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.