Young Golfers in Full Swing

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, July 5, 2026

Moore Park Golf Club in Sydney is reducing its course from 18 to 12 holes to create more community green space, sparking debate among local golf users. Despite such challenges to public courses, youth golf participation in Australia is rising rapidly, with nearly 45,000 players enrolled in the My Golf program—a nearly 10% increase over the past year.

Amid growing pressures on public golf facilities in Australia, participation among young golfers continues to rise sharply. This week, Moore Park Golf Club in Sydney began reducing its course from 18 holes to 12 to make room for additional community green space—a move that has sparked debate among local golf enthusiasts and stakeholders. Despite challenges facing some courses, the nation’s junior golf programs are experiencing unprecedented growth.

Moore Park, one of Australia’s busiest public golf venues, has been at the center of controversy as the course layout is reconfigured. Officials argue the alteration will better serve the surrounding community by providing more accessible open areas. However, some players and supporters have expressed concern that the reduction could affect the site’s ability to host tournaments and limit playing opportunities.

While such adjustments unfold, the number of young Australians engaged in golf is reaching new heights. My Golf, the introductory program designed to encourage youth participation, currently boasts nearly 45,000 registered players—a figure that represents close to a 10 percent increase over the past year. The initiative receives support from notable figures and organizations, including Cameron Smith’s LIV Golf team, RipperGC, which has helped boost visibility and interest.

James Sutherland, chief executive of Golf Australia, described the surge in junior involvement as a significant milestone. He credited the achievement to the combined efforts of clubs, coaches, and community partners dedicated to expanding access and fostering talent at the grassroots level.

The expansion of junior golf participation comes at a time when some public courses face pressures related to urban development and land use changes, leading to tensions between preserving golf facilities and accommodating broader community needs. The situation at Moore Park highlights the complexities that golf clubs confront in balancing operational demands with the growing appetite among young players nationwide.

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.