Canterbury Golf Reports Regional Growth and Unveils 2026–2030 Strategic Plan
Canterbury Golf has published its Annual Report for the 2025–26 season, reporting an increase in membership and playing rounds across the region. Alongside the annual performance update, the organisation released its new five-year Strategic Plan covering 2026 through 2030. Both documents will be formally presented to members at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September.
Annual Report Highlights: Membership and Participation Surges
Over the past 12 months, Canterbury Golf’s membership base expanded by 6.05%, bringing total club membership above 15,500 for the first time. This figure positions golf as the second-largest club-membership sport in the Canterbury region. Additionally, total rounds played across district clubs reached over 637,000 for the year, marking a 5% increase.
Key operational and competitive achievements from the 2025–26 season include:
- Interclub Play: 26 interclub competitions delivered, featuring over 1,500 participating players.
- Tournaments: 28 tournaments hosted, attracting 2,140 participants.
- Representative Titles: The Canterbury Boys’ team won the NZ Interprovincial title for the first time since 2017. The Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters teams both secured South Island titles.
- Youth Growth: Junior boys’ membership grew by 27.5%, while junior girls’ membership increased by 29.5%.
President Dion Kerr noted that it has been “another year of strong growth, sound governance, and continued momentum for Canterbury Golf,” highlighting positive trends in participation, competition, and engagement across member clubs throughout the season.
General Manager Blair Minton added that these achievements reflect the collective effort of clubs, staff, and volunteers across the district, stating that the organisation is now focused on building upon this position of strength.
2026–2030 Strategic Plan Framework
Following the conclusion of its 2021–2026 plan, Canterbury Golf’s Executive and staff developed a new strategic framework for 2026–2030. The document aligns with Golf New Zealand’s national Statement of Strategic Direction while addressing local priorities and growth opportunities within Canterbury.
The updated strategy is centered on the vision “Golf for all, Golf for Life” and a stated purpose to enable a thriving golf community in Canterbury that inspires connection, growth, fun, and success.
The plan establishes five core strategic priorities to guide operations and investment through 2030:
- 1. Growth: Growing the game
- 2. Development: Building capability to drive performance
- 3. Connection: A strong and connected golf sector
- 4. Engagement: Golf seen as inclusive and accessible
- 5. Leadership and Advocacy: Leading and advocating on behalf of the sector in Canterbury
Each priority includes specific outcomes, measurement metrics, and key initiatives intended to guide Canterbury Golf’s ongoing support for its member clubs.
Canterbury Golf has published its Annual Report for the 2025–26 season, reporting an increase in membership and playing rounds across the region. Alongside the annual performance update, the organisation released its new five-year Strategic Plan covering 2026 through 2030. Both documents will be formally presented to members at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September.
Click the image to read the Annual Report for the 2025–26 season
Annual Report Highlights: Membership and Participation Surges
Over the past 12 months, Canterbury Golf’s membership base expanded by 6.05%, bringing total club membership above 15,500 for the first time. This figure positions golf as the second-largest club-membership sport in the Canterbury region. Additionally, total rounds played across district clubs reached over 637,000 for the year, marking a 5% increase.
Key operational and competitive achievements from the 2025–26 season include:
- Interclub Play: 26 interclub competitions delivered, featuring over 1,500 participating players.
- Tournaments: 28 tournaments hosted, attracting 2,140 participants.
- Representative Titles: The Canterbury Boys’ team won the NZ Interprovincial title for the first time since 2017. The Women’s Masters and Men’s Masters teams both secured South Island titles.
- Youth Growth: Junior boys’ membership grew by 27.5%, while junior girls’ membership increased by 29.5%.
President Dion Kerr noted that it has been “another year of strong growth, sound governance, and continued momentum for Canterbury Golf,” highlighting positive trends in participation, competition, and engagement across member clubs throughout the season.
General Manager Blair Minton added that these achievements reflect the collective effort of clubs, staff, and volunteers across the district, stating that the organisation is now focused on building upon this position of strength.
2026–2030 Strategic Plan Framework
Following the conclusion of its 2021–2026 plan, Canterbury Golf’s Executive and staff developed a new strategic framework for 2026–2030. The document aligns with Golf New Zealand’s national Statement of Strategic Direction while addressing local priorities and growth opportunities within Canterbury.
The updated strategy is centered on the vision “Golf for all, Golf for Life” and a stated purpose to enable a thriving golf community in Canterbury that inspires connection, growth, fun, and success.
The plan establishes five core strategic priorities to guide operations and investment through 2030:
- 1. Growth: Growing the game
- 2. Development: Building capability to drive performance
- 3. Connection: A strong and connected golf sector
- 4. Engagement: Golf seen as inclusive and accessible
- 5. Leadership and Advocacy: Leading and advocating on behalf of the sector in Canterbury
Each priority includes specific outcomes, measurement metrics, and key initiatives intended to guide Canterbury Golf’s ongoing support for its member clubs.
Source: Canterbury Golf
