,703 more scores from female players, showing a 5.98% increase.
One notable trend observed in 2024 was the growing popularity of 9-hole golf, with an impressive 17.89% increase in the number of 9-hole scores submitted. This shift towards shorter forms of the game is reflected in the increased engagement with general play scores, which allow players to submit their scores at any time, as long as the golf club tee markers are switched on. A total of 539,428 more general play scores were submitted in 2024, showing a 13.67% increase from the previous year.
England Golf’s Chief Operating Officer, Richard Flint, attributed the rising participation numbers to the organization’s focus on inclusion and accessibility. The MyEG app, which caters to all levels of golfers, has played a key role in encouraging more people to take up the game and track their progress. The significant increase in 9-hole scores submitted indicates a growing interest in shorter formats of golf, which can better fit into players’ busy lifestyles.
In addition to the increase in 9-hole scores, 2024 also saw a rise in competition scores, with 272,284 more scores entered, equating to a 4.99% increase. Furthermore, there were 669,669 more 18-hole scores submitted in 2024, showing a 7.78% increase from the previous year. This overall growth in scores submitted indicates a positive trend towards increased participation and engagement with the game of golf.
Flint emphasized the importance of embracing different forms of golf, whether it be playing 18 holes, 9 holes, or even adventure golf with friends and family. The MyEG app serves as a versatile platform for players to track their progress across various types of golf experiences. By encouraging more individuals to try out the game and providing tools to monitor their development, England Golf aims to make the sport more accessible to a broader audience.
The success of England Golf in 2024 highlights the organization’s commitment to driving participation and growth within the golfing community. Through initiatives focused on inclusion, accessibility, and the promotion of diverse forms of the game, England Golf has been able to capture the interest of a wider audience. The increasing number of scores submitted via the WHS™ and the MyEG app is a testament to the positive impact of these efforts in nurturing a vibrant and engaged golfing community.
