Golf Business News – Club Wales enjoys participation before AIG Women’s Open

Golf clubs in Wales have seen the ripple effect of the AIG Women’s Open, which was performed at Royal Porthcawl later this month, thanks to the staircase challenge this year, especially among women and girls, with excitement posing for the final major champion of the women’s season.

Numbers released today [July 25] With the support of R&A, the success of the 2025 Step Challenge is revealed, an initiative launched by Welsh Golf to celebrate the AIG Women’s Open, the largest women’s sporting event ever in Wales and drives grassroots to fight the sport.

The initiative encourages players of all ages and abilities to become a powerful source of inspiration with world-class talent on Welsh land.
In this year’s Step Challenge, a total of 92,370 rounds of golf were played in participating Welsh clubs, an increase of 8% from the 85,602 rounds recorded in the same period last year. It is worth noting that the rounds played by women rose by 22%, while the rounds of women increased from 8,874 to 9,712, accounting for a 9% increase.

Step Challenge invites the club to host inclusive, fun competitions throughout July, each round taking a collective step toward celebrating the health and community welfare of golf.
On average, golfers who hit nine holes will walk about 5,000 steps, while golfers who play 18 holes will walk nearly 10,000 steps, meaning that Welsh golfers have taken an astonishing 876,235,000 steps throughout July, enough to walk more than 17 times around the world.

Participants not only enjoy the spirit of competition and community in the course, but also gain many of the health benefits of golf. These include treatment and prevention of more than 40 major chronic diseases, improving strength and balance in older people, and better cholesterol, body composition and metabolism. Social interests are equally convincing, with 80% of golfers reporting happier social life, while 60% of the general population are less likely to be statistically less likely.

Theo Baker, head of golf participation in Wales, said: “Golf courses across Wales were full of energy in July this year. It’s clear that the AIG Women’s Open is already inspiring more people, especially women and girls, making us happy to see the growth of participation. Seeing every new player, every extra player, shows that every tournament can enable us to work harder, which is what we can work harder.

Golf Development, GB&I and Africa Director Kevin Barker added on R&A: “The AIG Women’s Open is a celebration of elite competitions, but its legacy must go beyond the final putt beyond the final putt. The big challenge proves that major events can not only entertain; they can change perception, sustained impact, have a lasting impact on our sport and welcome our sport.”

Cotrell Park outside Cardiff is a golf club with the most steps. “We’re very happy to see so many members playing golf at the club. The club is in a pleasant place, with a thriving teenager section, a popular female beginner program, and members who love to play here.”

This year marks the first time the AIG Women’s Open is held in Wales, and Royal Porthcawl will welcome the world’s best golfers from July 30 to August 3. The champion is the flagship of R&A’s dedicated to growing women’s and women’s golf, bringing lasting change and demonstrating golf’s potential as a sport for all.