The Golf Australia 2021/22 Participation Report revealed that over 2.7 million Australians play golf, with every state and territory experiencing another year of significant growth in club membership.
Media release via Australian Golf Media
For the first time, Golf Australia has partnered with the National Golf Foundation to outline participation in all forms of golf.
Figures reveal that Australia hosted 1.5 million golfers in a 12-month period, with a further 1.2 million playing off-course in a variety of spaces including driving ranges, mini golf facilities and simulators.
Club membership across the country increased by 2.7% in the 2021/22 season after a record 6.4% increase in the previous 12 months, as indicated by the increase in female and junior golfers. Social Club membership has grown by 8.9% over the past year.
This is the second largest increase in golf membership since data collection began in 1970.
Golf Australia’s Get into Golf program for adults grew 65%, with an 84% increase in female participation, while the MyGolf program for 5-12 year olds saw a 13% increase, with female participation increasing by 25%.
The increase is supported by AusPlay data from the Australian Sport Commission, with the 2021/22 results revealing a 33% increase in people identifying as golfers at pre-COVID levels.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the positive numbers continue the momentum generated by the launch of the Australian Golf Strategy, which is focused on making the game more open and accessible to Australians from all walks of life.
“Golf is big – and it’s getting bigger,” he said.
“We are delighted to see golf in Australia grow at an unprecedented rate and solidify its position as one of the most attended sports in the country.
“With more people playing the game than ever before, this Participation Report highlights the community’s passion for the game – and how long-term investments in our grassroots programs have helped turn social gamers into club members.
“Across all significant metrics, golf is booming and we are particularly pleased with the growth in women’s golf and junior golf.
“There’s always more to do, but we’re well on our way to making our great game even bigger and more inclusive.”
This year’s participation measurement has been adjusted to be more in line with the Australian golf industry’s philosophy that “everything about golf is golf”.
“Whether you’re a sociable golfer, longtime member, weekly computer player, putt-putt specialist, regular driving range player or simulator enthusiast – you contribute to the growth of our golf community and the health of our game,” said Sutherland.
Key figures – July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
Total stake: 2.7 million (800,000 on course, 700,000 both on and off course, and 1.2 million just off course).
Club membership: 426,384 (up 2.7%, 11,208 new members)
Junior members: 16,241 (up 4.2%)
Women and girls: 79,704 (up 4.0%)
State Club membership growth: NSW (0.6%), Victoria (2.6%), Queensland (3.9%), South Australia (4.6%), Western Australia (1.7%), Tasmania (7.2%), Northern Territory (9.9%).
Participation programs: Get Into Golf increase by 65%, My Golf increase by 13%, accreditations of community instructors increase by 30%, disability integration program increase by 90%,
For more information and stats, read the full participation report Here.
