GBR Tuesday | Uncovering the State of Golf in Europe: Half-Year 2025 Review
Every Tuesday and Friday, we connect the dots across golf’s business, media, and professional landscape.
Good morning, GBR,
I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and have had a good start to the week.
Do we think much about bunker rakes? They so often can be positioned completely at the wrong end of the bunker for where we need it. For some, the bunker rake doesn’t exist judging by the state some bunkers can be left in. That’s maybe as much thought some of us put into bunker rakes.
But would you stop to think that currently, the bunker rake industry is forecast to be worth nearly $175 million this year, and will continue to rise?
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) has finalized its lineup for October’s TechCon 2025 conference, with PXG’s founder, Bob Parsons being one of the highlights.
The NGCOA’s CEO, Jay Karen, has been appointed Chair of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), deepening the golf industry’s influence in the American economy.
Our big read today looks at the state of European golf in the first half of 2025. We run a health check covering record-breaking Nordics to Estonia’s first Open qualifier. Europe’s golf story in 2025 is one of growth, hidden gaps, and a quiet cultural revolution.
Enjoy your week and we’ll catch up again on Friday.
INDUSTRY
TECHCON25 UNVEILS FULL EDUCATION LINEUP FOR GOLF’S PREMIER TECH CONFERENCE
Golf Business TechCon 2025, hosted by the NGCOA and set for October 14–15 at the Westin Dallas Stonebriar in Frisco, Texas, has unveiled a packed education program spotlighting the latest technologies shaping the golf course industry.
Headlining the event is PXG and GoDaddy founder Bob Parsons, who will join Golf Business LIVE for an exclusive interview and gift attendees a copy of his New York Times bestselling memoir Fire in the Hole!.
TechCon25 will offer sessions on cutting-edge turf tech, AI adoption, revenue optimization, simulator strategy, and data-driven operations, with experts from Yamaha Golf Car, Rain Bird, Tagmarshal, Toptracer, SmashSwing, Noteefy, TenFore Golf, and more. Highlights include a hands-on turf tech demo, deep dives into GMS revenue potential, and a future-focused AI panel exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming customer and back-office experiences.
Education breakouts cover pricing, compliance, tee sheet strategy, and marketing innovations, with speakers from the PGA of America, Sports and Leisure Research Group, and KemperSports. The conference concludes with networking at the PGA of America HQ and is eligible for CEUs across PGA, LPGA, CMAA, and GCSAA credentials. Registration for TechCon25 is still open for professionals working in the golf industry. If you are interested in attending, more details are available here.
BUNKER RAKES MARKET TO SURGE TO $303.8 MILLION BY 2035
The global bunker rakes market is forecast to grow from $174.5 million in 2025 to $303.8 million by 2035, marking a CAGR of 5.7% over the next decade. The increase in market size is fueled by rising golf participation, pressure on turf managers for consistent sand bunker maintenance, and increasing adoption of mechanized, energy-efficient turf tools.
North America continues to lead demand, backed by course renovations across the U.S. and Canada, while Europe follows with greater focus on sustainability and higher aesthetic standards. Emerging growth in the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America—driven by luxury resort development and modernized public facilities—underscores the global shift toward smarter bunker grooming solutions. “Mechanized rakes are no longer a luxury—at top-tier courses, they’re essential,” the report notes, citing growing replacement cycles and expanding demand for ergonomic, modular, and battery-powered designs.
The market remains fiercely competitive, with international brands vying against regional manufacturers for share in both premium and price-sensitive segments, supported by innovations in smart rake heads, bundled maintenance services, and e-commerce-driven dealer expansion. The full report can be accessed here.
DIGITAL REVENUE SYSTEMS PARTNERS WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PGA TO BOOST CLUB ENGAGEMENT AND REVENUE
Digital Revenue Systems (DRS) has been announced as an official sponsor of the Southern California PGA (SCPGA), bringing its advanced digital signage and advertising network solutions to clubs across the region.
The partnership aims to help golf facilities better promote in-house services, engage members through dynamic, club-specific messaging, and tap into new revenue streams via targeted local and national advertising. “Our goal is to help golf clubs communicate smarter, sell stronger, and create a more engaging environment,” said Taylor Watkins, CEO of DRS. SCPGA leadership echoed the enthusiasm, with Assistant Executive Director Ed Winiecki stating, “Their technology and expertise bring real, measurable value to our member clubs.”
The collaboration will ultimately allow SCPGA clubs to spotlight events, player development programs, and community stories using DRS’s digital tools. More details on the new partnership between DRS and the Southern California PGA can be found here.
FULL SWING LAUNCHES ANDROID APP
Full Swing has launched its long-awaited Android app, bringing its performance tracking and swing analysis tools to users across both major mobile platforms.
“Bringing our app to Android is an important moment for us and for our growing global user base,” said Jason Fierro, Chief Operating Officer at Full Swing. The new app syncs seamlessly with the Full Swing KIT portable launch monitor and gives Android users access to features including 16 radar-powered club and ball data points, high-resolution swing replays, a virtual 3D range, and progress tracking over time.
Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, the Full Swing KIT Studio bundles hardware and software into an all-in-one solution for year-round practice. Details on the Full Swing product range can be found here.
NEWTON GOLF NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF WORLD LONG DRIVE 2025
Newton Golf Company has been named an Official Partner of World Long Drive (WLD) for the 2025 season. The partnership is designed to gain stronger brand visibility for Newton Golf throughout the WLD circuit and culminating at the World Championships from September 25–27 at Bigfoot Turf Farm in La Salle, Colorado.
The partnership will spotlight Newton’s Motion and Fast Motion shafts, already in play on major tours “We’re excited to showcase our shafts from the Motion Series throughout the 2025 season and especially at the World Championships.” said Greg Campbell, Chairman & CEO of Newton Golf before adding “World Long Drive represents the pinnacle of speed and power in golf, and it’s a perfect stage for our shaft technology.” Further details of Newton Golf’s partnership with World Long Drive can be found in the official press release.
TOPGOLF SET TO OPEN NEW AVON VENUE IN SEPTEMBER
Topgolf will officially open its latest Ohio venue in Avon on September 19, marking the company’s fifth location in the state and expanding its footprint 20 miles west of downtown Cleveland.
The two-level venue will feature 64 outdoor hitting bays equipped with Toptracer technology alongside a 22-foot video wall, over 140 HDTVs, an outdoor patio, and year-round events.
“Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or swinging a club for the first time, there’s something here for everyone,” said Erin Chamberlin, Topgolf COO. Avon Mayor Bryan Jensen welcomed the development, calling it a “one-of-a-kind experience” that enhances the city’s growing entertainment landscape. More details of Topgolf’s new Avon, Ohio, venue can be found here.
CIRCUITS/PROFESSIONAL GAME
TRUMP’S PLANNED RYDER CUP APPEARANCE RAISES SECURITY AND LOGISTICS QUESTIONS
Following a 48-minute delay to the US Open men’s final due to former President Donald Trump’s arrival, attention now shifts to his expected appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on September 26.
Trump announced last month via Truth Social that he plans to attend the opening round of the U.S. vs. Europe showdown, which the PGA of America says is already projected to draw record crowds of up to 60,000 fans per day.
While his attendance is not yet officially confirmed, the PGA of America acknowledged the situation in a statement saying, “As we get closer to Ryder Cup week, we will communicate any relevant updates that may impact the Ryder Cup experience. Our priority remains delivering a seamless, secure, and first-class environment for all our guests.” The potential addition of presidential-level security could significantly alter fan access and scheduling, particularly on the tournament’s high-profile opening day. David Rumsey, Front Office Sports.
GOLF IRELAND AND DP WORLD TOUR HOST INAUGURAL SUSTAINABLE GOLF FORUM AT THE K CLUB
Golf Ireland and the DP World Tour convened the first-ever Sustainable Golf Forum last week at The K Club, uniting stakeholders from sport, government, and the environment to explore golf’s role in driving sustainability and climate action.
Expert-led panels tackled biodiversity, water, energy, and decarbonisation, with real-world insights from Dundalk and Bandon GC and input from the EPA, Uisce Éireann, and The R&A. “Sustainability in golf is no longer just an option; it’s an imperative,” said Golf Ireland Chair Paul Haran. “We have the opportunity, and duty, to ensure golf courses are not only places of sport and leisure, but also vibrant habitats and renewable energy hubs.”
The forum highlighted golf’s natural ties as a catalyst for collaboration, showcasing practical tech, sustainable events, and club-level innovation. Richard Bunn of the European Tour Group reinforced the ambition: “This strategic event showed how we can collectively address environmental challenges through sport.” DP World Tour.
EQUIPMENT
CALLAWAY REVEALS NEW APEX UTILITY LINEUP FOR 2025
Callaway’s new long-game lineup includes the Apex UT ($299.99), Apex Ti Super Hybrid ($399.99), and Apex UW ($349.99), each tailored for different player needs with distinct technologies and trajectories.
Apex UT: A forged steel body and face, tungsten weighting, and urethane microspheres deliver a compact, player-preferred utility iron with enhanced low-face performance—ideal for better players seeking control.
Apex Ti Super Hybrid: Built for game-improvement players, it uses a titanium face bonded to a steel body for faster ball speeds and forgiveness, with a step sole for improved turf interaction.
Apex UW: Targeted at serious golfers, this utility wood blends fairway and hybrid characteristics with a Tungsten Speed Wave and triaxial carbon crown for high launch and neutral flight.
All models are available in four different loft options. Pre-sale orders are available now with retail beginning September 19th (Ti Super Hybrid & UW) and November 7th for the Apex UT. More details at Callaway Golf.
PEOPLE TO WATCH
JAY KAREN, CEO OF THE NATIONAL GOLF COURSE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIR OF THE ASAE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE 2026 FISCAL YEAR. His term began on September 1, 2025, following the official installation at ASAE’s Annual Meeting and Exposition in August. Karen will lead ASAE’s 50,000-strong membership through a period of transformation, focusing on organizational readiness and leadership empowerment. His appointment highlights the growing influence of the golf industry within the broader national business and association landscape. National Golf Course Owners Association.
THE PGA OF AMERICA HAS ANNOUNCED ITS 2025 HALL OF FAME CLASS, RECOGNIZING SIX INDIVIDUALS FOR THEIR LASTING IMPACT ON THE GAME. This year’s inductees include Jim Richerson, Ronny Glanton, Jim McLean, JD Turner, LPGA legend Nancy Lopez, and adaptive golf ambassador Dennis Walters. The induction ceremony will take place on November 5, 2025, during the 109th PGA Annual Meeting at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort. PGA of America.
GBR Big Read: Inside European Golf 2025: What the First Half Reveals
Golf in Europe entered 2025 with quiet confidence. Membership numbers had reached historic highs in Scandinavia, development tours were adding tournaments, and the women’s game was finding new visibility on broadcast schedules across the continent. Six months into the year, however, the actual state of the sport is more complex than a simple “up or down” graph. Unlike in the UK, where every round of golf is tracked and published in forensic quarterly reports, continental Europe still offers an uneven mosaic of data, forcing us to piece together a health check from multiple sources, trends, and case studies.
Nordic Transparency: Finland and Sweden Set the Benchmark
If one region deserves credit for clarity, it is the Nordics. The Finnish Golf Union reported nearly 2.5 million rounds played by August, a 10% increase year-on-year (Finnish Golf Union), with handicap submissions up 14%. April was the busiest spring month on record, and despite a rainy July, demand held steady. Finland’s habit of releasing timely, detailed participation reports makes it one of Europe’s most reliable barometers.
In Sweden, golf is no longer a pandemic curiosity but a structural pillar of national sport. By mid-2025, Swedish Golf Federation data confirmed that membership had surpassed the previous year’s record by more than 16,000 golfers (Swedish Golf Federation), pushing total active players over 500,000. Golf now ranks as Sweden’s third most practiced sport, behind only football and athletics, supported by nearly 500 courses. For investigators, the Swedish story is more than numbers: it shows how a mature market can continue to expand by investing in junior pathways, flexible memberships, and facilities close to urban centers.
The Women’s Game: Europe’s Growth Engine
Perhaps the most striking sign of vitality comes from the women’s professional and development circuits. The LET Access Series, Europe’s second-tier women’s tour, expanded to 19 events in 2025—up four from the previous year. New stops in Austria, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark reflect a widening geography of opportunity.
Even more symbolic was the return of the Tenerife Women’s Open in June. With a €500,000 purse and broadcast distribution to 87 countries, the event signaled that European women’s golf is no longer a niche product but a marketable, televised proposition. For federations and sponsors, this expansion carries weight: women’s tournaments are often cheaper to stage, attract younger audiences, and align with broader inclusion goals.
The surge in women’s golf tells only part of the story. To uncover more of the picture of Europe’s health check, we’ll look at the following areas:
Why major federations in Germany, France, Spain, and Portugal are keeping analysts in the dark.
How Estonia produced a qualifier for The Open with fewer than 10 courses.
The demographic revolution reshaping the sport: juniors, women, and new cultural formats.
What Europe’s amateur championships reveal about the pipeline of talent.
