The Sunshine Coast golf industry is booming as locals and tourists flood the fairways of more than 30 courses.
There are long waiting lists for memberships while the pastime has provided the region with a “competitive edge” to attract interstate and international visitors.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said the sport was pivotal for tourism.
“Golf has always been a key attraction for visitors, beginning in the 1980s when a range of championship courses were built, including the Coolum Resort golf course, which hosted the Australian PGA Championship for over a decade,” he said.
Twin Waters Golf Club, Noosa Springs Golf Club, Pelican Waters Golf Club and Caloundra Golf Club are among others to have also hosted championships.
“The quality of the courses is a major attraction, with legends of golf such as Greg Norman, Peter Thomson and Ross Watson bringing international standards to the design layouts,” he said.
“It (the region) is a favourite base for both amateur and professional golfers.”
Former US Masters champion Adam Scott brought international attention to Maleny Golf Course in 2020, when he live-streamed “Nine Holes with a Mate” via Instagram.
“It was at the height of COVID and with a drought of live televised golf his nine holes attracted tens of thousands of viewers,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“Adam is a great ambassador for golf on the Sunshine Coast, following on from his father, Phil Scott, who designed the highly rated Peregian Springs golf course.”
Mr Stockel said golf lured big spenders to the region.
“The courses are particularly important in attracting high-value visitors to the Sunshine Coast, including incentive groups, who are looking for the best of the best,” he said, before suggesting they were crucial for tourism post-COVID.
“The international renown of our courses will play an important role in attracting overseas visitors back to the Sunshine Coast.
“Many courses are attached to high-quality resorts (that) can provide integrated packages including golf, quality accommodation, high-level dining and touring arrangements.”
Mr Stoeckel said the sport provided the region with a point of difference.
“Golf certainly gives the Sunshine Coast a competitive edge,” he said.
“It attracts a slightly older demographic that is more likely to travel outside peak holiday periods and during mid-week, which helps balance our demand.”
As an example, the Sunshine Coast Classic attracts golf enthusiasts to play four courses in June and September, during traditionally quieter periods for demand.
The cost of a round varies between about $30 to $130.
Prepared to wait for years
There are long waiting lists for memberships at many local clubs.
Headland Golf Club, in Buderim, has 1154 playing members but there are scores waiting to join.
“We have an extensive waiting list of over 250 people,” general manager Matt Lang said.
“The wait for membership is somewhere between one to two years.”
Rounds are booked well in advance.
“Tee times have never been more sought after by members and visitors,” Mr Lang said. “This is due to a combination of COVID and the great condition of our golf course.
The club, formed in 1955, is renowned for its central location.
“With rolling and tree-lined fairways and pure greens, our historic 18-hole course offers a layout to challenge the best of players, while providing a fair and invigorating test for golfers of all abilities.”
It hosted the Queensland Open Golf Championship, won by Brett Officer after a play-off with Brett Ogle, in 1988.
Mr Land said the club, which also boasts 1500 social members, was a “community”.
“The social aspect of golf is one of the best parts of the game and the camaraderie amongst our members is something we are proud of here at Headland,” he said.
Caloundra Golf Club has about 1000 playing members with more than 280 people on the waiting list. It was estimated many of them could wait for two years.
General manager Jason Looker said the course was always busy.
“All time slots and competitions are heavily booked” due to its “location, great greens and beautiful surroundings”, he said.
The club, formed in 1951, was working hard to accommodate demand.
“It is an adaptable club preparing for the future,” a spokesperson said.
“The clubhouse exterior renovations are completed, and the interior renovations are underway.”
Mr Looker also said the Sunshine Coast was renowned for its golf.
“It’s a tourism destination, with great weather and many beautiful and challenging courses to choose from,” he said.
Sunshine Coast News contacted several other clubs, including highly rated Maroochy River, Twin Waters and Noosa Springs, for comment. It’s anticipated that most of the elite clubs would have significant waiting lists.
