**Golf Enthusiasm on the Rise as New ‘The Stroke Index’ Newsletter Promises to Deliver All the Latest News**
As British golf courses witness a surge in attendance this year, fuelled by a glorious spring and the continued popularity of stars such as Rory McIlroy, demand for fresh and accessible golf journalism is at an all-time high. Meeting this appetite head-on is the newly launched newsletter, *The Stroke Index*, which aims to distil golf news, insights, and trends into a convenient, reader-friendly format delivered directly to enthusiasts’ inboxes.
Modern golf fans now face a veritable flood of information, as major tournaments attract global attention while local and amateur competitions often go unnoticed. The result is that even seasoned followers can find it daunting to sift through the relentless stream of updates, analysis and kit announcements. *The Stroke Index* offers itself as a solution, promising to curate the most significant stories, insightful statistics, and thoughtful commentary, all compiled and written by experienced journalist Simon Payne.
Simon Payne’s credentials bring a measure of authority to the newsletter. Having carved out nearly thirty years in media, with time spent at Sky TV, Golf Monthly magazine, as well as various stints in both news and sports journalism, Payne is passionate about using his experience to connect golfers to the stories that matter. He describes his inspiration for golf as beginning in his youth, recalling legendary moments like Sandy Lyle’s remarkable win at Augusta in 1988, and Bernhard Langer’s audacious tree-climbing shot in the early 80s—scenes which remain etched in the memory of golf devotees.
Payne emphasises that *The Stroke Index* will not just focus on the high-profile narratives that crowd the headlines. “While the professional side of the game is bigger than ever, my aim is to package together a wide spectrum of golf coverage,” he explains. “Readers will discover handpicked articles that might otherwise fall through the cracks, whether it’s equipment reviews, amateur tournaments, or features that explore offbeat aspects of the sport.”
Notably, *The Stroke Index* positions itself as more than just another sports email—it seeks to be a genuine community hub for golf lovers. Regular content includes deep dives into tour events, region-specific reports, business updates from the golfing world, plus lifestyle topics like golf travel and fashion. Payne intends for each issue to help both newcomers and experienced players remain a step ahead, whether they’re lining up a putt or engaging in clubhouse banter.
Subscribers can expect a fresh take in every edition, with sections such as “View From the Tee,” delivering exclusive news and statistics, and “Around the Greens,” which shines a spotlight on regional and global stories, inspirational club features and even light-hearted social moments. The newsletter’s “Clubhouse Chat” allows readers to keep up with the latest equipment and even find a smile with curated golfing humour.
A key promise from *The Stroke Index* is its focus on accessibility and reader experience. Free from intrusive adverts and published through the independent platform Substack, it’s designed to ensure that every reader receives timely updates without the nuisance of algorithm-driven feeds or pop-up distractions. Whether accessed through a web browser, the Substack app, or by email, the aim is simple: quality golf coverage in a distraction-free space.
Crucially, Payne and the team behind *The Stroke Index* hope the platform does more than inform—aspiring to play a part in growing the game itself. As golf evolves with the times and opens its doors to a wider community, dedicated, streamlined journalism could be the catalyst for deeper engagement and participation.
Those eager to stay abreast of the latest developments in the world of golf, discover equipment reviews, or simply connect with a growing community of passionate players can subscribe to *The Stroke Index* via Substack. As this initiative gains traction, it suggests that the thirst for thoughtful golf journalism—delivered without unnecessary frills and focused on the spirit of the game—remains well and truly alive.