Miles Bennett
Golf is a popular sport in Australia, with more than 2.7 million Australians playing golf, according to Golf Australia's 2021/22 Participation Report. The sport has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, with a 9% increase in participation from 2023 to 2024. This growth is evident across all forms of golf, including traditional courses, driving ranges, simulators, and mini-golf facilities. Australia offers a variety of golf courses, ranging from large country clubs to smaller, more intimate settings. The country's golf industry has also seen a significant increase in club memberships, with a rise in female and junior golfers, contributing to the sport's growing appeal and accessibility.
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What You'll Learn
Golf's popularity in Australia
Golf is currently experiencing a boom in popularity in Australia, with more people playing the sport than ever before. In 2023, there were 12 million rounds of golf played across the country, with 526,248 golfers taking part. This marks a 15.9% increase in the number of competition rounds played compared to the previous year. The surge in golf's popularity is evident across all states and territories, with each experiencing significant club membership growth. Overall, golf club membership increased by 5.6% to a total of 459,143 members, with social club membership growing by 23.8% to 39,354 members.
The growth in golf's popularity in Australia is attributed to various factors, including the impact of the Australian Golf Strategy, which aims to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to people from all walks of life. The strategy has successfully attracted new players, particularly women and junior golfers, with a notable increase in female participation in the Get into Golf program. The sport's growing appeal to younger generations is also evident, with junior membership seeing a substantial increase of 33.4%, driven by both boys and girls.
The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the rise of golf's popularity in Australia. During the pandemic, many people turned to golf as a safe outdoor activity, and this trend has continued even as the pandemic threat has subsided. The availability of diverse golfing options, such as traditional courses, driving ranges, simulators, and mini-golf facilities, has also contributed to the sport's growing appeal.
Australia offers a wide range of golfing experiences, from renowned courses like Moore Park Golf in Sydney to the numerous smaller golf courses in the countryside. The dress code at Australian golf courses varies, with some requiring collared shirts while others allowing more casual attire like shorts and t-shirts. The social aspect of the game is also highlighted, with golfers joining others for the social factor and enjoying the community aspect of golf clubs.
With its rising popularity, golf is solidifying its position as one of Australia's most loved and accessible sports, attracting people of all ages and backgrounds to its courses and facilities. The future of golf in Australia looks bright, with increasing participation rates and a strong foundation at the grassroots level.
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Australian golf courses
Golf is a popular sport in Australia, with more than 460,000 Australians belonging to a golf club. In 2023-24, 3.8 million Australians played golf, a 9% increase year on year.
There are many golf courses in Australia, including both private and public courses. Some of the most well-known include:
- Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, which has hosted national and international golfing events such as the Australian Open, Australian Masters, and Women's Australian Open.
- The National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula, which features three 18-hole courses and is known for its proximity to vineyards and beaches.
- Barnbougle Dunes, a seaside links course made by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.
- New South Wales Golf Club, which offers one of the toughest tests in the country.
- Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne, which has hosted prestigious events such as the Australian Open and the Women's Australian Open.
- Metropolitan Golf Club in Melbourne, which is widely recognised as one of the finest championship courses in Australia and has hosted several Australian Open and PGA championships.
- Woodlands Golf Club in Melbourne, which is known for its small, challenging fairways surrounded by native trees.
These golf courses offer a range of experiences, from the manicured fairways of Kingston Heath to the seaside links of Barnbougle Dunes and the challenging fairways of Woodlands Golf Club. With its growing popularity, golf in Australia is becoming more accessible and inclusive, attracting people from all walks of life to the sport.
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Golf club membership growth
Golf club membership in Australia has been experiencing a period of sustained growth. In 2023, Golf Australia reported that club memberships across the country grew by 2.7% in 2021-22, following a record 6.4% growth in the previous year. This growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including the sport's increasing popularity among women and junior golfers, as well as the efforts of organisations like Golf Australia to make the game more inclusive and accessible.
The Australian Golf Strategy, for example, has been credited with encouraging more Australians to take up the sport. The strategy focuses on making golf more accessible and inclusive for people from all walks of life. This has resulted in a 33% increase in people identifying as golfers compared to pre-COVID levels.
The growth in golf club membership has been widespread across Australia, with all states and territories experiencing significant increases. Notably, Queensland (QLD) and Tasmania (TAS) led the way with 6.2% and 6.1% membership growth, respectively, while the Northern Territory (NT) saw a more modest increase of 0.4%.
The rise in golf's popularity has also been reflected in the number of people playing the sport. In 2023-24, an estimated 3.8 million adult Australians played golf, a 9% increase year-on-year. This includes those who played at golf courses, driving ranges, simulators, and minigolf facilities. Additionally, junior participation has seen a remarkable increase, with a 33.4% rise in junior membership, driven by a 37.3% increase among boys and a 13.8% increase among girls.
The growth in golf club membership has had a positive impact on the demand for qualified instructors, club professionals, and golf course management staff. It has also highlighted the importance of social golf in attracting new players to the sport and encouraging them to transition to traditional club membership. With the continued efforts to make golf more inclusive and accessible, the sport is expected to continue thriving in Australia.
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Golf's grassroots popularity
One of the key drivers of golf's grassroots popularity in Australia is the increasing participation of juniors and young golfers. In 2023, New South Wales led the way with 60,185 junior golfers, an exceptional 52.3% improvement from the previous year. The Australian Golf Foundation's initiatives, such as the Junior Girls Scholarship program, have also contributed to the rise in female golfers, with a 22.7% growth in participants.
Golf Australia's efforts to make the sport more inclusive and accessible have played a crucial role in its grassroots popularity. Their Get into Golf program for adults saw a 65% increase in participation, with an 84% jump in female participation. Additionally, their MyGolf program for 5 to 12-year-olds experienced a 13% growth, with a notable 25% increase in girls' participation. These initiatives align with the Australian Golf Strategy's goal of making golf more inclusive and accessible to Australians from all walks of life.
The impact of the Australian Golf Strategy is evident in the rising participation rates across the country. In 2023-24, an estimated 3.8 million adult Australians played golf, a 9% increase year-on-year. This growth is reflected in the number of club memberships, which increased by 5.6% to 459,143 members, marking a 19% total growth over five years. Social club memberships have also seen a significant boost, increasing by 23.8% and attracting 39,354 members.
The grassroots popularity of golf in Australia is further highlighted by the variety of playing options available. While traditional courses are popular, many Australians also enjoy playing at driving ranges, simulators, and mini-golf facilities. This inclusivity and accessibility have contributed to the sport's thriving community and its position as one of the nation's most loved and accessible recreational activities.
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Women and girls in golf
Golf is experiencing a boom in Australia, with a record number of people playing the sport. In 2023-24, 3.8 million Australians played golf, a 9% increase year-on-year. The sport is witnessing a rise in female golfers, with women's and girls' membership increasing by 3.2%. This growth is supported by initiatives like the R&A Women in Golf Charter and the Australian Golf Foundation's Junior Girls Scholarship Program, which saw a 22.7% increase in participants in 2023-24. Golf Australia's Get into Golf program for adults also saw an 84% jump in female participation, while MyGolf for 5- to 12-year-olds experienced a 25% increase in female players.
The Australian Golf Foundation's Junior Girls Scholarship Program is a club-based initiative aimed at fostering the development of girls aged 9 to 16 who are passionate about golf. The 24-week program offers lessons to enhance their skills and build friendships to support their golfing journey. Golf Australia is committed to the R&A's Women in Golf Charter, which aims to enable more women and girls to maximise their potential at all levels of the sport. They encourage Australian golf clubs and facilities to become signatories of the charter, demonstrating their commitment to improving the sport for women and girls.
Golf Australia has developed a range of resources to assist clubs in making their commitment to the R&A's Women in Golf Charter, including Sport Australia's 'Game Plan' tool. This tool helps clubs identify areas of excellence and areas for improvement, ultimately assisting in the development of an action plan. Golf Australia is also working on a Vision for Women and Girls in Golf, aligning with the Australian Golf Strategy, which focuses on inclusivity and accessibility for all Australians.
The Australian Women's Golf Network is another platform that offers a blend of golf events, online resources, and a community for women to enhance their skills and create valuable connections. With these initiatives and a growing community, women and girls in Australia are finding more opportunities to engage in and enjoy the sport of golf.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, golf is very popular in Australia. In 2023, there were 12 million rounds of golf played across the country, with 3.8 million adult Australians playing golf.
It is hard to say exactly how Australia compares to other countries, but golf is certainly one of Australia's most loved and accessible sports. There are a lot of golf courses in Australia, especially smaller ones in the countryside.
Yes, golf is growing in popularity in Australia. In 2023, the number of competition rounds played at golf clubs and facilities across Australia increased by 15.9% from the previous year. This growth is also seen in club memberships, which have increased for the fifth consecutive year.
