England Golf data reveals promising trends in female participation and age shifts
England Golf has released its 2024 participation statistics, and while men still make up the majority of players, women are increasingly claiming their space on the course — and doing so at younger ages.
The average age of female golf club members in England dropped notably over the past year, from 64.65 to 62.98. It’s a small but significant shift that suggests more women are discovering (or returning to) the sport earlier in life. For comparison, male members now average 53.78 years, down from 54.98.
At the same time, the average Handicap Index for female club members sits at 28.09 — significantly higher than the male average of 17.38. This gap likely reflects the number of new or less experienced women entering the game. But it also underscores the need for ongoing support, coaching access, and welcoming environments that help female players develop their confidence and skills.
iGolf Welcomes More Independent Women Golfers
England Golf’s iGolf platform, which offers a Handicap Index to non-club members, continues to grow. Among the 55,000+ iGolf subscribers, women average 48 years of age — much younger than traditional female club members — and hold an average Handicap Index of 30.88.
These figures suggest iGolf is successfully attracting a more flexible, modern generation of women who may not fit the traditional club mold but still want to play, improve, and track their progress.
Overall, women across all platforms (club members and iGolfers) have an average Handicap Index of 29.33. The average age of all female golfers with a Handicap Index now stands at approximately 54.14 — nearly a full year younger than in 2023.
A Community Slowly Shifting
Despite these positive trends, women still face a significant participation gap in England’s golf community. Among the top counties for golf club membership — Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Surrey — the majority of members remain male. But initiatives like Respect in Golf and England Golf’s broader inclusivity efforts are beginning to reshape the narrative.
And with over 10.2 million scores submitted through the World Handicap System in 2024 — a record-breaking number — it’s clear that more golfers than ever are engaging with the game competitively and socially.
The message is clear: golf is changing. And women are increasingly part of that change.
Explore the full county-by-county breakdown and more detailed stats from England Golf’s 2024 report here.
