As a highly regarded golfing destination in 2025/26, Australia has over 1,600 golf courses spanning a range of landscapes from spectacular coastline to fertile inland, and hosts more than 1.3 million active golfers annually.
With quality facilities designed as a mix of elite play and tourism, the golfing tourism sector enjoys an economic value of around $3.3 billion each year, which is part of the total tourism economic value of $118 billion.
While golfers are sometimes chasing down a birdie with an ocean view or just a little sense of luxury stay, they'll save money, usually upwards of 20% on packages that include multi-round access to a stay and whatever else their imagination can run away with.
This also includes, while we are on the subject, visually stunning tours. Those costs make golf appealing to the most avid of golf nuts, while much of that is now in an ever-growing travel and tourism marketplace worth $314 billion.
And for those who appreciate staying associated with the competition right from their phones, there is Jackpot Sounds, a hub that streams replays.
Similar to when you can recall the thrills of a fast-breaking decisive putt or even a tournament round, you can sustain that same excitement in key moments; dedicated fans can experience a different but thrilling means of reliving competition and triumph.

Featured Courses and Regions

Australia's golf landscape in 2025/26 features top-ranked courses with unique designs, challenging hazards, and breathtaking scenery, attracting over 500,000 visitors yearly to public-access sites. Standouts include the following:

1. Royal Melbourne Golf Club (West Course), Victoria

Rated No. 1 in Australia, the West Course is an incredible 7,055 yards long and a par-72. An Alister MacKenzie design with a blend of strategic bunkers and true greens, average scores from professionals are about 75.
The wind, combined with the weather and proximity to the ocean, adds approximately 10-15% difficulty to the average score.

2. Kingston Heath Golf Club, Victoria

Rated No. 2, it is 6,479 yards long and a par-72. The heathland jewel is arguably as good as Royal Melbourne. The course features undulating fairways with various shot-making challenges and hosts events which draw well over 20,000 spectators.

3. Barnbougle Dunes, Tasmania

Rated No. 3, a links-style course that is 6,759 yards long and par-71. There are enormous dunes and hazards that punish errant shots, making them difficult. Wind speeds typically average about 20-30 km/h, which tests your accuracy. Total yearly visits exceed 15,000.

4. Cape Wickham Golf Links, Tasmania

No.4, 6,725-yard par-72 on remote King Island, featuring cliff-top holes generating 1,500 kg of downforce-equivalent challenges; it sees 10,000 golfers yearly.

5. New South Wales Golf Club, New South Wales

No.5, a 6,829-yard par-72 coastal brute with panoramic views and tight lies, where bunkers claim 25% more shots than average.

In terms of regions, Victoria has the sandbelt that boasts over 300 courses with 40% of Australia’s tournaments; Noosa Springs on the Sunshine Coast is 6500 yards and a par-72 course that has all sorts of wildlife hazards in a parkland setting covering 200 hectares; Kennedy Bay on the West Coast is an open 6800 yard course with 50 bunkers; Howlong, inland of Albury (New South Wales region and only 6000 yards) is an inexpensive golf course at around $50 a round.
Mona Vale (NSW) offers elevated tee shots with views of Sydney, and Rich River (VIC/NSW border) includes two 18–hole layouts spread over 500 acres with rivers in play.
Shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) bring crowds down by 30% and fees down by 15%.

Golf Travel Packages

In 2025/26 we plan to consolidate Australian golf adventures into travel packages. The golf tourism industry has increased from $25.34 billion in 2022 to approximately $27.04 billion in 2023.
Domestic packages start at $1,500, featuring 5-day tours through Victoria's sandbelt that include Royal Melbourne and Kingston Heath, with savings of $200-300 on green fees for each round ($400-600).
It is estimated that over 100,000 golfers from Australia will take advantage of the packages, which include 5-star lodging and transport, contributing to the market.
International options, such as 10-day Tasmania packages priced at $3,500, include Barnbougle Dunes and Cape Wickham, are inclusive of flights and meals; and if you are in a position to book multi-rounds, then you also receive a 25% discount (e.g., 4 courses for $800).
They offer benefits such as clinics run by PGA professionals that usually drop the handicaps of those attending by 2-3 strokes, and there are add-on options which may include wine tastings in the region that produces 1.5 billion liters of wine annually.
From the perspective of international golf, seasonal offers: Winter (June-August) rates are slashed by 30% at Noosa Springs resorts. Summer multi-passes for New South Wales (Mona Vale and Rich River) will cost you $600 for five rounds, targeting casual markets.
The more competitive packages offer price points under $300 and a range of tips/pro tips targeting 15% of Australia's 1.3 million golfers.
In all, the savings on packages will be in the range of 15-20% based an average golf trip to cost $500, which can include some other eco-friendly options reducing carbon by 10%.

Equipment and Gear

Gear innovations for 2025/26 suit Australia's conditions, with the golf equipment market growing 3% annually. Callaway's Opus SP Wedges, priced at $180 each, feature Spin Gen tech boosting spin by 15% (up to 12,000 rpm on approach shots) and progressive soles for 20% better turf interaction on sandy lies.
Reviews note 10% lower trajectories for control, with sales hitting 500,000 units globally. The Supersoft Aces Golf Balls, at $40/dozen, use HyperElastic cores for 3 mph faster speeds (up to 250 yards off the tee) and soft compression (50 rating) enhancing greenside spin by 25%; performance data shows 5% straighter flights in winds, ideal for coastal courses. 

Tips: For open links like Barnbougle, choose low-spin drivers (e.g., 2,500 rpm) to reduce dispersion by 10 yards. High-launch irons (25-degree lofts) are ideal for undulating NSW terrain, adding 15 yards of carry. Pair Opus with Supersoft for 8% improved scoring on firm turf, where 60% of shots require precision.

News and Tournaments

Australia's 2025/26 tournament calendar is packed with events, offering $7 million in prizes for the first half alone.
The Australian PGA at Royal Queensland (Nov 27-30) offers $2.5 million, up 25% from $2 million, with defending champ Min Woo Lee among 156 players; past winners averaged 20-under.
The Australian Open at Royal Melbourne (Dec 4-7) features $1.7 million equally split for men/women, headlined by Rory McIlroy and locals like Jason Day; it draws 50,000 spectators and boosts tourism by $40 million. FedEx Cup recaps show Aussies in top-10 with $18.5 million purses globally.
Upcoming events include the NT PGA ($200,000, Aug 28-31), World Sand Greens ($140,000, Sep 27-28), and the QLD PGA (Nov), which will spotlight talents like Quinn Croker, who has achieved 300-yard drives. These 20+ events engage 1.3 million golfers, fostering 15% growth in participation.

Final Overview

Australia's 2025/26 golf season showcases elite courses such as Royal Melbourne and Barnbougle, along with value-packed travel deals offering 20% savings and gear that boosts performance by 15%, all contributing to a $3.3 billion economic impact.
With $7 million in tournament prizes and 1,600 courses welcoming 1.3 million players, it's a prime spot for all levels—plan trips for insider savings and unforgettable rounds blending challenge with adventure.