Despite a subdued start to the year for rounds played in Great Britain, underlying indicators remain strong.
The number of golf rounds played per course across Great Britain saw a year-on-year decline in the opening quarter of 2026, down -14.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
However, this softer start must be viewed in context. 2025 was a record-breaking year for rounds played* setting an exceptionally high benchmark for comparison. Against a more typical baseline, performance remains resilient: Q1 2026 rounds were slightly up versus 2024, underlining the continued strength of underlying demand.
March performance, in particular, provides encouragement for the season ahead. While below the exceptional levels seen in 2025, March 2026 still ranks as the second strongest March of the past five years, reinforcing the view that participation remains robust.
The early months of the year are often shaped by weather conditions, with participation beyond core/avid golfers typically ramping up from March, coinciding with the start of the traditional golf season and key calendar moments such as The Masters. Increasingly, however, golfers are engaging with the sport 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.
Looking ahead, March is widely considered a strong indicator of in-season performance, provided weather conditions remain favourable. Participation levels also remain good, with golfer numbers continuing to build on growth seen in 2025, suggesting there is a solid base to sustain rounds played through the peak months.
“2025 was a record year for rounds played, so some drop off was not unexpected, especially given long spells of wet weather,” noted John Bushell, Managing Director of Sporting Insights. “The March figures in particular are solid, and we look forward to viewing the half year data when that is gathered next month.”
Further clarity on the trajectory of 2026 will emerge with Q2 data, due to be collected and analysed in July.
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 at a quarterly cost of £400+VAT, contact us today.
* All records are comparable back to 2005.
For more information, contact John Bushell.
