Golf Ireland, the body that runs amateur golf on the island of Ireland, has reported its largest membership since its inception.
It states that, by the end of October, affiliated membership figures (effectively the number of people who are members of golf clubs in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland) had reached 236,384.
This is a rise from 182,000 in 2020, an increase of 30 percent. The female cohort also now stands at 20 percent of the overall figure.
In the last year alone, membership has grown by eight percent overall, while junior membership has jumped 25 percent in that same period.
“Golf in Ireland is in a very strong place. Club membership is growing and sustainable, participation is growing and more people than ever are experiencing the game for the first time through initiatives like Get into Golf and iGolf. Our goal has always been to make golf more open and welcoming, and the progress we’ve made this year shows this approach is working,” said Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly.
Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Patrick O’Donovan, was at Gaelscoil O Doghair in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick on Monday for a Golf Ireland taster session. He is pictured alongside Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly (right) and Munster Golf in the Community Officer, Robert Cussen, along with a teacher and pupils from the school. Photo: Inpho Sports / Tom O’Hanlon
“The findings from our economic impact report underline the scale of golf’s contribution to Irish life. This is not just in sporting terms, but as a driver of tourism, jobs and local investment. With a value of over €700 million to the economy, golf is one of Ireland’s great assets, and we have a responsibility to nurture it for the future.
“This has been another outstanding year on the course. We’ve hosted world-class championships, seen Irish teams, professionals and amateurs perform with distinction, and continued to build pathways across every level and ability in the sport. The strength of Irish golf is rooted in the depth and dedication of our clubs and volunteers.
“From the year that’s been, it would be remiss of me not to highlight one achievement, that of Rory McIlroy, and his sensational win in Augusta which sees him go down in history as one of only six players to claim a Grand Slam.
“As we look ahead, our focus remains clear, we want to grow participation, support our clubs, and ensure the game is sustainable and inclusive for the long term. With major events returning to our shores and participation continuing to rise, we are very optimistic about the future of Irish golf.”
