Grassroots Initiative of the Year

The launch of igolf

Launched in July, igolf is England Golf’s scheme to allow non-golf club members to obtain and manage an official World Handicap System (WHS) Handicap Index. It followed the launch of a similar initiative, Open Play, in Scotland in June.

The igolf initiative will give the estimated

2.3 million independent golfers across England the chance to obtain an official handicap. The overriding aim of igolf is to grow the game and to increase participation in golf across the country.

Rather than seeking to replace club membership, as some have feared, igolf could actually be an important route to membership, with non-members experiencing more courses and the benefits of regular play and club life.

Since a similar scheme was launched in New Zealand in 2018, 20 per cent of those who signed up have gone on to become members of a club.