A record 3.8 million adult Australians played golf in some form in 2023-24, according to the latest Golf Australia Participation Report.
The report shows that golf in Australia is riding a wave of unprecedented growth, celebrating its fifth consecutive year of club membership growth and a record 3.8 million adult Australians playing golf in 2023-24.
From traditional courses to driving ranges, simulators, and mini golf, this marks a 9% year-on-year rise, solidifying golf’s place as one of the nation’s most loved and accessible sports, with a remarkable 19% of adult Australians hitting a golf ball in 2023-24.
Golf club membership has also soared nationally growing by 5.6% to reach 459,143 members in 2023-24. This increase was mirrored locally, with WA club membership also increasing 5.6% over the same period.
Junior participation has been a standout success, with membership levels skyrocketing by 33.4%, driven by a 37.3% increase among boys and a 13.8% 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% rise in membership, supported by initiatives like the R&A Women in Golf Charter and the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship program, the latter seeing a 22.7% growth.
Golf Australia’s MyGolf participation grew by 10.7% with 36,643 junior participants, while the Get into Golf entry level program for adult beginners saw a 21.2% increase, with 86.8% being women and girls.
Girls’ golf is growing swiftly across the nation
The key numbers
- 3.8 million Australians played in golf in 2023-24, at golf courses, driving ranges, simulators, or mini golf facilities – a 9% increase year-on-year
- 19% of adult Australians hit a golf ball during the year
- Golf club membership increased by 5.6% to 459,143 members, marking a 19% total growth over five years
- Social club membership grew by 23.8%, reaching 39,354 members
- State-by-state membership growth: QLD 6.2%, TAS 6.1% WA 5.6%, SA 4.8%, NSW 3.7%, VIC 2.9% and NT 0.4%
- Junior membership saw a 33.4% increase (37.3% increase in boys; 13.8% increase in girls)
- Women and girls’ membership continues to grow with a 3.2% increase
- Over 1 million adults played golf at an off-course facility (e.g., driving ranges, simulators) in 2023-24
- MyGolf participation grew by 10.7%, with 36,643 junior participants
- Get Into Golf saw a 21.2% increase in total participants, with 86.8% being women and girls
The 2023/24 Golf Participation Report can be downloaded here.
