Rounds played across Great Britain declined over the first quarter of 2026, but researchers say the figures must be “viewed in context”
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
The number of rounds played on golf courses across Great Britain fell year-on-year in the opening quarter of 2026.
The figures were down 14.5% compared to the same period in 2025 in what was described as a “subdued start to the year” by researchers Sporting Insights.
But the company said this “softer start must be viewed in context” – with 2025 having been a record-breaking year and setting “an exceptionally high benchmark for comparison”.
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For the last 26 years, Sporting Insights has tracked rounds played at commercial golf courses across mainland Great Britain and, looking at 2026 rounds against 2024, they revealed the latest figures were slightly up – showing that “performance remains resilient” and “underlining the continued strength of the underlying demand”.
“March performance, in particular, provides encouragement for the season ahead,” they said. “While below the exceptional levels seen in 2025, March 2026 still ranks as the second strongest March of the past five years.”
With weather often shaping participation stats, particularly in the early part of the year, Sporting Insights said the good levels suggested “there is a solid base to sustain rounds played through the peak months”.
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“2025 was a record year for rounds played, so some drop off was not unexpected, especially given long spells of wet weather,” said John Bushell, Sporting Insights Managing Director.
“The March figures in particular are solid, and we look forward to viewing the half year data when that is gathered next month.”
Sporting Insights also noted that golfers played year-round “through alternative formats, including indoor simulator venues and technology-enabled driving ranges, helping to mitigate the impact of poorer weather on other areas of the golf ecosystem”.
This article is part of GCMA Insights – topical content for golf industry professionals, discussing the things that matter to those who work in golf clubs.
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