Golf has long faced a reputation as exclusive, but 2025 is proving a turning point, with initiatives worldwide embracing its true spirit of inclusivity. In the UK, England Golf’s “Respect in Golf” now accredits all 1,735 affiliated clubs, signalling a zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and a commitment to welcoming all backgrounds. Similarly, the International Working Group on Women and Sport pledged to support this movement, reinforcing that “Golf should be a game for everyone – regardless of background, ability, or identity.”

Diversity isn’t just rhetoric. In the U.S., over a quarter of golfers include under-represented groups— % female, 25% Black, Asian, or Hispanic—the highest proportions ever recorded. Around the world, grassroots initiatives are gaining momentum. For example, Singapore’s Golf Association teamed up with disability sport councils to host regular sessions, making the game more inclusive and accessible for people with disabilities. Women’s Golf Day 2025 took place in over 85 countries, offering clinics and events to empower women.

In India, the Indian Golf Union has partnered with regional academies to introduce golf to schoolgirls and students from underrepresented communities through subsidized training. The Delhi Golf Club and Hero Women’s Indian Open have also increased outreach, expanding access for female and junior golfers. Golf is evolving into a truly inclusive global sport, welcoming diverse genders, ethnicities, abilities, and socioeconomic backgrounds to foster belongingness in a real sense.