The first tee on the Bracken course at Woodhall Spa
From the buzz of the iGolf final to England Golf’s campaign for more women in the game, my day at Woodhall Spa showed that golf isn’t just a sport, it’s a community.
Golf can feel a bit mysterious if you’re new to it. The quiet fairways, the traditions – it can all seem a bit intimidating. I spent a day at Woodhall Spa for England Golf’s iGolf final, surrounded by golfers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, and I quickly realised something important: golf really is for everyone.
I was lucky enough to be invited to play a round on the Bracken course, following the last group of the 2025 mixed iGolf final. The final competition was the culmination of the ‘Race to Woodhall Spa’. An open competition for independent golfers, people who don’t belong to a traditional golf club but still want to play seriously, with a proper Handicap Index. That’s where iGolf comes in – it’s England Golf’s digital platform for players who want flexibility. It’s golf on your terms, and more than 100,000 people are already signed up.
Walking into Woodhall Spa that afternoon, the clubhouse was alive with chatter, and the buzz was amazing. Golfers had travelled from all over the country to take part, after triumphing in their regional qualifiers. Some were experienced, some less so, but everyone had one thing in common: they loved the game. The atmosphere was friendly, supportive, and full of excitement.
And then there was the course itself. The Bracken looked incredible. The fairways were in fantastic condition, the greens rolled beautifully, and some of the bunkers could swallow you whole if you weren’t careful! Standing on the first tee and hearing players being introduced over loudspeaker was a real highlight. Imagine being an amateur golfer and suddenly feeling like you’re on TV at a professional event. It gave the day a real sense of occasion.
But this wasn’t just about one competition. England Golf used the event to highlight something bigger: their brand-new campaign called “It’s Your Game.” The idea is simple – to encourage more women into golf and give them the confidence to share their own stories. Whether you’re brand new to the sport, a returning player, or someone curious about picking up a club for the first time, “It’s Your Game” is about showing how golf can fit into your life, however busy or unusual your schedule might be.
One of the campaign’s first ambassadors is former Lioness goalkeeper Carly Telford. After retiring from football, she wanted something that kept her active, gave her focus, and most importantly, was enjoyable. Golf ticked every box. Using iGolf, she’s been able to track her progress, build confidence, and enjoy the freedom to play when and where she wants. Her story shows how golf doesn’t have to be about pressure or tradition, it can simply be about having fun, challenging yourself, and finding balance.
That message came through clearly at Woodhall Spa. Watching the players, chatting to people, and then playing my own round on the Bracken, I realised how much golf brings people together. Nobody cared if you shot a birdie or a double bogey. What mattered was being there, taking part, and enjoying the game in your own way.
And that’s what “It’s Your Game” is all about. There’s no one way to play golf anymore. You don’t have to be a club member, you don’t have to play every week, and you don’t have to aim for perfection. You just need to give it a go.
So, if you’ve ever thought golf isn’t for you, maybe it’s time to think again. It could be a weekend hobby, a way to spend more time outdoors, or even a chance to meet new people. For me, Woodhall Spa showed that golf isn’t about being the best player on the course – it’s about enjoying yourself, at your own pace.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just golf. It’s your game.
Find out more about England Golf’s initiative here.
About the author
Deputy Digital Editor. Social media geek. Single figure player (most days).
After a career in a golf professional shop, and earning a qualification in golf club management, Sarah joined Bauer in 2014 as a Web Producer for Today’s Golfer. She has since worked across multiple brands in a mixture of digital marketing and paid media roles, before returning to focus on golf full-time as Deputy Digital Editor in 2024.
She has been playing golf for over 25 years, and has been a part of multiple club and county teams. She is currently a member of England Golf’s iGolf Club, allowing her to experience many different courses whilst maintaining her 5 handicap.
