The popularity of Padel, currently the world’s fastest-growing racket sport, is providing an opportunity for UK golf clubs to enhance their facilities, attract new members, and secure new long-term revenue streams.
In just five years, the popularity of padel in the UK has surged from 6,000 active players to over 230,000, with more than 750 courts installed nationwide.
This trend is following key European countries such as Spain, where the sport boasts over 5 million players and ranks as the second most participated sport after football, ahead of tennis.
According to Keith Mitchell from Chiefs Digital Media, which provides strategic advice within the sector: “Padel aligns perfectly with golf’s core audience – health-conscious individuals who appreciate skill-based, inclusive, and social sports. Many golf clubs across Europe have already adopted padel with great success, resulting in a broader, more engaged community.
“This not only boosts footfall and member retention but also increases primary revenue from annual memberships, pay as you play court hires and substantial secondary revenue from food and beverage. Also padel creates a vibrant clubhouse atmosphere that encourages cross-sport participation, making it particularly attractive to families and younger members.”
Tom Brunner, co-founder of Padel Home, which installs padel courts in the UK, adds: “For golf clubs, the primary advantage lies in enhancing leisure offerings that can generate incremental revenue while leveraging existing strengths. Padel courts require significantly less space than traditional tennis facilities. With hourly rates ranging from £40-£80 and utilization above 80%, the revenue potential is clear. A standard three-court covered padel facility could conservatively generate annual booking revenue of £305,000 based on just seven hours of usage per day, in addition to opportunities in food and beverage sales, coaching, corporate events, and merchandise.”
According to a recent report in The Times, David Lloyd Leisure, a leading UK health and fitness club operator, reported a 33% profit increase in 2024, largely due to the expansion of its padel and pickleball facilities.
Golf venues have multiple options to incorporate padel, from leasing space to padel operators, managing operations independently, or adopting hybrid models that retain certain operational aspects for increased revenue sharing.
“Companies like Padel Home are transforming how sports clubs can capitalise on the booming padel trend,” says Bruner. “We offer a comprehensive consultancy approach along with tailored solutions, including planning assistance, groundwork, court installation, and ongoing maintenance. Our flexible leasing and hire purchase options allow clubs to avoid significant upfront costs, making padel financially sustainable and accessible.”
Partnering with Padel Alba, a leading manufacturer from Spain with decades of experience in building and installing courts worldwide, Padel Home ensures high-quality installations. Brunner notes, “After months of discussing with major court manufacturers globally, we chose Alba for their outstanding product, commitment to customer service, and shared values.”
Recent installations include The Padel Hub in Slough, Utopia Padel in Ipswich, and several other flourishing padel companies.
Mark Cracknell, founder of Utopia Padel, says: “Since we have introduced padel we have seen high levels of interest and engagement from the local community, cricket and tennis club. Feedback on the court from players has been very positive. The team at Padel Home has been incredibly responsive and helpful throughout the procurement and install process and we are looking forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”
To find out more, call Padel Home on 07903 316761 or visit www.padel-home.com