South Ayrshire Council Celebrates Record Growth in Golf Memberships

South Ayrshire Council has outlined a year of exceptional growth and progress across its municipal golf estate, as detailed in the latest Golf Strategy Update for 2025-2026. 

The strategy reveals a remarkable surge in participation with season ticket holders increasing by 13.8%, rising from 5,121 to 5,826. Under-18 memberships have soared by 54%, from 511 to 786 and flexi memberships grew by 13%.

Ongoing investment has ensured that our eight courses and three clubhouses remain among the best in the area.

We continue to focus on growing golf, particularly among children and young people.We've heldsix inter-school competitions with over 250 young participants. Our 'Unleash Your Drive' programme is active in nine primary schools, and we have expanded junior and inclusive participation programmes, supporting health, wellbeing, and reducing inequalities.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, we are focused on investing in course infrastructure and resilience, including major improvements at Belleisle and Troon Links.

We will be relaunching our 'Get into Golf' programme and delivering a new five-year development plan to sustain growth and enhance community impact.

Councillor Chris Cullen, Leisure and Community Services Policy Lead for South Ayrshire Council said: "These achievements reflect our commitment to making golf in South Ayrshire accessible, high-quality, and sustainable for all. We are proud of the progress made and excited about our ambitious plans to further grow participation, improve our facilities, and strengthen our position as a leading golf destination."