Lyla Lindsey
Golf is booming in Australia, with a record number of people taking up the sport. In 2023-24, 3.8 million Australians played golf, a 9% increase year-on-year, making it one of the country's most popular and accessible sports. The growth in golf's popularity can be attributed to several factors, including the introduction of new formats, the sport's inclusivity and accessibility, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Victoria, where golf was one of the first sports to resume. With a surge in club memberships, an increase in female and junior golfers, and a growing community of casual golfers, Australia's golf industry is thriving and evolving to meet the demands of its diverse participants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Total number of golfers in Australia | 3.8 million |
| Percentage of adult Australians who played golf | 19% |
| Number of golfers who played at golf courses | 1.5 million |
| Number of golfers who played at driving ranges | 1.2 million |
| Number of golfers who played mini-golf | 1.1 million |
| Total golf club members | 459,143 |
| Percentage increase in golf club members | 19% |
| Percentage increase in golf club members over the past year | 5.6% |
| Number of junior golf club members | 33.4% increase |
| Number of male junior golf club members | 37.3% increase |
| Number of female junior golf club members | 13.8% increase |
| Number of social club members | 39,354 |
| Percentage increase in social club members | 23.8% |
| Average age of club members | 56.9 years |
| Average age of male club members | 55.3 years |
| Average age of female club members | 64.3 years |
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What You'll Learn
Golf club membership statistics
The growth in golf club membership can be attributed to several factors. One key factor is the Australian Golf Strategy, which aims to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to Australians from all walks of life. This strategy has contributed to a more diverse range of people taking up golf, including women, girls, and junior golfers. The increase in junior golfers is particularly notable, with a 33.4% increase in junior membership driven by a 37.3% increase among boys and a 13.8% increase among girls in 2023-24.
Golf clubs have also adapted their membership offerings to attract new members. Some clubs offer age-based discounts and lower-cost memberships that exclude peak days, providing more flexible and affordable options for potential members. The introduction of new formats, such as online coaching, 24/7 golf simulators, and entertainment golf venues, has also played a role in attracting a wider range of people to the sport.
The growth in golf club membership varies across different states in Australia. In the 2023-24 membership data, Queensland (QLD) had the highest growth rate at 6.2%, followed by Tasmania (TAS) at 6.1%, Western Australia (WA) at 5.6%, and South Australia (SA) at 4.8%. New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria (VIC) had slightly lower growth rates of 3.7% and 2.9%, respectively, while the Northern Territory (NT) had the lowest growth rate at 0.4%.
It is worth noting that while club membership has been increasing, there are still far more casual golfers who are not members of a club. This indicates a large potential for further growth in the sport and the opportunity to attract more people to join golf clubs. The golf industry in Australia is focused on making the sport accessible and appealing to a diverse range of people, contributing to the positive trend in golf club membership numbers.
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Golf's popularity in Australia
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Australia, with a growing number of people taking part. The COVID-19 pandemic has been credited for the surge in popularity, particularly in Victoria, where golf was one of the first sports to resume while team sports were prohibited. The introduction of new formats has also fuelled the boom, with 230,000 people taking up golf since the pandemic.
Golf Australia's latest participation report revealed that 3.5 million Australians played golf in 2022-23, representing 17.6% of adult Australians, a significant increase from 2.7 million in 2021-22. The report also showed that golf club membership increased by 1.9% in 2022-23 to 434,825 people, following increases of 2.7% in 2021-22 and a record 6.4% in 2020-21. This growth is reflected across all states, with Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia leading the way.
The increase in golf's popularity is also attributed to the accessibility and inclusivity initiatives driven by the Australian Golf Strategy. The strategy aims to make the sport more accessible and appealing to a diverse range of Australians, regardless of age, gender, or ability. This has resulted in a notable rise in female and junior golfers, with a 12.6% increase in women and girls joining golf clubs and an impressive 9.3% rise in junior memberships.
The growth in golf's popularity is also evident in the success of off-course offerings, such as driving ranges, mini-golf facilities, and simulators. Over 1.2 million people played golf off-course, contributing to the overall participation numbers. Golf Australia's Get into Golf program for adults and the MyGolf program for children have also experienced significant growth, with a particular increase in female participation.
The future of golf in Australia looks bright, with a continued focus on innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity. The sport's governing bodies aim to embrace newcomers and evolve to suit changing markets, ensuring golf remains a popular choice for Australians of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
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Golf's inclusivity and accessibility
Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, and its popularity is growing in Australia. With approximately 3.5 million Australians playing golf in 2022-23, representing 17.6% of adult Australians, it is safe to say that golf is one of the country's biggest participation sports.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Golf is often perceived as an exclusive sport, but this perception is changing as golf becomes more inclusive and accessible. The Australian Golf Strategy, launched in December, is a testament to this, with its focus on bringing in new players and creating a sport for all Australians, regardless of age, background, or ability. This strategy has paid off, with a surge in women and girls joining golf clubs, a 9.3% rise in junior membership, and an increase in social club memberships.
Golf Australia's Get into Golf program has seen tremendous success, with a significant jump in female participation, and the MyGolf program for 5- to 12-year-olds has also seen a boost in female players. These programs cater to casual golfers who are not club members, providing a fantastic opportunity to introduce newcomers to the sport and foster a sense of community.
The National Alliance for Accessible Golf is another leader in driving inclusion, working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to play golf. Golf facilities are also striving to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which guarantees access for people with disabilities to public facilities. This includes providing accessible forward tees, developing training programs for staff assisting disabled golfers, and creating accessible routes throughout the golf course.
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Golf's growth during the pandemic
The pandemic played a pivotal role in this surge, as people sought outdoor activities that could be enjoyed while maintaining social distancing. Golf, with its inherent ability to be played safely during a pandemic, became an attractive option for many. This trend was further bolstered by the launch of the Australian Golf Strategy, which aimed to make the sport more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of Australians. The strategy's focus on various formats, including traditional golf, Holey Moley, and mini-golf, tapped into the post-pandemic demand for social connection and physical and mental wellbeing.
The growth in participation during the pandemic was not limited to casual golfers but also extended to club memberships. Golf club membership in Australia increased by 10.2% over the past three years, with a notable 6.4% surge in 2020-21. This growth in membership was driven by several factors, including the increasing popularity of golf among women and juniors. The sport saw a significant increase in female participation, with women's membership numbers rising by 4.8% in Victoria and a 12.6% increase in girls' membership in the same state. Junior golf programs, such as MyGolf, also experienced significant growth, with a 13% increase in participation.
The pandemic's impact on golf in Australia goes beyond numbers. It has created a diverse golfing community, attracting people from various backgrounds, genders, and age groups. Golf clubs have responded to this shift by offering more flexible membership types, catering to the changing demographics and preferences of their members. The success of Australian golfers on the global stage, such as Cameron Smith's Open championship victory, has further fueled interest in the sport.
As Australia emerges from the pandemic, the golf industry is well-positioned to sustain this growth. With new initiatives, such as online coaching, 24/7 golf simulators, and entertainment golf venues, the sport has become more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The Australian Golf Industry Council's Nature Report highlights golf's potential for post-pandemic growth, with 9 million Australians expressing interest in the sport. This indicates that the pandemic may have been a catalyst for golf's resurgence, but the sport's appeal is here to stay.
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Golf participation by age and gender
Golf in Australia has seen a recent boom, with a record number of people playing the sport. In 2023-24, 3.8 million adult Australians played golf, a 9% increase year-on-year, with 19% of adult Australians hitting a golf ball during the year. This growth is partly attributed to the introduction of new formats and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a rise in off-course golf activities such as driving ranges, mini-golf, and simulators.
While overall participation numbers are high, there are differences in golf participation when it comes to age and gender. The average age of club members in Australia is 56.9 years, with the average age for male members being 55.3 years and 64.3 years for female members. This suggests that golf club members tend to be older, with a higher average age for women than men.
In terms of gender breakdown, there has been a significant increase in women and girls joining golf clubs. In Victoria, for example, women's membership numbers grew by 4.8% year-on-year, while girls' membership rose by 12.6%. Golf Australia's Get into Golf program also saw an 84% jump in female participation. This trend towards greater female participation is contributing to the overall growth of the sport and aligns with efforts to make golf more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of people.
Junior golf has also seen a notable increase in participation, with a surge in junior memberships across the country. Golf Australia's MyGolf program for children aged 5 to 12 years old experienced a 13% growth, including a 25% increase in female participation. This indicates that golf is gaining popularity among younger generations, with both boys and girls taking up the sport.
Overall, golf participation in Australia varies across age and gender groups. While the average age of golf club members is higher, there is a growing trend of younger people, particularly girls and women, taking up the sport. These shifts contribute to the overall increase in golf participation and reflect the sport's evolving accessibility and appeal to a diverse range of Australians.
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Frequently asked questions
3.8 million Australians played golf in 2023-24, a 9% increase from the previous year.
Golf club membership in Australia has been increasing. In 2023-24, there were 459,143 golf club members, a 5.6% increase from the previous year.
Junior membership in golf clubs across Australia saw a substantial increase of 33.4% in 2023-24, with a 37.3% increase in boys and a 13.8% increase in girls.
Over 1 million adults played golf at off-course facilities such as driving ranges, simulators, and minigolf in 2023-24.
The average age of golf club members in Australia is 56.9 years, with an average age of 55.3 years for men and 64.3 years for women.
