Yarrambat Park Golf Course has received top recognition for excellence in the golf industry as Most Outstanding Victorian Club, Facility or Place to Play (Metropolitan) at the 2026 Victorian Golf Industry Awards. Geelong Golf Course was also recognised as a finalist, recognising success in growing participation, supporting women and girls in golf and delivering outstanding golf experiences for their communities.
The win is a landmark moment for Yarrambat after previous shortlists in the category in 2024 and 2025. The course was also a finalist in the Victorian Women and Girls in Golf Award category on the night, while Geelong was shortlisted for Most Outstanding Victorian Club, Facility or Place to Play (Regional).
The awards are an annual collaboration between peak golf representative bodies, including the Professional Golfers Association (PGA), Golf Australia (GA), Golf Management Australia (GMA) and the Victorian Golf Course Superintendents Association.
Pictured in header: Matt Weisheit, Venue Manager, Jack McDonald, National Golf Programs Manager, Ali Berechree, Function and Events, Jessica Boyce, Golf Pro, Callum Jacobsen, Golf and Range Operations, Rachel Holt, Nillumbik Council, Helen Cain, Ladies Golf Club President, John Ward, Club Captain
Yarrambat‘s commitment to connecting Australians with golf
The Yarrambat team joined esteemed golf facilities and industry peers from across the state at Southern Golf Club to receive the award.
Jack McDonald, National Golf Programs Manager Belgravia Golf Management (BGM), Belgravia Leisure’s golf management arm, commended the team for their dedication to creating memorable experiences every day.
“To simply be nominated among so many fantastic clubs was an honour, but to be recognised as the winner is something truly special.
“Thank you to the hardworking greenskeeping team, who present the course to an exceptional standard, to Nillumbik Council, for their ongoing support and partnership and most importantly, our members, players, guests, volunteers and wider community who make this club what it is.
“Your support, passion and commitment have helped shape a place where everyone feels welcome.”
Matt Weisheit, Venue Manager at Yarrambat added:
“We are very honored to have won this award. The achievement is reflective of a unified approach between Belgravia Leisure, Belgravia Golf Management, Nillumbik Council, Solutions+ and our golf clubs.”
Delivering outstanding community experiences
Yarrambat continues to create lifelong participation pathways for women through its Women’s Golf Pathway, currently supporting more than 100 women; the MyGolf program has welcomed more than 30 juniors in 2026 and the venue supports all abilities through partnerships with local schools and disability services, providing work experience and golfing skills in a supportive environment.
The team’s annual Rainbow Golf Day creates an inclusive pathway for the LGBTQIA+ community, which in 2026 attracted almost 70 golfers. Under the leadership of a female Hospitality and Food & Beverage Manager, venue hospitality revenue has exceeded $1 million, with more than 150 functions for the wider community now hosted annually.
Embracing alternative formats and experiences has also led to more than 220 golfers participating in the course’s Par Three Day, whilst its Open Amateur event attracted more than 60 golfers from 23 clubs across Victoria.
Supporting regional participation at Geelong
Meanwhile, Geelong Golf Course has built a strong participation pathway for young golfers. The club’s MyGolf programs sell out every term and in 2026, the junior pennant teams both reached the semi-finals, with one team progressing to and winning the Grand Final.
For adults, the Women’s Golf Pathway and Get Into Golf Program provides beginners with a structured route from learning the game towards full membership, while a partnership with Blind Golf Victoria provides free clinics which remove barriers for people with vision loss.
Paul Christie, Venue Manager at Geelong, said:
“The team and I are thrilled to receive a shortlist for this award, which recognises the ongoing work we do to support participation across the golf community.”
Through inclusion, social connection, strong community partnerships and accessible pathways for all ages, Yarrambat and Geelong are helping more Australians play and stay engaged in golf.
For more information about the courses, visit the Yarrambat website and the Geelong website.
Key facts:
- Yarrambat Park Golf Course has been awarded Most Outstanding Victorian Club, Facility or Place to Play (Metropolitan) and shortlisted for the Victorian Women and Girls in Golf Award
- Yarrambat and Geelong have both been named finalists across three categories at the 2026 Victorian Golf Industry Awards
- Geelong was shortlisted for Most Outstanding Victorian Club, Facility or Place to Play (Regional)
- More than 100 women have participated in Yarrambat’s Women’s Golf Pathway, with 15 progressing to membership
- Geelong’s MyGolf programs continue to sell out each term, creating strong junior participation pathways
- Both facilities deliver accessible golf opportunities through programs supporting women, juniors, people with disability and diverse communities
- The nominations recognise the facilities’ success in growing participation, strengthening community connections and creating welcoming golf experiences for all.
