A March bonanza capped off a strong quarter for rounds played in Great Britain. 41% growth in March against 2024 is positive, but more important is decisive growth in March against the booming post-lockdown years of 2022 and 2023. In fact, March’s average rounds were the highest since 2012.
Weather no doubt played its part, with March 2025 recording drier, warmer, and sunnier conditions than average. 2024, although warmer than average, was also substantially wetter and gloomier.
In total, it left the 2025 quarter average up 18% against 2024, and effectively level with 2022 and 2023. If last year’s relatively weak Q1 prompted fears of a drop off, then a strong first quarter, on the heels of the recovery of the second half of 2024, suggests that those strong years of 2022 and 2023 may indeed represent a sort of “new normal”. Excepting 2022 (which was fractionally higher), the Q1 average was the highest since 2012.
John Bushell, managing director of Sporting Insights, reflected: “I’m so pleased for all those golf courses and clubs who I know have worked so hard to deliver the best possible playing conditions and membership and visitor welcome over the last few years. Clubs have successfully battled recent winters and springs that were wetter than the long term averages and are being rewarded in course usage. Participation has remained strong, and golf continues to be in a great spot. Golf delivers great physical, social and mental health benefits, and I’m delighted that more and more people are finding life-long value and joy in the sport. Hopefully the weather cooperates for a glorious golfing summer.”
Since 2000, Sporting Insights has tracked rounds played at commercial golf courses across mainland Great Britain. For more information or to purchase the full report, contact us today.
