Golf is attracting an ever-widening demographic of players. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Gold Creek Country Club marketing and communications coordinator John Steward would’ve been about two years old the first time he stepped foot on a golf course. He has played the sport on and off since and has generally been the youngest person on the course.
That’s not always the case these days. At 24 years old, he’s still a youngun, but over the years he has seen the sport attract an ever-widening demographic as people of all ages discover its attraction.
The growth is reflected not only in the diversity of the demographics but in sheer numbers. Just two years ago, Gold Creek Country Club had 250 members, but recently exceeded 650 members for the first time in its history, making it the fastest-growing club in the ACT.
John says it’s in large part thanks to innovation, which hasn’t always been a priority for what is often viewed as a fairly traditional sport.
“The golfing space has been known to be quite stagnant and I think for people who don’t play, that reputation clings a little,” he said.
“But this isn’t a sport for any one kind of person; it can and is enjoyed by many.”
Gold Creek Country Club takes in views of the Brindabellas from certain vantage points. Photo: Gold Creek Country Club.
John says that golf, being such an accessible sport that beckons people outdoors, experienced a massive boom during COVID and Gold Creek Country Club has been evolving to keep up with this changing landscape.
The dining areas have undergone a refresh, a sports bar has been added and the menu has had a revamp to add more bar bites and nibbles.
With a modern vibe and beautiful views of the Brindabellas, John says the intention is to create a space that’s enjoyable in and of itself.
“It’s certainly a space where people go and wind down after their rounds, but even those who don’t play golf can come with their friends, have a few drinks and enjoy the views,” he said.
The upgrades extend to the golf course as well. Gold Creek Country Club was the first golf course in Australia to incorporate TrackMan Golf driving range technology, allowing players to track the progress of their game electronically.
The club also owns more than 55 golf carts, ensuring there are always enough carts for corporate events and members.
A number of golf clinics, including for women and youths, give people the chance to discover the sport or up their game at the Club, and its recent addition of a “Thirsty Thursday” package has also proven popular. On Thursdays from 12 pm, for $40 a minimum of two people can get a cart, two drinks each and unlimited golf.
It all comes together as part of Gold Creek Country Club’s position as Canberra’s complete golfing destination.
“Being in the large suburb of Nicholls, we do want to be very community-based and accessible to the public,” John explained.
“We want to offer a complete experience that caters for all your leisure needs, a place where people within and outside of the region come to enjoy their golf, then stick around.”
The upgrades are all underscored by a swathe of new roles. For the first time, the club has different personnel overseeing its membership, events and functions and communications. Its administration is run by Craig Smith, a notable figure in the Canberra golfing community.
“This is all part of an investment in the Club’s growth. We want to grow from the ground up, and we know our people will be a huge part of that,” John said.
“If we want to continue on this trajectory, we will need to keep innovating and expanding. So that’s the goal.”
For more information visit Gold Creek Country Club.
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