Golf participation is on the rise across Australia with golf club members playing an increased number of competition rounds in the last financial year.

The latest national competition rounds report released by the Australian Golf
Industry Council (AGIC) produced some positive information for those in the
golf industry. 

Across Australia approximately 14.4 million rounds of golf were played in the
2014/2015 Financial Year which was a 3.6% increase over the same 12 month
period in the year prior. 

"This is a fantastic result for the entire golf industry, more competition
rounds being played helps every area of the industry and will ensure golf in
Australia continues to thrive," said Brian Thorburn, Chairman of the AGIC and
CEO of the PGA of Australia. 

"We often hear of the success of our international golf stars but it is equally
as important to publicise the success of grass roots golf in Australia."

"Australia has some of the best golf courses, competitions and programs in the
world and its pleasing to see more people competing and enjoying our wonderful
game."

While the final quarter results showed the industry took a hit delivering a
rare drop in rounds of 2.2% across the country this was an anomaly on the rest
of the year with eight of the 12 months demonstrating competition rounds growth
month-over-month. 

Western Australia was the best performing state across the year recording an
impressive 10% growth in competition rounds over 2013/2014 largely due to
strong outcomes from January through to June 2015. 

Victoria also benefitted from a less disruptive year weather-wise, with rounds
growth recorded in each quarter of the year.  

Established in 2006, the AGIC brings together representatives from the major
Golf Industry bodies and works as one to promote golf and industry wide
initiatives.

Members of the AGIC include the 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.