Golf Australia magazine subscription

Australian golf rides into 2026 with a spring in its step. The afterglow of Rory McIlroy’s sojourn down this way still lingers, as does the buzz created by the growing list of Australian and international stars who anchored our two marquee tournaments late last year. It felt like a moment - not just a visit or a good field - but a reminder of how compelling the Australian summer of golf can be when the world is watching and the crowds respond. Which brings us to this issue. Yes, it’s technically our second for the year, but it’s the first you’ll see shining back at you from the shelves in the NewYear, and it sets the tone for what we hope will be another memorable 12 months. We begin with…

WALLAN • VICTORIA Robert Holmes à Court was one of the biggest names in Australian business during the booming 1980s. His flagship company, The Bell Group, spread its tentacles far and wide into transport, oil, mining, wool, real estate and media. One of the world’s most feared corporate raiders, Holmes à Court’s success saw him claim the title as Australia’s first billionaire and shortly before the disastrous Black Monday stock market crash in October 1987, his companies were valued in excess of $2 billion. But it was not all work for the man dubbed “The Great Acquirer”. His love of racehorses, and the riches that could be earned from breeding champions, saw him purchase a 1000-hectare property near the Victorian town of Wallan, about 60km north of Melbourne’s CBD. He…

Emerging golf superstar Grace Kim is already plotting to eclipse her dream 2025 season with even greater spoils. After claiming a maiden major in the most extraordinary circumstances imaginable, and helping Australia win the prestigious International Crown teams’ title, Kim is understandably still buzzing. “Crazy is probably the best word I can use because I still don’t know how to describe how I felt at the time and how it all panned out,” Kim said after being the first marquee player to commit to next year’s Australian Open in Adelaide. Kim produced one of the most astonishing fightbacks in golf history to capture the Evian Championship in France in July. The 25-year-old Sydneysider finished eagle-birdie-eagle to rally from four shots behind late in the final round to deny world No.2…

On South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, halfway between Adelaide and local gems, Mt Compass GC and Links Lady Bay, a new driving range called “STRYKR Port Noarlunga” will “blend cutting-edge technology with the natural seaside environment,” GreenSpace Management announced in a press release. “STRYKR is more than a driving range; it’s a vibrant, multi-sport destination designed to inspire active lifestyles, social connections, and fun for all ages and abilities,” it was written. “At its core, STRYKR elevates golf with world-class Trackman ball-tracking technology across 24 undercover bays, providing precise data for serious players and interactive games for casual visitors. “Six retained green grass bays ensure a premium, traditional practice experience, all accessible year-round in any weather.” Peter Vlahandreas, Managing Director of GreenSpace Management, said “our goal with STRYKR is to strike…

From dawn starts to final putts, PGA of Australia volunteers are the unseen engine of tournament week, and behind them all is Volunteer Manager for the PGA of Australia’s major tournaments, Veronica Tornow, coordinating every moving part. Golf Australia magazine sat down with Veronica to discuss the importance of volunteers during tournament weeks, and why they are the true heartbeat of the golf tournament. From your perspective, how central are volunteers to the successful delivery of PGA of Australia events over the summer? Volunteers are an integral part of an event as they bring passion for the sport, excitement for being involved, and a genuine love of the action. For the Volunteers, it’s not just about helping out—it’s about being part of something they truly enjoy. Their enthusiasm creates a…

It was the reaction that made me laugh. On the eve of the recent Australian Open, Rory McIlroy was asked for his impression of the world-famous and almost universally admired Royal Melbourne composite course. You know, the layout the five-time major champion had flown thousands of miles to see and play. Most people expected to hear some sort of heartfelt tribute along the lines of “this might be the greatest golf course in the world”. However, Rory chose an alternative route, revealing his preference for nearby Kingston Heath and calling RM “the second-best course in Melbourne”. Cue a range of gasps reflecting a range of emotions. Shock. Horror. Indignation. They were all on display. Now, to be clear, this column disagrees with Rory, who is well-versed in the friendly arguments…

What happened was this: Kerri-Anne Kennerley was invited by a friend to play in a charity golf tournament at the Ocean Club in the Bahamas, part of the Duke of Edinburgh Cup, a global series of events that raise millions of dollars for children and which has, as its major prize, golf at Wentworth and Windsor Castle, and a dinner with the Duke himself. And, being a pretty tidy 18-marker and golf addict who had honed her game atThe Australian with Gary Barter among others, our Ms Kennerley up and won it. You beauty. And there was a post-round celebration that would have made Australia proud. The prize was a motza: airfares, accommodation, three rounds of golf including one at the fabulous Wentworth, and a black-tie dinner with our man,…

What a week. Just as everyone hoped it would be, the Australian Open at Royal Melbourne, the first there since 1991, was a huge success in just about every way possible. The presence of Rory McIlroy helped bring in the crowds. The composite course lived up to its reputation and played tough on all four very different days. And we were treated to an exciting climax on Sunday evening; one involving one of Australia’s best players. It would be tough to ask for more, really. Rory first. Right from day one, even he couldn’t believe how many people turned up to watch him play. It was crazy. Even before that first round on Thursday, the whole thing felt like we had returned to the halcyon days of the event, back…

Explore Singapore with this special trip for two! From the moment you arrive to see the incredible lush environment at the airport, it is clear why Singapore is called a ‘City within a Garden’. This is just the beginning of a six-day adventure with Botanica World Discoveries. A botanical expert will take you to the many green spaces where nature is woven into the fabric of this island city, such as the National Orchid Garden and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Highlights include a day at the Singapore Garden Festival, held only once every two years, as well as a trip to Pulau Ubin, where old-world Singapore still thrives among mangroves and wildlife. A wonderful opportunity to step into a city that’s grown in harmony with its gardens. HOW TO ENTER: Simply…