Women meeting up for high tee

By the Editorial Team · Monday, June 29, 2026

Women now represent about 60 percent of new golf players in Australia, driven by social media influence, health benefits, and the sport’s social appeal. This rising female participation marks a shift toward golf becoming a more inclusive, lifestyle-focused activity that promotes mental and physical wellbeing.

Golf participation among women in Australia is on the rise, with female newcomers now accounting for approximately 60 percent of all new players, according to Golf Australia, the sport’s national governing body. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including social media influence, health benefits, and the appeal of golf as a social activity.

Golf Australia highlights that more women are engaging in the sport for its mental health advantages and opportunities for social connection. The growth of golf content on platforms such as TikTok has played a significant role, with over 8.6 million golf-related videos posted worldwide in the past year alone. This online presence is helping to demystify the sport and make it more accessible, particularly to women who may have previously viewed golf as intimidating or predominantly male.

Sunny Long, 59, best known as the winner of The Golden Bachelor, is among the women embracing golf as a new pastime. Long notes that when she initially began playing, she was often one of the few women on the course. However, she has observed a noticeable increase in female players of all ages, a change she credits in part to social media’s influence on making golf feel more inclusive and approachable.

“Social media is helping make the sport feel more approachable, especially for women looking for something social, active and fun,” Long said. She emphasized the role of online communities in facilitating conversations about where to start playing, what to wear, and general advice, which helps remove barriers for beginners.

Long now plays regularly with her Golden Bachelor partner Barry Myrden and her daughter Chloe, underscoring the family-friendly and multifaceted social nature of the game. For many women, golf is evolving beyond just a sport to become a means of building friendships, maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, and enjoying time outdoors.

The surge in female participation reflects broader trends in golf as an inclusive, lifestyle-oriented activity and signals a shift in the demographics of the sport in Australia.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.