Steps Challenge sees boost in rounds played by women and girls ahead of Royal Porthcawl debut
The excitement surrounding the AIG Women’s Open is already having a noticeable impact in Wales, as new data reveals a surge in women and girls getting out on the course in the lead-up to the championship’s debut at Royal Porthcawl.
Steps Challenge Drives Grassroots Growth
Wales Golf’s 2025 Steps Challenge—run in partnership with The R&A—was launched to mark the arrival of the major tournament and encourage more people to take up the game. It’s now clear the initiative struck a chord. Over 92,000 rounds of golf were played in July across participating Welsh clubs, an 8% rise on last year. Rounds played by girls jumped by 22%, while those played by women grew by 9%.
A National Step Count—and Health Boost
Held throughout July, the Steps Challenge invited clubs to host inclusive competitions where each round played contributed to a collective step count. On average, a 9-hole round covers around 5,000 steps, while 18 holes equates to about 10,000—bringing the national total to over 876 million steps taken during the month. That’s enough to walk around the world more than 17 times.
Beyond numbers, the initiative highlights golf’s physical and mental health benefits—from reducing the risk of chronic diseases to boosting wellbeing and social connection. Golfers are more likely to report satisfaction with their social lives, and regular play has been linked to lower levels of loneliness.
Community Impact and Local Stories
“Golf courses across Wales were buzzing with energy this July,” said Theo Baker, Head of Participation at Wales Golf. “It’s clear the AIG Women’s Open is already inspiring more women and girls to take up the game. Every new player and every extra round signals real progress toward making golf more inclusive and representative of our communities.”
Kevin Barker of The R&A added, “Major events like the AIG Women’s Open don’t just entertain—they create opportunities to grow the game. The Steps Challenge is proof that elite competition can inspire change at the grassroots level.”
One standout club was Cottrell Park near Cardiff, which topped the step count. PGA professional Gareth Bennett said the club has seen rising participation across the board, with a thriving junior section and strong uptake in beginner sessions for women.
A Milestone Year for Welsh Golf
This year marks the first time the AIG Women’s Open is being held in Wales. Royal Porthcawl will host the championship from July 30 to August 3, welcoming the world’s top players and offering a powerful showcase for the future of the women’s game.
Learn more about the Steps Challenge at walesgolf.org/the-steps-challenge.
