Golf Australia conducts extensive research in partnership with the industry. This research is conducted to allow us to adapt and ensure we respond to the changes in our game and the way we play.
Quick Facts
How many golfers in Australia?
It is estimated by the Australian Sports Commission that 1.18 million people played golf in 2008 as summarized in the following table:
| Male 2008 | Female 2008 | Total 2008 |
| VIC | 247,800 | 67,100 | 314,900 |
| NSW | 337,050 | 82,650 | 419,700 |
| SA | 46,900 | 9,900 | 56,800 |
| WA | 86,100 | 24,700 | 110,800 |
| ACT | 16,600 | 2,300 | 16,300 |
| NT | 6,400 | 1,600 | 8,000 |
| QLD | 184,050 | 46,350 | 230,400 |
| TAS | 18,000 | 3,600 | 21,600 |
| Total | 942,900 | 238,200 | 1,181,100 |
How often do they play?
20% play less than 6 times per year, whilst 27% play more than once a week.
What % of these are female?
20%. The female % of the population is 50%!
What % of the population plays golf?
Approximately 6% of the population.
What is the % of the female population that plays golf?
3%, highest participatory state is ACT with 3%.
What is the % of the male population that plays golf?
12%
How many un-attached social golfers are there in Australia?
470,000, 51% of all golfers in Australia
How many club golfers are there in Australia?
445,000
What is the gender mix?
80% male, 20% female
How many rounds of golf are played annually in Australia?
Our latest research estimates approximately 29.2million, or approximately 32 per golfer.
How many courses are there in Australia?
Approximately 1530.
How many clubs are there in Australia?
Approximately 1566.
1.0 National Golf Census
The National Golf Census was first undertaken in 2010 in order to monitor and plan the development of the game of golf around Australia.
The Census has been prepared through cooperation and collaboration from all State and Territory Golf Associations and a substantial number of golf clubs around Australia.
It is intended that the Golf Census will become one of the main information systems for future development and benchmarking for golf in Australia.
Download: National Golf Census 2012 (3.6MB)
Download: National Golf Census 2011 (3.6MB)
Download: National Golf Census 2010 (3.6MB)
1.1 Industry Research
A number of other research projects have been completed by partners of Golf Australia or other key industry bodies. Please see below for reports which may interest you.
2.1 The AGIC 2010 Research Report
Australian Golf Industry Council- 2010 Research Report
2.2The AGIC May 2009 Research Report
Australian Golf Industry Council- May 2009 Research Report
2.2 Golf Australia Golf Industry Report- Executive Summary (October 2009)
October 2009 Golf Industry Report - Executive Summary
**Affiliated clubs have access to the full report through Golf Link. The Full report is available to non-affiliated entities for $1,100.00 inc GST. Contact Golf Australia to order (03) 9626 5069.
2.3 Golf Club Surveys
Ernst & Young produced the Australian Golf Industry Report – 2004. This report is the most detailed report ever produced on the Australian golf club industry, containing 82 pages of valuable club information and benchmarks. You can download a complimentary copy of the Executive Summary here or click here for the order form for the full report.
2.4 The PGA Report
A detailed study into the $2.1 billion dollar Australian Golf Economy. Click here to download
2.5 Issues and Challenges for Golf Clubs in Victoria
A report examining the five major issues for golf clubs. Click here to download
2.6 The Golf Retail Industry in Australia
A study into the size and mix of the Australian golf retail industry. Click here to download.
2.7 Water and the Australian Golf Industry
This important document was launched at the AGIC Industry Forum. The first publication of the AGIC this document provides key information on the size and importance of the Australian Golf Industry; water usage patterns across the industry; the importance of clubs developing a formal water management plan; and key messages for governments and water authorities. Click here for further information.
For general reference articles, please click on the topics below:
Masterplanning your golf course
Speed of play
The legal nuisance of balls over fences
Transferable memberships – not a funding panacea