Golf Victoria is pleased to launch The Community Impact of Golf in Victoria Report 2016.

Throughout history it is widely recognised that golf has provided a considerable benefit to the economy of Victoria. Additionally, the industry has had a significant impact on the health and social wellbeing of those who participate. The question has always been – what is the quantum of this contribution?

To answer that question, Golf Victoria commissioned a formal study, recently completed by Sport Business Partners to demonstrate the exact economic, social and health benefits the game provides to Victoria.

The aim of the project was to understand the community contribution generated across the three key areas of economic, health and social benefits, and the results show the significant impact the sport of golf has on Victoria.

Golf Victoria CEO, Simon Brookhouse is very encouraged by the findings and believes the report will help the wider community understand the true value of the sport.

“There is no doubt that the golf industry throughout Victoria and Australia is an industry in transition. More and more we find that participants are time-poor, want more flexibility in their memberships, and are looking for options to enable them to play with family members, both young and old. Golf as a sport is in the ideal position to capitalise on this, being the ‘Game for Life’.

“More than 300,000 Victorians play golf and a considerable percentage of them are aged 55 years or older. Playing golf on a regular basis provides participants with positive health outcomes both in terms of physical and mental wellbeing,” stated Brookhouse.

“The findings of this report will enable Golf Victoria to foster our relationships at national, state and local government level to boost participation and get more people, more active through the game of golf.

“Golf Victoria is particularly pleased to see the significant economic contribution that golf tourism provides to the state. Victoria is home to some of the world’s best golf courses and a haven for golf holidays. This report demonstrates that Victoria’s golf tourism industry is a key economic driver for Melbourne and regional Victoria,” said Brookhouse.

Highlights from the report include:

• In total, golf in Victoria contributes $883.6 million annually to the community, made up of just under $850 million in economic contribution and almost $34 million in physical and mental health contribution

• The three largest Local Government Area contributors are:

o Shire of Mornington Peninsula $73.2 million

o City of Greater Geelong and Shire of Queenscliffe (combined) $57.6 million

o City of Kingston $55.8 million

• Golf tourism generates $152.7 million per year through day and overnight visitation, food and beverage spending, accommodation, travel, shopping, etc

• Golf’s physical health benefits contribute $32.7 million per year due to the prevention of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke and cancer

• Lifelong reduction of healthcare burden

• Growth and maintenance of strong social networks

• Regular and enduring social interaction

• Learning respect, etiquette and self discipline

• Providing a sanctuary (both physical and mentally) from the hustle and bustle of modern life

To access the report, click here.