Australian Golf Celebrates Record Participation and Landmark Australian Open at Royal Melbourne

Australian golf is experiencing a golden era. With record participation numbers and a landmark Australian Open at the iconic Royal Melbourne Golf Club, the sport has never been stronger or more widely embraced across the nation.

According to the 2025 Golf Club Participation Report by Golf Business Advisory Services (led by Jeff Blunden and Kymberley P.), more than four million Australians now participate in golf in some form, from traditional members’ clubs to driving ranges, mini golf and high-tech simulator experiences. This milestone reflects the sport’s remarkable ability to evolve, adapt, and attract new audiences.

The 2025 Australian Open at Royal Melbourne broke attendance records, welcoming over 100,000 spectators across four days. The event demonstrated not only the enduring prestige of Australia’s oldest national championship but also the growing enthusiasm of fans drawn to golf’s increasingly social and accessible format. Both Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia deserve credit for their leadership in driving participation and ensuring elite competition continues to inspire the next generation of golfers. Sponsors such as Liquorland played a vital role in enhancing the on-site experience, adding a layer of entertainment and fan engagement that reflects the evolving nature of major sports events.

Beyond the fairways, innovation is reshaping Australian golf. New-era venues like Topgolf, LaunchPad Golf, Swing Factory Australia, and Swing City Golf are redefining what a driving range can be, part entertainment venue, part sports experience. Simulator leaders such as Big Swing Golf, Five Iron Golf, and X-Golf Group continue to push the boundaries of technology-driven play, making golf accessible year-round and in urban settings. Meanwhile, Funlab has transformed mini golf into a vibrant, inclusive social activity that appeals to families, young adults and newcomers to the sport.

At Consult CHE, we are proud to have collaborated with many of these forward-thinking organisations across Australia’s golf and leisure landscape. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to launch two new brands that will support the ongoing growth, diversification and innovation of golf nationwide.

Golf in Australia is thriving, defined by inclusivity, commercial vitality, and a bright, connected future. The record-breaking Australian Open at Royal Melbourne was both a celebration of the sport’s history and a preview of its promising next chapter.

Congratulations to Golf Australia and the dedicated team behind the 2025 Australian Open for delivering a world-class event that captured the imagination of fans across the country.