This year’s National Volunteer Week theme, ‘Your Year To Volunteer’, recognises the incredible contribution volunteers make to communities across Australia, while encouraging more people to get involved and make a difference through volunteering.
And in golf, there has never been a better time.
With club membership continuing to rise, more than four million adult Australians now playing some form of golf, junior participation programs at record levels and crowds and audiences for professional events stronger than ever, volunteers are playing a more important role than ever before in helping the game thrive.
Across Australia, the majority of golf clubs and venues are supported and guided by volunteers, from board members helping shape the future of their club, to volunteers running competitions, supporting pennant teams, welcoming new golfers and helping create inclusive environments for players of all ages and abilities.
Volunteers also play a critical role in delivering Australia’s major tournaments and elite amateur events alongside Golf Australia, the PGA Tour of Australasia and the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
Throughout the 2025/2026 season, volunteers helped power 13 golf events across the country, with approximately 8,300 volunteer shifts filled by more than 2,400 volunteers contributing their time and expertise.
That contribution represented an estimated volunteer labour value of more than $2.4 million. A contribution that means those events simply couldn’t operate without volunteer support.
Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA Tour of Australasia, said volunteers play a vital role in helping create world-class experiences at tournaments across the country.
“Volunteers are absolutely essential to the success of our tournaments and the experience we’re able to deliver for players, fans and partners,” Kirkman said.
“From the moment players arrive on site to the final putt on Sunday afternoon, volunteers are helping every part of an event operate at the highest standard.
“They create a welcoming atmosphere for spectators, support players and officials behind the scenes and help showcase Australian golf on a world stage. Quite simply, our events would not be possible without their passion, professionalism and commitment.”
Importantly, the volunteer community across Australian golf continues to grow and diversify, with 35 per cent of event volunteers women and more than 400 people volunteering at a golf event for the first time during the season.
From providing the world’s best players with a positive experience from inside and outside the ropes, to guest services and operations, or helping introduce children and beginners to the game through MyGolf powered by Ripper GC and Get Into Golf programs, volunteering in golf offers a wide range of rewarding opportunities to connect and give back to the sport.
Golf Australia Head of Workforce Engagement Claudia Marazita said volunteers remain at the heart of the game’s continued growth and success.
“Volunteers are the backbone of golf in Australia and their contribution is seen right across every level of the game,” Marazita said.
“Whether it’s helping deliver a major tournament, supporting a junior program, serving on a club board or simply giving up time each week to help their local club operate, volunteers are helping create welcoming and thriving golf communities across the country.
“With participation and interest in golf continuing to grow, there has never been a more exciting or rewarding time to get involved and volunteer in the sport.
“The theme of ‘Your Year To Volunteer’ is a great reminder that anyone can make a meaningful contribution, no matter how much time or experience they have.
“Volunteering creates lifelong friendships, memorable experiences and a deeper connection to the sport. For many volunteers, it’s about being part of something bigger than themselves.”
Of the volunteers involved across the national tournament season, 90 per cent were golf club members representing more than 330 clubs nationwide – highlighting the deep connection between clubs, communities and the broader golf industry.
CEO of the WPGA Tour of Australasia, Karen Lunn, said the Women’s Australian Open showcased the important role volunteers play in delivering world-class events and growing women’s golf.
“Across the week, 386 volunteers contributed almost 9,000 hours to help deliver a world-class championship, with more than half of those volunteers women and nearly half volunteering at the Australian Open for the first time,” Lunn said.
“Volunteers play a vital role in helping women’s golf continue to grow at every level of the game, and we thank every person who gives their time to support our events.”
The Australian Sports Commission is inviting people to give 3 Cheers for Volunteers this National Volunteer Week via the interactive Volunteer Map – a national platform to showcase real stories of sport volunteers, from coaches to officials, administrators to event support and countless other roles. Any sport volunteer aged 18 and over can be recognised. Whether they’ve dedicated decades or are new to the role, every contribution plays an important role in supporting sport across Australia.
For clubs and venue administrators looking to start or strengthen their volunteer programs, visit the new volunteer resources hub on golf.com.au: Club & Venue Volunteer Resources
For people interested in volunteering at future major golf events, register your interest through the official volunteer portal: Major Event Volunteer Information & Registration
STORY: Tim Lele | GOLF AUSTRALIA/PGA AUSTRALIA/WPGA