8-year-old Rianna Hills exemplifies growing trend of girls driving golf participation

Eight-year-old Rianna Hills from the Gold Coast demonstrates a remarkable drive for golf, practicing diligently after school and on weekends. Her dedication is paying off, as she is set to compete in the invitation-only US Kids Golf World Championship in North Carolina later this month, accompanied by her father, Gavin Hills, as her caddy.

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Every time I hit the ball, every week it's going further.

Rianna's rapid progress, moving from her first tournament in 2025 to an international competition within a year, is seen as part of a broader surge in female participation in golf across Australia. Karen Lunn, chief executive of WPGA Australasia, notes that women are taking up the sport at nearly twice the rate of men.

"We know that in the last couple of years, 60 percent of the people taking up golf are women," Ms. Lunn stated, contrasting this with her own experience growing up as potentially the only junior girl at a golf club. Golf Australia figures indicate that one in four adult Australians played some form of golf in the past two years.

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I can feel it when it's solid, and when it's straight. And sometimes before I know it, I'll just hit it straight down the middle.

Ms. Lunn attributes some of this growth to the inclusion of facilities like golf simulators, mini-golf, and driving ranges. These venues offer a more accessible and less intimidating entry point for women and girls compared to traditional golf clubs. "Those places don't have some of the challenges they [women and girls] might have at a traditional club where they may not feel as welcome," she explained.

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Within a year, to be able to do that … it's quite unbelievable. I'm very happy.

The increase in junior membership at golf clubs, up over 18 percent in 2025 and with under-18 memberships growing 112 percent over five years, highlights the importance of engaging younger players. Golf clubs are increasingly recognizing that junior boys and girls represent the future of their organizations, necessitating a more welcoming environment to ensure long-term sustainability.

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We know that in the last couple of years, 60 per cent of the people taking up golf are women.