A tight-knit community and a pioneering spirit that the city was founded on is behind the surge in golf numbers that has seen Kalgoorlie Golf Course honoured in the 2026 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence.
In what is quite an extraordinary achievement given its remote location, Kalgoorlie Golf Course was recognised ahead of golf clubs and facilities throughout Australia as the Get Into Golf Venue of the Year.
RELATED: Golf Australia announces 2026 National Awards of Excellence winners
Now in their second year, the awards recognise the clubs, venues, partners and individuals setting new benchmarks for innovation, participation and leadership across the game.
The award celebrates Kalgoorlie Golf Course’s success in converting beginners into lifelong golfers, with 76 percent of its 167 Get Into Golf participants across 18 programs being genuine first-timers, one of the highest new-participant rates in the country.
The program is led by PGA professional Jemma Price through the Goldfields Golf Academy and underpinned by a unique collaboration between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which operates the course and its facilities, and the Goldfields Golf Club, which manages all membership activities.
Together, the two organisations work to grow the game for the benefit of the wider community.
Women’s participation has been a particular strength. Free four-week women’s beginner programs, weekly women’s on-course sessions, beginner scorecards, short-course distance markers and a growing women’s social golfer network have created a welcoming pathway for women new to the sport.
The course itself plays a role in the story.
Set against the red dirt and bush landscape of the Goldfields, the course is a striking contrast of green, home to kangaroos, wildlife and sunsets that have become part of the experience for participants.
The broader community impact extends well beyond participation. More than $1 million has been raised for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community through charity golf events over the past decade, reinforcing the course’s role as a vital community asset in regional Western Australia.
Price said the program’s success reflects the community spirit of Kalgoorlie.
“From very early on after moving here, my husband Correy (also a PGA professional) and I saw that Kalgoorlie had a strong sense of community. It’s a city that loves its sport, and a lot of people are happy to give new things a go,” Price said.
“An estimated 20 to 26 percent of residents work in the mining sector as shift workers, which makes golf a great fit as it is more flexible than other team sports.
“To me, the golf course is much more than just a place to play golf. It is a community space where people can meet, learn something new, build friendships and enjoy the outdoors.
“We see that through Get Into Golf, where people who had never played before have been able to give the game a go, as well as through the weekly women’s on-course sessions, where social connection is just as important as learning the skills.”
Beverley Kavanagh started golf through the free women’s beginner program in November 2025.
“Jemma is such a brilliant instructor. She has a really calming nature, is always laughing and welcoming, and makes you feel so comfortable, even when you have absolutely no idea what you’re doing,” Kavanagh said.
“It brings women from all different walks of life together, and we have such a good time. We can golf, have a wine and have a laugh all at the same time. Honestly, all I ever hear at women’s golf is laughter.
“The free classes and discounted golf days are such a great way to get women into golf and bring the community together.”
Chévonne Prins said the program changed her perception of the game entirely.
“Growing up in South Africa, golf was always a big part of my family life – my mum even represented our province on the course for several years,” Prins said.
“Despite being surrounded by the game, I gravitated toward other sports and never really took to it myself.
“That completely changed once I attended the free golf sessions with Jemma. I quickly discovered that golf isn’t nearly as intimidating as I once thought – it is genuinely fun, approachable and engaging. Unexpectedly, picking up a club has also created a wonderful new connection with my mum back home.”
Liisa Morrow said she would not have joined the club without the beginner program.
“The group lessons were excellent, with coaching tailored to individual needs while still learning together as a group. This personalised approach really helped build my confidence,” Morrow said.
“Through the program, I joined the Goldfields Golf Club and met long-time women members who were incredibly welcoming, encouraging and helpful.
“I honestly don’t think I would have joined the club without the beginner classes. Jemma created a safe and supportive environment that made it easy to get involved.”
The 2026 winners of the National Awards of Excellence span seven states and territories, from remote Arnhem Land to inner-city Melbourne, reflecting the depth and diversity of leadership across Australian golf.
Kalgoorlie Golf Course is this week host to the CKB WA PGA Championship on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia, the 15th consecutive year that the tournament has been held in Kalgoorlie.
