Sanctuary Cove Sets the Stage for the Gold Coast’s Biggest Golf Festival

POSTED ON February 27, 2025 @ 5:38 pm

Next week, the Gold Coast Festival of Golf is set to redefine how fans, families, and players experience the game. Taking place from 6–9 March 2025 at Sanctuary Cove, this four-day festival blends world-class golf, entertainment, family-friendly activities, and social events into one spectacular celebration of the sport.

With the Australian WPGA Championship at its heart, the festival goes beyond traditional tournament play, offering an immersive experience featuring the latest golf innovations, gourmet food and drinks, interactive fan zones and special events such as the Superyacht Chipping Challenge, the Gold Coast Festival of Golf Beach Party, the International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon and the unmissable Running of the Balls.

Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a casual fan, or simply looking for a great day out, this is an event not to be missed.

The Australian WPGA Championship – Witness the Rising Stars of Women’s Golf

The Australian WPGA Championship, co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET), will showcase some of the most promising rising stars in women’s golf as they take on the challenging The Palms golf course at Sanctuary Cove.

With the coveted Karrie Webb Cup at stake, spectators can expect an adrenaline-pumping contest featuring an impressive field of Australian and International female golfers, including Grace Kim, Chiara Tamburini and Cara Gainer.

The Australian WPGA Championship will be part of a three-week stretch of co-sanctioned events between the WPGA Tour of Australasia and the Ladies European Tour (LET).

Beyond the Course – A Festival Like No Other

The Golf Exhibition – Get Hands-On with the Best in the Game

Step into the Golf Exhibition, where you can explore the latest gear, tech and equipment from some of the biggest names in golf.

Check out cutting-edge clubs and gadgets, chat with industry experts and score exclusive festival deals from brands including Performance Golf who will be retailing the latest ranges from Callaway, TaylorMade and PING. You will also see the latest from Bushnell, Garmin, MGI Golf and all the leading golf cart brands

Eat & Drink Zone – Feast, Sip & Celebrate

Great golf deserves great tastes, and the Eat & Drink Zone is serving up next-level flavours all weekend long. Sip on craft beers, boutique wines and premium spirits from the region’s best producers.

Soak up the festival atmosphere with live music, DJs and pop-up bars from brands including Black Hops Brewing, Cauldron Distillery, Heads of Noosa Brewing Co, Hiatus Beers, Kendor Distillery, Roji Cat Brewery, Seven Mile Brewing, Bimbadgen, Night Merchant, Wayward Brewing Co and White Oat Distillery, plus many more.

Superyacht Chipping Challenge – A Golf Experience Like No Other

Imagine standing on the deck of a luxury Horizon superyacht and taking aim at a floating green in the stunning Sanctuary Cove Marina. The Superyacht Chipping Challenge, presented by TaylorMade, is a festival highlight combining skill, precision and an unbeatable backdrop.

Chip in for charity and sink the perfect shot and you could win epic prizes including a full set of fitted TaylorMade golf clubs valued at over $6,000, with all proceeds supporting the Aussie Athlete Fund, supporting the next generation of Aussie athletes.

As a bonus, all participants will also receive a free general admission ticket to the Australian WPGA Championship.

Fan Zones – Interactive Fun for All Ages

Beyond the golf course, The Marine Village will be buzzing with fan zones and activities designed for every age and skill level.

Putt-Putt and Mini Golf courses
Topgolf Gold Coast skills challenge
Golf Dart chipping challenge
Kids’ activity areas, including a Sportstacular zone and craft station (Saturday & Sunday)

Whether you’re testing your short game, or just having fun with friends, there’s something for everyone.

Gold Coast Festival of Golf Beach Party – Where Golf Meets Glamour

Friday, 7 March | Lagoon Pool, InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

The Gold Coast’s hottest beach party presented by IHG Hotels & Resorts will take over the lagoon pool at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. Guests can sip on handcrafted cocktails, savour gourmet canapés, soak in the tropical vibes and enjoy live entertainment, all while mingling with some of the Australian WPGA Championship’s biggest stars and VIP guests.

Whether you’re here to network, dance the night away, or simply unwind in paradise, expect an unforgettable night

International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon – Celebrating the Icons of Sport

Saturday, 8 March | InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

Join some of the most inspiring women in sport and business for an intimate afternoon of fine food, beverages, storytelling, and celebration.

Mingle with elite athletes, hear their inspiring stories and be part of a bespoke afternoon that celebrates female excellence in sport and business. Guests comprising some of the world’s most inspiring women including Sam Squiers (Fox Sports News presenter), Tiffany Kirkwood (COO, Hastings Deering), Alexandra Armas (CEO, LET) and Karen Lunn (CEO, WPGA Tour of Australasia). They will be joined by Olympic beach volleyball gold medallists Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst.

All proceeds raised will go to the Aussie Athlete Fund, supporting the next generation of Aussie athletes.

Poses, Peace & Pars

Saturday, 8 March | Championship Village

To celebrate International Women’s Day, a free yoga event – Poses, Peace & Pars – will be held at the Championship Village at 7:00am as part of the Australian WPGA Championship. Register for the event and receive a free ticket into the Australian WPGA Championship.

Australian Long Drive & Tour Final – Power Meets Precision

Saturday, 8 March | The Palms Golf Course

Some of Australia’s biggest hitters will go head-to-head in the Men’s Australian Long Drive Rounds & Tour Final, while the festival will also host the first-ever Australian Women’s Long Drive competition in celebration of International Women’s Day.

For spectators, it’s a must-see spectacle of athleticism and skill. For competitors, it’s the ultimate test, a chance to go head-to-head with the best and make a lasting impact in the world of long drive golf.

A strong contender will be Queenslander Matthew Nicholls, or Matty Bombs as he is known on social media, who has a Long Drive record to-date of 410 metres.

Out of the long drive, Nicholls sailed a drive past the 330-mark to take out Victorian Tom Ryan in the final at Cobram Barooga Golf Club. He also accrues some Order of Merit points in preparation for the Tour Final at Sanctuary Cove. Matt is ranked 2 in Australia and competes currently in the World Long Drive Tour in the USA.

It’s not too late to for the public to enter and take up the challenge against Matty and others, details below.

6 & 7 March: Simulator-based pre-qualifying at the Gold Coast Festival of Golf.

8 March (AM): Two rounds of simulator-based qualifying at the Gold Coast Festival of Golf.

8 March (PM): The top eight battle it out in an elimination final on the live grid after Championship play on The Palms golf course.

Think you’ve got the power? Entries are now open – step up and take your shot via the registration link.

As a bonus, all participants will also receive a free general admission ticket to the Australian WPGA Championship

Running of the Balls – The Festival’s Must-See Spectacle

Sunday, 9 March | The Promenade, Sanctuary Cove

The Running of the Balls will transform The Promenade into a high-energy racetrack, where thousands of golf balls will cascade down a specially designed course in a spectacular rolling race to the finish.

Inspired by the adrenaline of Spain’s Running of the Bulls but swapping bulls for a chaotic rush of rolling golf balls, this is a must-see moment of the Gold Coast Festival of Golf.

This festival-defining event is open to everyone. Participants purchase a numbered golf ball, with exciting prizes for the winners, including $5,000 cash and 50,000 IHG One Rewards Points for the ball that rolls the furthest. All proceeds go to the Aussie Athlete Fund.

As a bonus, all participants will also receive a free general admission ticket to the Australian WPGA Championship.

Aussie Legends Golf Classic – Tee Off with Sporting Icons

Monday, 10 March | The Pines Golf Course

Want to play alongside the heroes of Australian sport? The Aussie Legends Golf Classic gives amateur golfers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to tee it up with Australia’s sporting greats, all while raising funds for the Aussie Athlete Fund.

Be Part of the Action – Get Your Tickets Now

- Gold Coast Festival of Golf – Register for Free entry
- Australian WPGA Championship – GA: $15 | Champions Lounge: $395 (Children aged 17 and under receive free GA access to the Australian WPGA Championship).
- Beach Party – $120 (includes free GA ticket to the Australian WPGA Championship)

International Women’s Day Charity Luncheon – $250 (includes free GA ticket to the Australian WPGA Championship)
Aussie Legends Golf Classic – Corporate Team Packages available at www.aussielegendsgolf.com.au

Plan Your Trip: Convenient Parking & Transport Options

Getting to the Gold Coast Festival of Golf is simple, with multiple transport options available.

Enjoy FREE onsite parking with a shuttle service to the front gate or use the designated ride-share drop zone. The Translink 711 bus provides easy public transport access, and golf buggy parking zones are available for added convenience.

The Gold Coast Festival of Golf will be held 6-9 March 2025 from 9am to 5pm. Visit www.festivalofgolf.com.au for tickets, more information and the full schedule of events.

The Gold Coast Festival of Golf is owned and presented by Mulpha Events and proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.