Latest competition golf rounds continue positive growth trend

The Australian Golf Industry Council has released its latest National Competition Rounds Report, which shows participation growth continues to remain steady.

Over a 12-month period, GolfLink recorded approximately 14.76 million rounds with over 3.7 million single handicapped rounds reported between April and June; a four per cent increase in national rounds compared to the same three-month period in 2014/2015.

Chairman of the AGIC, Brian Thorburn, was pleased with the latest figures, particularly given the winter period was looming.

“It’s fantastic to see steady growth continuing into the cooler months; it’s very encouraging for the Australian golf industry.”

“It’s not uncommon to see a small decline in rounds entering this time of year purely due to changing weather conditions. It is certainly reassuring to see a steady increase leading into winter.”

New South Wales was the standout state recording an increase of close to nine per cent during the three-month period; followed by Queensland who recorded a five per cent increase.

Weather patterns did impact outcomes in June, particularly in Tasmania, who recorded an 11 per cent decline after experiencing their wettest month since 2004.

Queensland experienced the largest increase in rounds played for the financial year; recording 16 per cent growth over 2014/2015 and consistent growth of five per cent in each quarter.

Month over month growth was achieved for competition rounds in eight of the twelve monthly periods. April was the best performing month with a 14 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.

Demographically, male golfers accounted for 82 per cent of players. Female participation saw a minimal increase of just over one per cent to hold 18 per cent of the market.

Softer results were recorded in the metropolitan markets than those recorded nationally.

The best performing market was Brisbane with five per cent growth recorded for the year and the only capital city to record four positive quarters for the year.

The best performing regional market was regional Western Australia who posted close to a seven per cent increase.

“Over the past three-month period we’ve seen Jason Day win THE PLAYERS Championship and Minjee Lee the LOTTE Championship. These moments inspire golfers at all levels and drives interest in our sport, which assists in converting the casual golfer to a regular one,” Thorburn said.

“With golf’s return to the Olympics taking place next month in Rio de Janeiro and Australia’s summer of golf just around the corner, you would expect to see these positive growth trends continue.”

Competition rounds are defined as a single handicapped round only and exclude rounds played in non-handicapped events and rounds played at public facilities.

Established in 2006, the AGIC brings together representatives from the major golf industry bodies and works as one to promote golf and industry wide initiatives.

Members of the AGIC include the PGA of Australia, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Golf Management Australia, Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Golf Australia, Australian Sporting Goods Association, and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.