Workforce and Facilities Research 2026: Your input can help make the industry a better place for all

Key bodies in the GB&I golf industry are working together to understand the current situation across the sector with regards to resourcing and facilities. To build this understanding, we have developed a survey to enable people who are currently involved in the golf industry to share their own experiences anonymously. The findings from the Workforce and Facilities Research 2026 will enable organisations to offer effective support to individual groups.

“This survey is an important opportunity for us to better understand the workforce that underpins our sport,” said CEO Jim Croxton. “We have seen progress in recent years, but there is still work to do to ensure people feel properly valued, supported and recognised. By sharing honest feedback, you can help shape a clearer picture of the challenges and opportunities across the sector. That insight will be vital in guiding how we, and our partners across the game, continue to strengthen the workforce and create environments where people can thrive.”

The survey will be available for two weeks and we would very much appreciate 10-15 minutes of your time to share your views. The survey is for anyone who works in a golf club or golf facility environment, so we would appreciate it if you could share the link with other people you know who work in this sector.

The research is being carried out on behalf of The R&A, England Golf, Golf Ireland, Scottish Golf, Wales Golf, BIGGA, GCMA and The PGA by Sporting Insights, an independent research company. Individual information you choose to share with us will be kept confidential and will only be reported in aggregate form.

Many thanks for your support with this important piece of research. 

What we learned in 2024

The findings of the Workforce and Facilities Research 2024, which gathered 930 responses from across GB&I, have played an important role in shaping our work over the past two years – highlighting both the opportunities for growth and the challenges that continue to impact the profession.

While 62% of respondents reported being satisfied in their role, the figure also underlined clear room for improvement, particularly given the wider pressures identified across the survey. Demand for golf had increased, with more than half noting higher participation at their facility compared to the previous year, and many expressed confidence in their ability to meet demand in the short term. That growth, however, was placing increasing strain on resources, with staffing emerging as a central issue and more than half of greenkeeping departments reporting they did not have enough staff. Operational and staffing costs were identified as the biggest challenges facing facilities, alongside the difficulty of maintaining the right team size.

Recruitment was another persistent challenge, with two-thirds of clubs relying on word of mouth to fill vacancies. At the same time, respondents highlighted a shortage of qualified applicants and growing competition from other industries offering higher pay.

Pay and progression were key themes throughout. Salary was identified as the single biggest contributor to job satisfaction, particularly among greenkeeping teams, while career development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful contribution were also significant drivers when considering new roles.

Workload and wellbeing remained areas of concern. While many respondents said they felt motivated, a notable proportion reported feeling overworked or under-appreciated. Frustration stood out as the strongest negative sentiment, particularly among turf professionals, highlighting the importance of continued focus on mental health and working conditions. External pressures were also intensifying, with the impact of flooding having increased significantly compared to the previous year, reinforcing the growing challenge posed by extreme weather and the need for long-term resilience planning.

These insights have directly informed our strategy in the years since, shaping a connected programme of work designed to strengthen the profession. This includes the development of a clear, five-level education pathway and the introduction of the Kickstart programme, alongside enhanced training provision, expanded membership options and a continued focus on wellbeing and recognition.