IMPACT REPORT
2025/26
SHAPING YOUNG LIVES THROUGH GOLF
Scroll down for the stories, moments and numbers behind another great year.
OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN GOLFSIXES LEAGUE STRONGLY AGREE THAT THEY
'NEVER GIVE UP'
That's more than double the national average of just 34%.
Sport England Active Lives Children and Young People survey
“2025 has been a year of growth, innovation, and renewed purpose
Brendon Pyle, Chief Executive
WELCOME
FROM THE CEO
Welcome to our 2025/26 Impact Report. It has been a year of growth, innovation and renewed purpose as we continue our mission to give young people a fun, inclusive and inspiring introduction to golf.
Golf is more than a sport - it builds confidence, resilience and wellbeing. That's why we're so proud to have introduced more than 32,000 young people to mental toughness tools.
These achievements are made possible by our partners, funders, volunteers and the wider golf community. Looking ahead, we remain ambitious.
Brendon Pyle
OUR STRATEGIC GOALS
FOUR GOALS SHAPING EVERYTHING WE DO
We launched a refreshed Strategy at the BMW PGA Championship in September 2025. Everything we do is aimed at achieving the following.
01
Introduce more young people to golf in schools and their communities
02
Help more young people to play at a golf club or facility
03
Increase the diversity of young people in golf
04
Strengthen the mental wellbeing and life skills of young people
Impact in numbers
Working in 250+ local authority areas across Great Britain and Ireland.
“My son has autism - watching him smile on the golf course brings tears to my eyes!
Parent, Bristol & Clifton Golf Club - Junior Club of the Year
UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE
UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE IN SCHOOLS
We know from the NHS that one in five young people have a probable mental health condition - that's why this programme matters. After six weeks of fun, inclusive lessons, pupils have an improved grasp of mental toughness tools and how to use them.
Last year we supported a further 405 schools to deliver the programme, and 40% are located in some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country.
Our mental wellbeing programme continued to impact young people in schools. This year, we saw a…
*Average impact for all pupils who have completed pre and post measures
2,322
Of schools have registered their interest in delivering our programme
8%
Of schools in Great Britain & Ireland are now part of Unleash Your Drive
“I now see change as an opportunity to grow rather than something to fear
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
WHAT THE PUPILS SAID
“When things don't go as planned, I take a deep breath and stick with it
“I know how to stay calm and in control, even when things get frustrating
“The power of the breathing, concentration and positivity within this programme is huge for any youngster dealing with the stresses of school and life
Nick Dougherty, Golf Foundation President
IMPACT STORY
Focus on
Monkton Primary
For teacher Leanne Caird, one of the most powerful aspects of Unleash Your Drive was seeing every child start from the same position. "The environment of everyone doing something new and starting on an even playing field was invaluable," she says.
Leanne teaches at Monkton Primary in South Ayrshire, and pupils reported increased confidence in their own abilities and when communicating with peers. One mental toughness tool has really shone out, and has become firmly embedded in everyday school life.
"The Square of Concentration has become a familiar term in classrooms," explains Leanne, "and it's been used outside of golf. It has been great to get all classes involved and see the impact on other parts of the school. We've had pupils take up opportunities to play golf at their local clubs and even start regular lessons."
“It really boosted their confidence. It was fantastic to see the pupils show so much resilience!
Leanne Caird, Teacher
UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE
UNLEASH YOUR DRIVE IN CLUBS
In 2025 we launched a pilot to help young people continue the journey from school into golf clubs.
Following the success of our schools programme, Unleash Your Drive in Clubs launched in 2025. Supported by the British Golf Industry Association's Grow Golf Fund, the pilot brought schools, golf clubs and PGA coaches together - using golf to develop mental toughness while creating welcoming pathways into club environments.
Young people gained confidence, built friendships and found a place where they felt they belonged. With continued BGIA support, our target for 2026 is to reach 100 clubs.
of participants (317) were recruited directly from schools
of participants (211) continued playing at the golf club after the pilot
of participants (232) signed up for further coaching after the pilot
Pilot Headlines
“There have been plenty of attempts to bridge the school to course gap, but this one is going to do it well.
Thomas Hodgson, Gloucester Golf Club
“In a world where technology and social media often keep children indoors, this programme is a great antidote!
Martin Wild, BGIA Chair
IMPACT STORY
How GolfSixes League helped Theo find his confidence
Diagnosed autistic aged eight, Theo found something in golf that nothing else had given him. His mum Elizabeth says it's been the best thing that happened to him.
"Theo hits the ball his own way and he can take his time, but the other players are happy to include him. Nobody is left out." Theo adds: "I love GolfSixes League, because I meet new people from other clubs. It's brilliant."
“Theo comes across a lot of challenges with being autistic, but when he has a golf club in his hands he is a different boy
Elizabeth, Theo's mum
GOLFSIXES LEAGUE
In 2025, we continued to see growth across all four Home Nations, with 133 leagues, 743 clubs and teams, and more than 9,000 young people enjoying team golf in a fun, friendly and inclusive environment.
We saw many examples of players taking their next steps - through club competitions, GolfNines progression and representative opportunities - supported by our new Mental Toughness Caddy Cards.
Nine years of growth since the 2017 pilot.
9,247 players
across
133
Leagues
743
Clubs and Teams
25%
Of Participants are Girls
OUR NEWEST AMBASSADOR
"I'm always looking for ways to get more girls to watch and play the game, and what the Golf Foundation are doing is vital"
Charley Hull
The Rise of GolfNines
Further expansion of our Golf Nines format for players progressing out of GolfSixes League.
England from 39 clubs across 11 leagues
Scotland - across 5 leagues
Ireland - from 24 clubs across 4 leagues
IMPACT STORY
GolfSixes League to County
“Golf has a huge impact on his resilience, focus, and ability to handle pressure, all of which transfer into his school and life!
Xavier's mum
Xavier Good was five when he first got involved in GolfSixes League's pilot year in 2016. Nine years later, he is junior captain at Bolton Golf Club and represents his county Lancashire.
"I remember GolfSixes League being fun and different from normal golf," he says. "It felt more like a team sport and there was a great atmosphere. It definitely helped me enjoy golf and made me want to keep playing.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ENGLAND GOLF
THE JUNIOR JOURNEY
Launched in 2025 - the next step in helping golf clubs grow their junior offering.
Together we developed the Junior Hub award, identifying and showcasing clubs that are the 'right place' for juniors to try, learn and love golf.
BEYOND THE GOLF COURSE
OUR WORK IN THE COMMUNITY
Golf can change lives far beyond the golf course. Through our community programmes, we work with people who may never otherwise have the opportunity to experience the game, helping them build confidence, develop new skills and feel part of something positive. Below are just two examples of the great work we've been doing.
Lincolnshire HAF Programme
The work in Lincolnshire was recognised at our President's Awards. A close relationship has seen training take place for leaders across 20 youth organisations.
4,205 youngsters involved
47% girls, 31% with additional needs
3 young people awarded scholarships at local clubs
Support from PING and Golfway
Bring It On Brum
In partnership with StreetGames, we continued to build on the positive foundations in Birmingham, delivering at the country's largest Holiday Activities and Food programme.
6 more community leaders trained
30 community groups now connected with us
70 young people attended community golf festival in 2025
70% from an ethnically diverse background
“With the help of the Golf Foundation, golf is something new, exciting, and accessible for young people who would never have been able to play it!
Sarah Tyrell, Lincolnshire Holiday Activity & Food Lead
OFFICIAL CHARITY PARTNER
BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
What a week at Wentworth, where we were the Official Charity thanks to our friends at BMW and DP World Tour.
All week, our volunteers ran the Mega Putt and Chipping Challenge areas, while we also received a £1,000 donation from BMW for every eagle scored on the course.
Elsewhere, our Unleash Your Drive Final winners - including 13-year-old Thomas - had an amazing time playing in the Pro-Am alongside Harry Hall.
We raised an incredible
£137,000
in our first year as the Official Charity
A huge thank you
To every single one of our 120 volunteers who helped us raise £137,000 on our activations throughout the week at Wentworth.
It was great to see behind the scenes. To anyone thinking about volunteering, just go for it!
Chris Lomas, Secretary, Worplesdon GC
CELEBRATING GRASSROOTS GOLF
THE PRESIDENT'S AWARDS
Our 2025 President's Awards once again celebrated the great and good of grassroots golf, as our President Nick Dougherty handed out five awards as part of our week at the BMW PGA Championship.
Lifetime Achievement James Erskine
A lifetime spent changing what was possible for young golfers in his area, recognised with our
highest honour.
“I grew up in a sparse area with poor facilities and little coaching. I made it my mission to change that, and seeing the kids now play - that's the greatest reward.
James Erskine, Lifetime Achievement Winner
153rd OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, PORTRUSH
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP
We headed to Northern Ireland for the 153rd Open Championship, where we helped to run the Swingzone, welcoming young people all week long and adding something extra to their visit to Portrush.
Ahead of The Open, we joined forces with Golf Ireland to launch the Road To The Open. Working with local schools, communities and golf clubs, we introduced the game to young people, helping to build a legacy for the Championship.
We were joined by more than 10,000 people across chipping, putting and our Golfway area. We also had the pleasure of visits from Georgia Ball, Brendon Lawlor and our President Nick Dougherty.
“By creating these pathways, we hope to leave a lasting legacy that goes beyond The Open
Mark Kennelly, Golf Ireland CEO
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS
FUNDRAISING
We were overwhelmed by the generosity of Charley Hull, who earned an incredible £74,000 for the Golf Foundation. After joining as an ambassador, Charley chose us as her nominated charity when taking part in the Tito's Shorties Classic.
Highlights from the year included…
20 teams including 12 new — raised over £40,000 through event participation and an online auction.
3,552 golfers took part nationwide; 60 headed to the Final, hosted by Nick Dougherty. Top three won a Pro-Am place.
Drinks reception, three-course dinner, Nick Dougherty insights, and a highly successful auction.
Inaugural Ryder Cup-style fixture against Lord's Taverners, with 72 players competing.
The Golf Foundation continued to see strong growth in club and community fundraising during the year, with supporters across the country helping to raise vital funds to introduce more young people to golf. Thank you to all of you who help support our amazing cause!
"I chose the Golf Foundation as my Captain's Charity as I am passionate about giving children from all backgrounds an opportunity to play golf!"
Annabel Denyer, Junior Captain, Woburn Golf Club
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
NONE OF THIS HAPPENS ALONE
HEADLINE PARTNER
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS
To all of you for helping us shape young lives and grow the game
None of this is possible without our partners, volunteers, supporters and the wider golf community.