IMPACT
REPORT
A year of growth, innovation and renewed purpose.
Golf can do more than introduce a sport. It can build confidence, resilience and wellbeing — while creating a connection with the game that can last for life.
Brendon Pyle, CEO
“Never give up”
70% of young people in GolfSixes League strongly agree that they never give up — more than double the 34% national comparison used in the report.
Impact at a glance.
Working across 250+ local authority areas. More than 3,000 schools also played golf in England through School Games.
Golf that goes beyond golf.
Six weeks of fun, inclusive golf helps pupils understand mental toughness tools and how to use them — while supporting confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
Last year a further 405 schools were supported to deliver the programme, with 40% of participating schools located in some of the most disadvantaged communities.
schools registered interest in delivering Unleash Your Drive.
Source check: the supplied PDF later shows 2,449 in “The Schools We Reach”. Confirm the final approved number before publishing.
increase in confidence to speak up and share ideas with peers
increase in managing feelings and emotional control
increase in seeing challenges as opportunities
The breathing, concentration and positivity in this programme can be powerful tools for young people.Nick Dougherty · Golf Foundation President
Focus on Monkton Primary.
Every child started from the same place — and that helped confidence and resilience grow.
At Monkton Primary in South Ayrshire, teacher Leanne Caird saw pupils become more confident in their own ability and when communicating with peers. The Square of Concentration also moved beyond golf and became part of everyday classroom language.
From first experience to feeling like you belong.
The 2025 pilot brought schools, clubs and PGA coaches together to create a more welcoming route from school into club golf.
72% of participants were recruited directly from schools.
434 young people engaged across 47 projects at 42 clubs.
49% continued playing at the golf club after the pilot.
53% signed up for further coaching.
One participant enjoyed it so much she asked for golf lessons for her birthday.
A simple human proof point of the school-to-club journey working as intended.
From 246 players to 9,247.
A fun, team-first introduction has grown into one of the Foundation’s clearest examples of young people starting, staying and progressing in golf.
133
leagues
25%
girls
Four nations
growth across GB&I
Xavier’s journey.
He started GolfSixes aged five. Nine years later, he was junior captain at Bolton Golf Club and representing Lancashire.
The format gave him a fun, team-based introduction to golf and a reason to keep playing. His story shows what a positive first experience can become.
A pathway to start — and stay — in golf.
Launched with England Golf in 2025, the Junior Journey supports clubs to become the right place for juniors to try, learn and love the game.
clubs applied to become Junior Hubs after launch in July 2025.
new juniors introduced to golf clubs through work with Junior Hubs across the Home Nations.
How golf helped Theo find his confidence.
Golf became the sport he loved — and a place where he could participate in his own way, make friends and feel included.
Taking golf to young people who may never otherwise find it.
Reaching thousands through local partnerships.
Training local leaders and working with community organisations helped make golf accessible in places where traditional routes into the game may not exist.
Building golf into the community.
In partnership with StreetGames, the Foundation continued its work with Birmingham’s Holiday Activities and Food programme.
Visibility, inspiration and impact.
Major championships gave the Foundation a platform to reach families, raise funds and connect young people with the game.
BMW PGA Championship
Raised in the Foundation’s first year as Official Charity Partner, supported by 120 volunteers at Wentworth.
The Open Championship
Visitors to the Swingzone at The Open, alongside 4,000+ reached through the Road To The Open trophy tour.
Every pound helps us reach more young people through golf.
Charley Hull’s incredible support
After joining as an ambassador, Charley chose the Golf Foundation as her nominated charity at the Tito’s Shorties Classic.
Annual Golf Day
Raised at Royal Liverpool.
Club Captains
Raised through captaincies around the country.
Make Your Mark
Its most successful year to date.
Unleash Your Drive Final
Golfers took part in the nationwide fundraising competition before the Final at The Grove.
This impact is a team effort.
Partners, funders, volunteers, coaches, clubs and the wider golf community help make the Foundation’s work possible.
“When Theo has a golf club in his hands, he is a different boy.”