England Golf has announced a three-year partnership with Howden, designating the global insurance broker as its official insurance partner through the end of 2028.
The agreement aligns the national governing body with a firm known for its portfolio in community and professional sports. Howden, which operates in 57 countries, currently maintains partnerships with the British & Irish Lions, the Lawn Tennis Association, and Ascot Racecourse.
Under the terms of the new deal, Howden will continue its existing role in arranging £10 million in public liability insurance for all England Golf club members and iGolf subscribers. The partnership will also introduce a new scheme allowing golfers to purchase additional coverage for equipment theft and overseas travel.
The organisations stated that this new platform is designed to “dovetail” with current provisions, providing members with a clear path to upgrade their insurance protection.
A central component of the collaboration is Howden’s investment in England Golf’s “Play Safe, Stay Safe” campaign. This initiative focuses on promoting secure environments within clubs and expanding safety education across the golfing community.
With 200 branches across the UK and Ireland, Howden plans to leverage its local presence to provide tailored support to affiliated clubs and grassroots programmes.
Jeremy Tomlinson, chief executive of England Golf, said the broker’s scale and expertise make them an “ideal partner” as the organisation seeks to protect and grow the sport.
“Their investment in Play Safe, Stay Safe and their desire to engage locally will bring real value to our members,” Tomlinson said. “The partnership marks a significant step forward in England Golf’s mission to champion a safe, inclusive, and thriving future for the sport.”
Andy Goulbourne, divisional director of sport and entertainment at Howden, noted that the firm’s experience with more than 300 national governing bodies provides a “deep understanding” of the sector’s requirements.
“This partnership strengthens our commitment to amateur and grassroots sport even further,” Goulbourne said.
To mark the launch, Howden has opened a prize draw for golfers to win equipment and clothing valued at more than £1,000.
The partnership with Howden arrives as England Golf embarks on its “Let’s Inspire More Golfers” strategic plan, which runs through 2030. This roadmap focuses on four primary pillars: being safe, inclusive, sustainable, and inspirational. According to England Golf, the governing body seen a notable surge in participation, with club membership rising by 8,000 to a total of 730,000 in late 2024.
Furthermore, the digital iGolf platform – designed for non-club members to maintain a Handicap Index – now boasts more than 61,000 subscribers. Data from the organisation indicates that 17,400 of these “iGolfers” have transitioned into full club memberships since 2021.
The “Play Safe, Stay Safe” initiative, which Howden will now co-fund, has shifted focus in 2025 from pandemic-era health protocols to on-course etiquette and injury prevention. England Golf records show that in the three years preceding 2025, there were 92 documented claims involving individuals struck by clubs or balls, and 87 claims related to property damage.
Ben White, England Golf communications and data director, stated that the re-energised campaign aims to “ensure people are playing safely and minimising their chances of being harmed.” The campaign encourages simple but vital practices, such as the consistent use of the “Fore!” warning and provides clubs with digital assets to educate members on their responsibilities.
