Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott is fronting a new campaign from Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia aimed at breaking down outdated perceptions of golf and encouraging more Australians to give the sport a go.
The organisations have partnered with The R&A to bring its global Just Swing participation initiative to Australia, combining ambassador-led content with club education and beginner resources to make the game more accessible to new players.
Alcott, a four-time Paralympic medallist and 2022 Australian of the Year, leads the campaign alongside former four-time Olympic and Commonwealth Games diver Anabelle Smith. Both serve as Australian Golf Ambassadors.
The campaign targets audiences including women, families and beginners, with a focus on showing how golf can be played in different ways, whether at a traditional course, driving range, simulator or entertainment venue.
Golf Australia said more than four million Australians played golf in some form last year, while a further 2.5 million non-golfers said they were highly likely to try the sport in the next 12 months.
Golf’s newer audiences are also changing the profile of the game. New golfers are, on average, 10 years younger than established players, while 55 per cent are women.
Meanwhile, 66 per cent of people who played their first round on a course in 2025 began their golfing journey at an off-course venue. The number of these venues, including driving ranges and simulators, has more than doubled in Australia over the past five years.
The Just Swing campaign aims to capitalise on this interest by challenging the perception that golf is intimidating, expensive or bound by rules that beginners need to master before they start playing.
One of its central messages is that newcomers do not need to worry about the rules straight away, instead encouraging them to turn up, have fun and find a way to play that suits them.
“Just Swing is a national campaign to change the way people see golf,” Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.
“For too long, outdated perceptions about the game have stopped people from giving it a go. This campaign, backed by The R&A, is telling people that when you’re starting out, the rules can wait. Just turn up, have fun, and see what golf is really about.”
Sutherland said the campaign would also focus on ensuring the experience at clubs and venues matched its welcoming message.
“That’s why we’re also investing in practical support for clubs and venues, education, resources and tools to help them create more welcoming environments for beginners,” he said.“We want every new golfer to walk away thinking ‘I want to do that again’.”
Alcott said the campaign was about ensuring people felt welcome in the sport, regardless of their background or ability.
“Everybody deserves to be able to play golf. What matters is finding a place where you feel welcome from the moment you walk in, no matter who you are or what your ability is,” he said.
“Whether you’ve never picked up a club or you’re looking to get back into the game, there’s a place for you.”
Smith said the variety of ways to play could help make golf more approachable for people who had never considered trying it.
“When I started, I didn’t know the first thing about golf. You can play whenever and however suits you, with friends or family, at a driving range, simulator or on course,” she said.“Even if all you’ve got is a couple of old clubs, just turn up and have a go. Before you know it, you’ll catch the bug.”
Alongside the public-facing campaign, Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia will provide practical resources to help clubs and venues create a better experience for beginners.
The materials include guides, videos, posters, beginner scorecards and a Beginner’s Guide to Golf, as well as checklists for front-of-house staff and volunteers. The resources are designed for club and venue administrators, PGA Professionals, staff and volunteers.
The R&A introduced Just Swing globally in 2025, with national golf federations adapting the initiative for their local markets. The campaign has been piloted in Spain, where participating clubs reported increased interest in beginner programs among women and girls, and in Canada, where it helped drive new golfers to simulator venues.
