Australian Golf Foundation Raises $3.6M to Transform Young Lives
The Australian Golf Foundation (AGF) has released its 2024/25 Impact Report this week, showcasing a year of extraordinary progress in making golf more accessible, inclusive, and life-changing for young people nationwide.
The report details the substantial impact achieved across community programs, junior participation initiatives, high-performance pathways, and new philanthropic partnerships, all driven by the generosity of donors, clubs, and inspiring golf ambassadors.
Record Fundraising Fuels Growth
The 2024/25 financial year was a landmark period for the Foundation, seeing $3.6 million raised. This total was significantly boosted by a further $3 million commitment from The Kinghorn Foundation to support the vital Golf Australia Rookie Program.
The Foundation’s ability to invest in emerging talent was also strongly enhanced by contributions from professional golfers Hannah Green and Min Woo Lee through the Golf Australia Give Back Program.
Junior Girls Scholarship Program: 4,503 Lives Touched
At the core of the AGF’s mission is the Junior Girls Scholarship Program, founded by Bonnie Boezeman AO. This program is hailed as one of the sport’s most significant participation opportunities, successfully encouraging more girls to take up and remain engaged in club golf.
This year alone, an impressive 1,432 scholarships were awarded, bringing the national total to an extraordinary 4,503 scholarships since the program’s inception.
The influence of the program extends far beyond the fairway, empowering young women like Maddison Kelly, who entered the Killara Golf Club program at age 14 and has now progressed to become a WPGA Tour player, highlighting the valuable pathways made possible by the initiative. The scholarships help girls build confidence, form friendships, and learn critical life skills.
Milestones and Momentum
The Impact Report highlights several significant achievements throughout the year:
- New Ambassador: World-class golfer Hannah Green joined the AGF as an Ambassador, dedicating her passion to inspiring the next generation.
- Legacy Giving: The Peter Thomson Society was launched, honouring one of Australia’s greatest golfers and establishing a new avenue for bequests and legacy giving.
- Inaugural Fundraiser: The first-ever Australian Golf Foundation Cup brought together 72 players at Capital Golf Club and successfully raised $150,000 for programs supporting girls, multicultural communities, and disadvantaged young people.
- Supporter Community: The formation of The Founders Club offers passionate supporters a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term vision for Australian golf.
Gratitude from Leadership
AGF Chair Patrick Holt expressed deep gratitude for the support: “We are deeply thankful to every individual and organisation who has supported us. Your belief in our mission is not only growing the game, its changing lives.”
“Through strategic investment in national junior participation programs such as the Junior Girls Scholarship Program, MyGolf, and TeeMates, we are working hand-in-hand with Golf Australia to break down barriers and make the game accessible for all,” Mr. Holt stated. He also reserved special thanks for The Kinghorn Foundation for its “significant ongoing investment” in fostering high-performance athletes.
AGF Executive Director Cameron Wade noted that the impact reflects a growing philanthropic movement within Australian golf. This movement is focused on ensuring that children from all backgrounds, including those experiencing disadvantage, living in regional/remote communities, and underrepresented groups, can discover a lifelong love for the game and thrive.
The Foundation’s programs now have a national reach, with 247 clubs delivering the Junior Girls Scholarship Program and 61 facilities offering subsidised tee access through TeeMates and Youth on Course.
To view the full report, CLICK HERE.
To learn more about the Australian Golf Foundation visit: www.australiangolffoundation.org.au
