Golf numbers continue to soar in Australia

Golf in Australia is riding a wave of unprecedented growth, celebrating its fifth consecutive year of club membership growth and a record amount of people playing golf with 3.8 million adult Australians playing golf in 2023-24. The figures were revealed in the annual participation report released last month

From traditional courses to driving ranges, simulators and minigolf, this marks a nine percent year-on-year rise, solidifying golf’s place as one of the nation’s most loved and accessible sports, with a remarkable 19 percent of adult Australians hitting a golf ball in 2023-24.

Golf club membership has also soared, growing by 5.6 percent to reach 459,143 members in 2023-24—an impressive 19 percent growth over the past five years. Junior participation has been a standout success, with junior membership skyrocketing by 33.4 percent, driven by a 37.3 percent increase among boys and a 13.8 percent increase among girls, reflecting the sport’s growing appeal to younger generations.

Women’s and girls participation continues its steady climb, with a 3.2 percent rise in membership.

Golf Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland said: “Golf is one of Australia’s biggest participation sports.

“With unprecedented participation growth over the last five years, our sport continues to evolve with new formats and entertainment options that provide new opportunities to welcome people to the game. Golf has never been more fun and accessible, and truly is a sport for all.

“We’ve seen a 19 percent growth in golf members across Australia the past five years, but the figures released today tell us that members are only a fraction of those who are picking up a golf club.

“While traditional on-course play remains strong, the numbers also reveal growth in off-course offerings like driving ranges, indoor golf and mini-golf. This reflects golf’s increasingly broad appeal.