ralian club golf ended the latest financial year on a high with the number of club competition rounds increasing by more than 5% on the previous year according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council.
Following a comparably stronger summer this year than in 2013, the April to June quarter averaged monthly increases of 8.5%.
The stand-out states were South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales with rounds over the quarterly period growing by 18%, 15% and 13% respectively.
For the financial year, results were up by 5.6% nationally on 12-13 figures, with growth in male rounds twice that of female rounds.
The end of financial year result was heavily driven by considerable growth across all of Queensland where competition rounds increased by 13% on the number played in the previous financial year.
Figures in Queensland were equally positive across metropolitan and regional areas.
New South Wales recorded 7% growth over the same period while South Australia increased by 3.4% and Victoria by 2.4%.
Western Australia and Tasmania both recorded declines in competition rounds over the financial year.
Golf Australia CEO and AGIC Chairman Stephen Pitt said the end of financial year results showed Australian club competition golf rounds had continued to grow.
“These national figures are an important barometer of the health of club competition golf in Australia and on these numbers; trends are certainly heading in the right direction. Players have continued to play more rounds of competition golf than last financial year which results in increased foot traffic through golf clubs,” Pitt said.
“The industry has also been the beneficiary of more stable weather conditions across Australia and in combination with the success of Australian players around the world, these factors continue to inspire club golfers to get out there and enjoy the benefits of healthy competition,” Pitt added.
The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) was established in late 2006 to provide a forum to help unite the industry on agreed industry wide initiatives.
Membership includes: Australian Golf Course Superintendents Association, Australian Ladies Professional Golf, Australian Sporting Goods Association, Golf Australia, Golf Management Australia, PGA of Australia and the Society of Australian Golf Course Architects.