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# Golf Ireland’s Ambitious Review for 2024

As Golf Ireland embarks on a comprehensive review of its operations in 2024, the organization is eager to spotlight a number of significant developments that underline a vibrant future for golf on the island. The report underscores notable increases in participation rates, enhanced investments in clubs and facilities, and a variety of impressive achievements both locally and internationally.

## Participation Statistics

Recent research conducted by Golf Ireland and the R&A Golf Barometer shows that approximately **800,000 individuals** across Ireland have engaged with golf over the past 12 months. This encompasses various forms of participation, including traditional on-course gameplay and modern alternatives like driving ranges, simulation games, and adventure golf venues.

With over **500,000 adults** having played on an 18-hole course at least once in the year, the data reaffirms golf’s enduring appeal. Notably, a remarkable **20% of the non-golfing population** has expressed interest in taking up the sport. Additional internal research indicates that **43% of the general population** shows an affinity for golf, whether as players, spectators, or fans, with cycling and soccer being the only sports surpassing golf in terms of participation levels.

## Growth in Participation and Development Initiatives

There has been an encouraging rise in participation across Golf Development activities in 2024, which saw an increase of over **10,000 participants**—bringing the total to **30,530**. This impressive growth is supported by the introduction of five new Golf in the Community Officers, with plans for a Development and Participation Manager to join the team in early 2025. Thanks to dedicated funding from the Irish Government, with support from Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland, Golf Ireland now boasts a dedicated ground team capable of implementing a wide range of participation initiatives within clubs and community frameworks.

In November, these Golf in the Community Officers played a pivotal role in launching a new schools program under the Golf Ireland Major Events Legacy Programme. Approximately **180 schools** participated over the past year, involving nearly **17,000 students**—comprising **8,666 girls** and **7,929 boys**. Looking ahead, Golf Ireland aims to engage with over **500 schools** in the next three years to deepen this involvement.

A strong emphasis on inclusion is also notable, with **1,254 individuals** attending Golf4All awareness days aimed at introducing individuals with disabilities to the game for the first time. To promote further engagement, Golf Ireland has made available Golf4All coaching programs and travel bursaries for players with disabilities, while **31 clubs** benefited from Golf4All grants in 2024.

An expanded calendar of events catering specifically to golfers with disabilities was implemented in 2024, featuring a new Junior Golf4All event series and **eight DIGA events** that welcomed **170 participants**. Significant funding was allocated for NIBGA Blind/Disabled Golf Opens, highlighted by the ISPS Handa Irish Open for golfers with disabilities held at Roganstown Golf Club. Golf Ireland has also aided new players in successfully completing the classification process necessary to compete in European Disability Golf Association (EDGA) events.

## Focus on Women and Girls in Golf

In 2024, Golf Ireland made considerable strides in promoting gender equality within the sport by hiring its first Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Manager. A notable initiative, the **#GolfLikeMe** campaign, was launched in August to enhance the representation of golfers from various underrepresented backgrounds across media platforms. Eight advocates were selected for the campaign’s inaugural visibility initiative and advisory group.

At the prestigious Women in Golf Charter Gold Presentation Awards held in Carton House during the kick-off of the KPMG Women’s Irish Open in August, **160 golf clubs** achieved the Gold Standard status. The Charter’s mission is to elevate participation and membership among women and girls in golf, motivate families to engage in golf as a leisure activity, and create more career opportunities for women within the golf industry.

The **Get into Golf** program continued to thrive in 2024, with **117 clubs** hosting activities that attracted **2,791 participants**, leading to a remarkable **58% conversion rate** to club membership. Additionally, **97 clubs** facilitated a Girls Golf program that engaged **824 participants**, resulting in **800 new club members**.

Ireland’s inaugural **Women’s Social Golf Community**, known as **Chip & Chat**, has seen remarkable growth, hosting ten events that attracted over **300 attendees**. Exciting plans are underway for next year with the rollout of **15 additional events** across all four regions, led by the newly appointed Golf in the Community Officers.

## Sustainability Initiatives

As part of its commitment to environmental responsibility, Golf Ireland launched a comprehensive **Sustainability Action Plan** titled **Drive the Green** in March. Collaborating with **20 clubs** and one facility, the bespoke pilot initiative focuses on fostering sustainable practices in areas such as decarbonization and biodiversity, spanning aspects like energy, water, and waste management.

In January, Golf Ireland adopted a cleaner energy source by installing a **new Solar Photovoltaic System** at its headquarters in Maynooth. The solar panels are projected to generate around **55%** of the electricity required on-site, consequently lowering the organization’s carbon footprint by an estimated **8.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent** each year.

Moreover, **38 golf clubs** benefited from the government’s Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Infrastructure Scheme, aimed at facilitating the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at their locations. Collaborating with Golf Ireland, the **KPMG Women’s Irish Open** introduced a **Deposit Return Scheme**, which engaged players and spectators in an effort to sustainably manage event waste, thereby minimizing its overall carbon footprint.

## Support for Clubs Across the Island

The health and vitality of Golf Ireland’s network of **376 clubs** is fundamental to its mission. Current data depicts a steady outlook, with projected figures for registered club members in 2024 expected to align with the previous year’s numbers.

Golf Ireland finalized three rounds of funding through the **Sports Energy Support Scheme**, resulting in the distribution of €2.1 million to **127 eligible clubs**. This financial assistance is crucial for sustaining operations and maintaining facilities.

In a recent move, the Irish Government announced **€230 million** in grants for sports clubs and facilities, with the **Community Sport Facilities Fund** dispersing over **€11 million to 107 golf clubs** in phase two. Moreover, **23 clubs** shared **€770k** in equipment-only grants, while **124 clubs** were granted support under the Junior Development program, totaling €49,600, and **104 clubs** received £41,600 through the Girls Golf Programme.

The **Golf4All** initiative also proved significant, with **31 clubs** receiving **€54,000** in grants to promote inclusive and participatory programs aimed at individuals with disabilities, facilitating coaching, equipment, social activities, and volunteer training.

Over the past year, **500 meetings** have been conducted among club representatives focusing on various topics including Golf Development programs, the One Club Model, and the Women in Golf Charter. Five Club Support and Development Officers and four Regional Managers have provided robust assistance in areas such as safeguarding, handicapping, and course rating. Approximately **1,000 club administrators** attended targeted training and educational workshops covering safeguarding, junior development, and the roles of club captains.

## Emphasis on Handicap System Support

Maintaining smooth operations related to the World Handicap System has also been a priority for Golf Ireland in 2024. A remarkable **89%** of clubs participated in workshops organized in the first quarter to enhance the skills of Handicap Secretaries, while **79%** continued to benefit from both online and in-person workshops throughout October and November, providing essential guidance for the Annual Handicap Review Process.


## Launch of iGolf

In October, Golf Ireland announced the introduction of **iGolf**, designed to empower independent golfers with access to an official Handicap Index under the WHS. By December 1st, the program has garnered just over **950 subscribers** across Ireland. The demographic profile indicates an average age of **42 years** among iGolf participants, with an average handicap of **18.7 for men** and **32.9 for women**. The majority of subscribers are located in highly populated areas such as Dublin, Cork, Antrim, Kildare, and Meath.

## Competitive Landscape and Achievements

Extending beyond iGolf, more than **2.5 million competitive rounds** were recorded this year—representing a **9%** increase year-on-year, of which **89%** were competition scores. Impressively, 18-hole scores accounted for **86%** in the registered data.

In 2024, **19 national** and **67 regional championship winners** were announced across **70 different venues** in the country. Approximately **40,000 golfers** and **5,709 club teams** participated in a total of **16 All-Ireland** and **30 regional Inter-Club competitions**—demonstrating the events’ ongoing popularity. The slight decrease in the number of participating club teams compared to 2023 is attributed to restructuring rather than a downturn in interest, confirming that alongside GAA All-Ireland Club Championships, these events remain at the forefront of sports participation in Ireland.


## National and International Representation

The 2024 North of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Championship not only determined the winner of the Bridgestone Men’s Order of Merit but also marked a significant achievement for **Brian Doran** from Millicent, who emerged victorious. Additionally, **Anna Abom** from Edmondstown clinched the Bridgestone Women’s Order of Merit title after a tightly contested final event.

On the international stage, **John Moran** from Portmarnock made headlines as the first Irish victor of the English U14 Boys Championship. Moreover, **Max Kennedy** from Royal Dublin won silver at the European Men’s Individual Championship, followed closely by **Joe Lyons** from Galway, who secured the same at the European Senior Men’s Championship, while **Declan O’Neill** from Grange took home bronze.

In a remarkable feat, Ireland celebrated its second win in history—first since 2016—at the European Nations Team Championship. Additionally, during the summer, the Irish contingent emerged victorious in both the Women’s and Men’s Home Internationals for the first time. The country also celebrated bronze at the European Senior Men’s Team Championship and performed admirably at the inaugural European Mid-Amateur Team Championships.

This year also saw a noteworthy performance from eight players who represented Ireland at the G4D EGA European Nations event held in Germany.

The Great Britain and Ireland team captured the Curtis Cup for the first time since 2016, with contributions from Irish players **Sara Byrne** (Douglas), **Beth Coulter** (Kirkistown Castle), and **Áine Donegan** (Lahinch).

## Professional Successes

Golf Ireland professional **Conor Purcell** achieved notable success within the Challenge Tour, securing two victories and ensuring promotion to the DP World Tour for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, **Tom McKibbin** continues his stellar ascent, having reached the PGA Tour following a strong second full season as a professional.

**Max Kennedy** triumphed through all three stages of the DP World Tour School but narrowly missed out by one shot on the final opportunity. Nevertheless, he finished at the top of Category 21 and now holds full Challenge Tour and partial DP World Tour status for 2025.

**Lauren Walsh** enjoys a commendable debut season on the Ladies European Tour, which included her inaugural major appearance at the AIG Women’s Open. As she sets her sights on qualifying for the LPGA Tour, she is actively competing in the LPGA Q-Series.

**Sara Byrne** has also successfully advanced through two stages of the LPGA Tour School and is set to participate in the final stage. With established Epson Tour status, she will also compete in the final stage of Q-School for the Ladies European Tour.

## Looking Ahead: The Future of Golf in Ireland

As Golf Ireland reflects on a successful year filled with remarkable achievements and growth, it anticipates an even brighter future in promoting and developing golf across the island. The upcoming return of The Open to Royal Portrush and the European Amateur Team Championship at Killarney adds to the excitement.

A further focal point will be the advancement of High-Performance facilities at Golf Ireland HQ in **Carton Demesne**. With this development and the ongoing schools legacy program, there are optimistic prospects for drawing in a new generation of golfers, from grassroots to elite levels.

In the words of **Golf Ireland CEO Mark Kennelly**, “Reflecting on 2024 and witnessing over **30,000 participants** in our Golf Development activities, along with nearly **17,000 students** engaged in our new schools initiative, marks a significant accomplishment. It exemplifies the growing enthusiasm for golf across the island of Ireland.”

“Supporting our clubs remains pivotal to Golf Ireland’s mission. We have successfully allocated crucial funding to maintain operations and elevate facilities across our network. Our club support services engage actively to assist the numerous volunteers who play vital roles within their organizations. Introducing iGolf has also been a momentous step in welcoming independent golfers to the sport, as indicated by the robust subscription rates.”

“Our golfers continue to achieve remarkable feats both at home and internationally, demonstrating the exceptional talent present in our communities. As we look forward to hosting landmark events in 2025 and nurturing the next generation of golfers, the future appears bright and filled with potential for growth.”

## The Role of AI legalese decoder

In light of these expansive activities and initiatives, organizations like Golf Ireland can benefit significantly from tools that streamline legal and regulatory compliance. **AI legalese decoder** can facilitate the understanding and interpretation of complex legal documents, ensuring that stakeholders are always in an informed position regarding policies, funding regulations, and compliance stipulations. By simplifying legal language, it empowers golf clubs and organizations to focus on their core mission of promoting and supporting golfing activities without the distraction of daunting legal hurdles.

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