Golf Australia Names 2026 National Award Recipients

Golf Australia Recognises Industry Achievements

Golf Australia has revealed the winners of its 2026 National Awards of Excellence. Now in their second year, these awards celebrate clubs, venues, partners, and individuals who are establishing new benchmarks for innovation, participation, and leadership within the sport.

The programme acknowledges excellence across 10 distinct categories, encompassing metropolitan and regional clubs, off-course venues, participation programmes, sustainability efforts, volunteering, and industry supply partners.

This year's recipients represent a broad geographical spread, spanning seven Australian states and territories, from remote communities to major urban centres.

Diverse Impact and Community Connection

James Sutherland, CEO of Golf Australia, commented on the breadth and quality of the winners, noting the considerable momentum currently behind the game. He highlighted several examples, including a remote Arnhem Land community where 14 per cent of the entire population engages in junior golf.

Another case involves a Melbourne council that is introducing golf into local parks, aiming to reach communities previously without access to the sport. Furthermore, an environmental scientist in Perth is actively building habitats for bandicoots on a golf course.

Sutherland stated that these stories illustrate golf's powerful capacity for community connection, inclusion, health, and environmental care.

Raising Standards in Participation

Damien de Bohun, Golf Australia’s General Manager for Clubs, Facilities and Places to Play, expressed satisfaction with the high standard of nominations received in the awards' second year. He observed that while the inaugural awards set a strong precedent, this year's winners have elevated it further.

De Bohun identified a consistent thread among all recipients: their success lies not merely in attracting individuals to golf, but in building a genuine sense of belonging.

Examples include Townsville Golf Club, which developed a women's participation pathway where programme graduates become mentors, and Kalgoorlie, which converted 76 per cent of its first-time players into regular golfers. Half Moon Bay also invested in ParaGolfers and audible tee signs, ensuring accessibility for all players.

Lessons for Asian Golf Development

The Australian model of recognising diverse contributions, from dedicated volunteers to local government initiatives and industry suppliers, offers a valuable framework for golf development in Asia.

The efforts of Mount Lawley volunteers, the environmental transformation at Royal Sydney by Adam Marchant, and GolfSim Australia’s placement of simulators in schools all demonstrate that the sport's growth depends on various contributions beyond competitive play.

Asian golf markets, particularly those undergoing rapid expansion or aiming to broaden their player base, could benefit from similar programmes. A focus on community integration, accessibility, and environmental responsibility, as exemplified by these Australian award winners, provides a practical blueprint.

This approach could inform initiatives by national golf associations or course operators in countries like Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia, where expanding the player base and ensuring long-term sustainability are key objectives.