ralian golf clubs have enjoyed a productive first three months of 2014 according to new data released by the Australian Golf Industry Council today.
Following a reported decline in December, the balance of the summer months showed positive trends over the same period for the prior year.
For the nine months to the end of March, the number of rounds of competition golf has increased by 4.5 per cent on 2012/13 figures. This has been driven by a strong increase in rounds played by men – up 5 per cent. The number of rounds played by women increased 2.4 per cent in the same period.
Driving the outcome since December was significant jump in rounds played in March, growing almost 13 per cent over the prior year’s results.
The national outcome was driven by large growth in regional Queensland after significant rainfall in this area in 2013 impacted rounds played at that time.
Rounds played in Queensland were up 12.1 per cent on March 2013 figures. Rounds in New South Wales were up 5.4 per cent while South Australia and Tasmania recorded declines on their March 2013 results.
Golf Australia CEO and AGIC Chairman Stephen Pitt said club golf had enjoyed a positive first quarter of 2014.
“After a strong summer of Australian golf and success overseas in recent months, players have continued to play more rounds of competition golf than last 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. It seems we’re not a nation of golfers who enjoy playing in the rain and adverse weather conditions do impact quite a bit on the number of rounds played,” 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.