Golf Ireland has published its 2025 Year in Review, revealing the organisation’s strongest year since its formation, with record membership, soaring participation, major progress in sustainability, and remarkable competitive success from junior to elite level. The publication coincides with The Open’s triumphant return to Royal Portrush, which drew record crowds and generated more than £280 million for Northern Ireland.
Membership across Ireland reached 236,384 by the end of October — the highest in Golf Ireland’s history and a 30% rise since 2020. Junior membership jumped 25%, while women now make up 20% of all members, marking sustained progress in broadening the game’s demographic profile.
The second pillar of this growth is iGolf, the independent golfer subscription launched in late 2024. With more than 4,900 subscribers, iGolfers have already played over 30,000 rounds, generating €1.4 million in green-fee revenue for clubs. More than 240 participants have since taken up full club membership, confirming the scheme’s role as an effective pathway into the sport.
2025 also marked a decisive shift in climate action under the Drive the Green strategy. A total of 103 clubs are now enrolled in Golf Ireland’s sustainability leaders’ programme, while 34 courses underwent biodiversity mapping with support from leading ecologist Alan Lauder. A new pesticide-use monitoring portal was launched in partnership with the Association of Turfgrass Professionals Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, and the solar PV system installed at Golf Ireland’s headquarters now delivers 49% of its annual energy use.
Schools and communities were another major focus. More than 3,200 children took part in the six-week Unleash Your Drive programme, while Golf in the Community Officers delivered taster sessions in 190 schools, meaning 20,000 young people will have tried golf by year-end. The Road to The Open campaign brought the Claret Jug to 23 clubs and eight community venues, engaging over 3,200 people nationwide.
Volunteers also received unprecedented support with the launch of Golf Ireland’s first Volunteer Framework, providing training, recognition, resources and development pathways for more than 400 volunteers performing 750 roles across the island.
Economically, the publication of the Golf Ireland Economic Impact Report underscored the sport’s national importance, contributing €717 million in GVA, supporting 15,600 jobs, and generating €703 million in consumer spending. Golf also delivered €277.6 million in tax revenue, strengthening the case for continued public investment in facilities, programmes and major events.
On the course, the performances were equally historic. Rory McIlroy completed the career Grand Slam at Augusta and later helped Europe secure a rare away Ryder Cup win. Tom McKibbin broke through in Hong Kong, while nine emerging professionals progressed through the Golf Ireland Professional Scheme. Irish amateur teams claimed European and Home Internationals titles, and disability golf saw further growth with travel bursaries, new capital grants and multiple international medals.
Women’s golf experienced another transformative year under the LevelPar banner, with 40,158 female members, 5,141 girls, a 59% Get into Golf conversion rate, and a record 175 clubs achieving Gold Standard under the Women in Golf Charter. The inaugural Drive On leadership programme supported 17 women stepping into governance and management roles.
Looking ahead to 2026, Ireland will host the Walker Cup at Lahinch, the Arnold Palmer Cup at Tralee, the Home Internationals, the European Ladies’ Team Championship and the KPMG Women’s Irish Open. Golf Ireland will also launch its second Strategic Plan as anticipation builds toward the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor.
Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly said the year reflected “a game in its strongest position in a generation” and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to participation, sustainability, club support and future pathways.
Over the course of the next week we will publish a series of features expanding on the stories and the initiatives that have led to the success of 2025. They are stories worth telling.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Golf
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