England Golf Launches ‘Junior Journey’ to Grow Youth Participation
England Golf, in partnership with the Golf Foundation, has launched the Junior Journey – a new nationwide framework designed to engage, inspire, and retain more young people in the game.
The initiative aims to support children from their very first introduction to golf — whether in schools, local communities, or through family — and guide them towards long-term enjoyment and club membership.
The framework encourages inclusivity, sustained participation, and a clear pathway into club golf.
Building a Pathway from School to Club
At the heart of Junior Journey is the belief that golf can be accessible and rewarding for every young player.
Through the Unleash Your Drive programme, the Golf Foundation is helping clubs build connections with local schools and community groups.
Initiatives like GolfSixes League, a six-hole competitive format, are designed to make on-course play more approachable and enjoyable.
England Golf is complementing this by supporting affiliated clubs with key areas such as:
- Membership growth and retention
- Volunteer and coaching support
- Junior handicapping
- SafeGolf and Respect in Golf accreditation
These accreditations are essential in ensuring clubs provide a safe, inclusive, and discrimination-free environment.
Why Junior Golf Matters
Recent England Golf research highlights how much junior players value their experience at golf clubs:
- 47% said golf is their favourite sport
- Top motivations included playing with family and friends, enjoying time outdoors, and the opportunity to improve and compete
- Clubs with dedicated junior pathways saw 84% of young players say they loved the game
With 80% of clubs expressing a desire for a national pathway model, Junior Journey offers the clarity and support needed to build long-term junior sections. Clubs that adopt the framework and demonstrate active commitment will be recognised as Junior Hubs.
Supporting Clubs Across England
The new programme is backed by The PGA, whose members and professionals are expected to play a vital role in delivering junior golf activity at club level.
Laura Yapp, England Golf’s Junior Development Manager, said:
“We want to inspire more juniors to play golf, and the Junior Journey provides the perfect platform. Our goal is to see more clubs become Junior Hubs and take an active role in growing their junior sections — the future of every club.”
Martin Crowder, Head of Development at the Golf Foundation, added:
“Our team of Regional Development Officers is looking forward to working alongside England Golf colleagues to help clubs attract and retain more young people.”
To learn more about the Junior Journey and how your club can get involved, visit England Golf.
