The golf fans of Australia are excited to see more professional golf as LIV Golf makes their second trip down under. While the phrase growing the game has been met with skepticism by some of the United States golf fans, Australia is an example of a country where it’s happening. At a minimum, professional golf’s latest pro tour has certainly tapped into a golf-hungry market.
How big is golf in Australia
It’s estimated that about 3.5 million people play golf in Australia. While no where near the 25 million people that play in the United States, that 3.5 million people represent about 17.5% of the entire population of Australia. In comparison, the United States golfing population comes in at around 8 percent.
Australia ranks toward the top of all countries when it comes to the number of golf courses. They have around 1,500 golf courses which makes them the fifth biggest country overall. This puts them in front of larger countries like China, France and even Germany in this category. In the course list are also some world class layouts including the famed Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West), Kingston Heath and Barnbougle Dunes. Yes, golf is big in Australia as the sport has one of the highest participation rates of any sport.
Who are the most famous golfers born in Australia
With such a long list of golf greats it’s been said that both passion for the game and public access to wonderful golf courses are reasons that Australia puts out world class golfers. These are major championship winners, world number ones and winners on professional golf tours all around the world.
Greg Norman tops the list. Norman spent 331 weeks as the number one ranked golfer in the world, won two majors and 76 tournaments. Karrie Webb also deserves to be at the top as she won seven major tournaments and 57 tournaments worldwide. Peter Thompson had a stellar career winning over 100 tournaments including winning the Open Championship five times. Other greats include major champions Adam Scott, Jason Day, Jan Stephenson, Steve Elkington and Ian Baker Finch. Australian Golf Digest ranks the top 50 Australian golfers of all time so you can jog your memory on the many winning Australian golfers over the years.
LIV Golf to Australia 2024
LIV Golf is making their return to what was their hottest event in 2023. LIV Adelaide returns to The Grange Golf Club again. It was estimated that around 77,000 people attended the inaugural event. Crowds for 2024 are expected to be just as big, and lively. The three day event finishes on Sunday April 28th where Taylor Gooch will be defending his title. The highlight hole from last year was the Par-3 12th. It’s an arena setup with fans up close and players come to the tee with walk-up music.
In 2023, Chase Koepka delivered one of the highlights of the 2023 season and the top moment for the Adelaide tournament by hitting a hole-in-one at the watering hole. Needless to say, the fans went crazy.
With Australia being 14 hours ahead of the east coast of the United States, the first round is complete. Jinichiro Kozuma fired a first round of -9 to take the lead. The team event had Torque GC in first. Just like 2023, attendance is strong as Australian golf fans get to enjoy viewing more professional golf. It is one of Australia’s top participation sports.