Geelong Golf Club doubles membership with inclusive, community-first approach

Geelong Golf Club has more than doubled its membership and increased female participation by over two thousand percent in the past twelve months, driven by a bold reinvention focused on inclusion, innovation and community engagement.

The club has also transitioned from a traditional private 18-hole club into a nine-hole public-access course, leading a new era of accessible golf.

Venue Manager and PGA Professional Paul Christie says the club’s success lies in its unique balance of old and new.

“We’ve kept core traditions like championships and pennant, but we also cater to today’s golfer. That blend is what continues to grow the membership,” said Christie.

The club has become a community hub through partnerships with Leisure Networks, Recycle4Change, Soldier On and the Belgravia Foundation, supporting employment, scholarships and social inclusion. Initiatives like Get into Golf, gender-neutral tees and sensory-friendly features such as bell cups help create a welcoming experience for all players.

Geelong’s approach has also influenced Belgravia Leisure nationally. “Geelong has set the standard for inclusive, community-driven golf,” said Jack McDonald, Belgravia Leisure’s National Golf Programs Manager.

“The success of their programs has directly shaped how we deliver golf across the country.”

Following Belgravia Leisure’s signing of the R&A Women in Golf Charter in early 2025, Geelong has also developed a local action plan to advance women’s participation and leadership in the sport.

“We’re just focused on being the best Geelong Golf Club we can be, with the facilities we have, for the community we serve,” Christie concluded.

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