The R&A Foundation has reached a major milestone with £10 million pledged by philanthropic donors around the world since 2022. This significant achievement strengthens the Foundation’s mission to use golf for good by supporting impactful projects around the world that promote opportunity, inclusion and growth across the sport.
To date, £5.4 million of the pledged £10 million has already been released to support a wide range of initiatives, including more than £1.4 million in unrestricted funding (funds that can be allocated for any purpose in-line with The R&A Foundation’s charitable objectives) received in 2024, which have enabled the Foundation to respond dynamically to opportunities in line with its charitable objectives.
Mark Darbon, Chief Executive at The R&A, said, “Since the launch of The R&A Foundation’s philanthropy programme just three years ago a remarkable community of donors have come together to support programmes that provide benefits both for and through golf around the world. Reaching £10 million in donor commitments is a significant milestone in the Foundation’s history and a powerful testament to the shared belief in golf as a force for good.
“This generosity has enabled groundbreaking research, innovative initiatives and broader access to all that golf has to offer – delivering social, economic and environmental benefits around the world. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this moment and for their commitment to creating positive change – not just for golf, but through it.”
The 2024 unrestricted funding donations have been allocated to a wide range of initiatives including further development of the Fairways to Learning programme at Golf It! in Glasgow, which offers structured, real world training and skills development through golf and its operations for young people, the delivery of talent development programmes across Asia-Pacific and Africa and the launch of a six-week community programme, developed in partnership with the Muslim Golfers’ Association, that engages 350 children from the Muslim community in the UK. Philanthropic support is enabling the expansion of GolfSixes into new countries and enhancing heritage education through The R&A World Golf Museum.
Funding has also been directed to The Royal & Ancient Golf Club Scholarship creating ten additional scholarships in the programme’s second year. The scholarship has received extraordinary support exclusively from Members of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, reflecting the Club’s commitment to supporting the next generation of talent that will shape the game of golf.
Caroline Wallard, Director of Philanthropy at The R&A, said, “The philanthropic support, received through The R&A Foundation, is successful because everyone at each step is connected by our shared belief that golf matters. This collective commitment allows us to support meaningful initiatives around the globe that support The R&A’s belief that golf can, and should, enrich people’s lives. Together we are building a more inclusive, sustainable and inspiring future for the sport.”
Through this growing wave of support, philanthropic investment is now helping to deliver projects across five strategic areas: accessibility, sustainability, health, heritage and talent.
Accessibility – developing facilities and programmes which enable people to get into golf
Among the newly funded initiatives is a six-week programme developed in partnership with the Muslim Golfers’ Association in the UK, which will engage 350 children from the Muslim community with funding also being directed towards introductory golf sessions for Muslim women, delivered by female instructors.
Golf It!, The R&A’s community-based golf and entertainment facility in Glasgow, will receive support to extend its Fairways to Learning programme, which provides structured, hands-on training for young people, centred around golf and its operations. The programme provides young people with direct work experience and practical skills while helping them to develop a stronger connection to their local community.
Delivered in conjunction with Wales Golf, funding has also been allocated to support the Gareth Bale Festival, a one-day multi-sport event designed to give young people from underserved communities across Wales the opportunity to engage in a wide range of sports, including golf. As a Global Development Ambassador for The R&A, Gareth Bale plays a vital role in championing golf and wider sporting access for all while helping to ensure the event reaches those who may not otherwise have the chance to get into golf.
In Canada, the She Plays Golf programme, run by Golf Canada, will also receive support as part of their plans to build pathways for female participation with activities ranging from try golf clinics to golf festivals and competitions.
As part of its commitment to growing the game, increasing accessibility and inspiring a new generation of talent, The R&A Foundation is supporting the expansion of GolfSixes into new regions, helping more young people enjoy the sport in a fun, team-based format.
Philanthropic funding is also supporting pathway development in countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines and India, where programmes are focused on youth development, increasing girls’ participation in golf and creating dual opportunities for individuals to both play and caddie.
Sustainability – increasing our understanding of the environmental impact and benefits of golf
As part of its commitment to sustainability, The R&A Foundation continues to support the development of greenkeeping expertise around the world. This includes providing funding to the well-established Greenkeeping Scholarship Programme and the BIGGA ‘Continue to Learn’ Greenkeeping Conference, focusing on upskilling greenkeepers and encouraging environmental and agronomic best practices.
Health – investing in research and programming that use golf to improve people’s health
Funding has been awarded to support “Golf Clubs as Health Hubs” involving 25 Scottish golf clubs that aims to harness the physical, mental and social benefits of golf. In collaboration with researchers, the initiative integrates golf into health and wellbeing pathways, positioning clubs as a community asset that support holistic care.
In addition, funding has also been allocated to a number of research projects focused on designing adaptive golf equipment for individuals who use wheelchairs as well as identifying the most suitable prosthetics for people with upper limb differences. Highlighting the commitment to ensure that golf is more inclusive and accessible for all.
Heritage – expanding the reach of The R&A World Golf Museum
The R&A Foundation continues to invest in the expansion and modernisation of The R&A World Golf Museum. Philanthropic support will enable further upgrades to the Golf Zone, with a focus on promoting accessibility and inclusivity within the Museum’s collections. Funding is also being used to improve interactive digital displays, enhance storytelling and capture new materials that bring the sport’s history to life.
Talent – supporting the pathways that enable people to reach their potential through golf
As part of a commitment to supporting pathways that enable individuals to reach their full potential through golf, funding has been allocated to The Royal & Ancient Golf Club Scholarship. This investment will provide ten additional scholarships in the programme’s second year ensuring that the next generation of golf’s leaders are able to grow and succeed in their future careers through a wide range of opportunities including professional development, mentorship and peer support.
Supporting the development of global talent is at the core of The R&A Foundation’s philanthropic strategy. Through donor funding, the Foundation will support several development programmes for players across regions including Asia-Pacific and Africa, providing talent with opportunities to train, learn and compete on the international stage.
In Vietnam, following the country’s successful hosting of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship, funding has been granted to support an enhanced programme of initiatives designed to build on the growth of the sport and nurture emerging female players. The investment builds on the momentum generated by the championship, expanding opportunities for youth players to develop their skills and talent across a region where golf’s popularity continues to rise.
Additional funding has been committed to the Women in Golf Leadership programme, which supports the development of future female leaders across the golf industry through tailored training, mentoring and networking opportunities. Philanthropic support will also expand to a new region, with funding allocated to South America to strengthen workforce development initiatives in Argentina.
The R&A Foundation Annual Review
The R&A Foundation Annual Review is now available to download. The review offers a full overview of the year, highlighting the impact of funding across a wide range of initiatives aimed at growing golf and making it more accessible, inclusive and sustainable. It provides insights into the projects supported around the world, including key milestones, success stories and The R&A Foundation’s ongoing commitment to delivering good for golf, and through golf.
For further information and to support The R&A Foundation, please visit randa.org/foundation.
