Published on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 11:24:45 AM
Kalgoorlie Golf Course has been named Get Into Golf Venue of the Year at the 2026 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence, recognising the success of its programs in introducing new players to the game.
At the centre of that success is Get Into Golf Officer and PGA Professional Jemma Price, who’s work has helped make golf more accessible, social and welcoming for people who may never previously have considered picking up a club.
Across 18 Get Into Golf programs, Kalgoorlie welcomed 167 participants, with 76 per cent genuine first-time golfers – one of the highest rates in the country.
Jemma said Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s strong sporting culture and the flexibility of golf had helped attract people who had never played before.
“From very early on after moving here, my husband Correy and I saw that Kalgoorlie had a very strong sense of community,” Jemma said.
“It’s a city that loves its sport and a lot of people are happy to give new things a go.
“With so many people working shifts, golf also gives people the flexibility to play when it suits them, rather than having to commit to a set training or game schedule every week.
“And we have an incredible golf course. Against the red dirt and bush, with kangaroos around the course, it’s just a beautiful place to be.”
Pictured: GolfWA Participation Manager Marc Pike, Jemma Price and GolfWA Development Officer Jordan McSkimming
The national award recognised a range of initiatives helping beginners move from introductory programs into regular golf, including weekly women’s on-course sessions, beginner scorecards, short-course distance markers and a growing network of social golfers.
Women’s participation has been a particular focus, with free introductory programs helping remove some of the barriers that can make golf feel difficult or intimidating for new players.
Participants in the program said the welcoming and social format had helped make golf feel more accessible.
One participant said the program had completely changed her view of the game.
“I quickly discovered that golf isn’t nearly as intimidating as I once thought – it is genuinely fun, approachable and engaging,” she said.
“The social format is fantastic. The sessions are bite-sized, supportive and perfect for building confidence while learning the fundamentals.”
Another participant said the program had become something she looked forward to each week.
“Jemma brings everyone together and encourages us to get out on the course, play together and make friends,” she said.
“All I ever hear at women’s golf is laughter. Golf has brought me so much happiness, and I look forward to it every week.”
The program is delivered through the partnership between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which operates the Kalgoorlie Golf Course and facilities, and the Goldfields Golf Club, which manages membership activities.
Jemma said both organisations shared the same goal of growing the game and creating more opportunities for the community to use the course.
“The partnership works because we’re all trying to achieve the same thing – getting more people involved in golf and making sure they have a good experience when they get here,” she said.
“For me, the golf course is much more than somewhere to play golf. It’s a place where people meet, try something new, build friendships and enjoy being outdoors.
“That’s what we see through Get Into Golf and particularly through the women’s sessions, where the social connection is every bit as important as learning the game.”
Mayor Glenn Wilson congratulated Jemma and everyone involved in the program on the national recognition.
“This is an outstanding result for Jemma, the Golf Course team and another example of something being done exceptionally well right here in Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” Mayor Wilson said.
“Introducing people to a new sport is one thing, but creating an environment where they feel welcome, enjoy themselves and want to keep coming back is the real achievement.
“To have more than three quarters of participants picking up a golf club for the first time shows just how successful that approach has been.”
The course also plays a broader role in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community, with more than $1 million raised through charity golf events over the past decade.
Jemma said that community connection was one of the things that made golf in Kalgoorlie-Boulder special.
“It’s a place for sport, social connection, wellbeing and giving back,” she said.
“To receive national recognition for what we’re building here is something we’re incredibly proud of, but the best part is seeing new people come through, enjoy themselves and keep playing.”
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