SGA partners with MGI Golf – Australia’s leader in electric golf buggies

SGA partners with MGI Golf – Australia’s leader in electric golf buggies

Australia's Largest Golf Club joins forces with Australia’s Number One Electric Golf Buggy Brand.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA: Australia’s Largest Golf Club, Social Golf Australia (SGA), has partnered with MGI Golf, Australia’s Leader in Electric Golf Buggies.

Recently appointed as America’s Number One electric golf buggy, MGI Golf is looking to continue its momentum through its partnership with Australia’s Largest Golf Club, Social Golf Australia. The collaboration will see MGI’s wide range of industry-leading electric golf buggies feature at various SGA Golf Events and Open Days, allowing SGA golfers a hands-on opportunity to experience the features and benefits throughout the MGI lineup.

“MGI Golf is an ideal fit as an SGA partner, as we are both proudly Australian-owned and operated family businesses that share similar core values and vision. In addition, we even share a comparable business history,” explains Matthew Pitt, Founder and Managing Director of SGA.

“Both MGI and SGA began as small family businesses, run out of our homes while concurrently raising small families. Throughout the years, both of our brands battled through the ups and downs of business as we strove to create what are now two of the market leaders in our respective segments.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be on board with MGI Golf. And we are looking forward to introducing their amazing and innovative products to our huge community of golfers across the country,” Pitt said.

When asked about the recent partnership with Social Golf Australia, MGI Golf Chief Executive Officer Carrie Edwards-Britt said “We at MGI Golf, are thrilled to announce our partnership with Social Golf Australia. Our shared passion for golf and the synergies between our companies, lay a solid foundation for hopefully a long and successful partnership. SGA's network of golfers and commitment to the golfing community align perfectly with our vision of enhancing the golfing experience for players at all levels. We can't wait to see our electric buggies in action at SGA events, bringing a new level of experience and enjoyment to their members”.

MGI Golf products will be available for order soon via SGA.

ABOUT SOCIAL GOLF AUSTRALIA

Social Golf Australia is the largest golfing community in Australia and have a range of industry partners (Including Srixon & Cleveland Golf, Garmin, The Card Network, Drummond Golf, Heathcote Winery and now MGI Golf) that support SGA offering great value golf services. They currently offer official golf handicaps (over 22,000 GolfLink Numbers issued since 2007). In addition, they host over 120 events a year across the country, run a variety of annual major tournaments (from 3-7 days long), charity golf events, and other feature events and golf tours. The business focusses on fostering a friendly and welcoming golfing community based on the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and trust. Their approach is to offer golfers value, flexibility and choice in a user-pays model where they can select the services that suit them and pay only for what they need.

ABOUT MGI GOLF

For over 30 Years, MGI Golf has been synonymous with producing high quality electric golf buggies to power the modern golfer. Founded in 1993 in Melbourne, this Australian owned and operated business was built on foundations of innovation and quality design. A world leader in technological advancements, it was this commitment to product development and support that resulted in owning the Australian market and allowed the team to set their sights on international markets.

First powering onto American courses in 2018, MGI are celebrating their recent appointment as America’s Number One Electric Golf Buggy. Understanding that the needs of each golfer are unique, MGI have developed a range of buggies and accessories to help improve the health and maximise performance of each user. Supported by an extensive sales and servicing network throughout Australia, they have gained the trust of golfers nationwide. With decades of experience in the industry, MGI are committed to continue revolutionising the great game of golf in Australia and abroad.

www.mgigolf.com

CONTACT

Richard Fellner
Media Manager, SGA
e: media@sgatour.com.au
m: 0407 000 440

Mick David
General Manager, SGA
e: mick@sgatour.com.au
m: 0402 488 253

Matthew Pitt
Founder, Managing Director, SGA
e: matt@sgatour.com.au
m: 0425 742 501

For further information or to contact the team at MGI Golf, email marketing@mgigolf.com or call 03 8872 6700.

Partner Spotlight – MGI Golf

Partner Spotlight - MGI Golf

MGI Golf are a long-term SGA partner, offering world-leading technology in their range of motorised buggies.

MGI Ai Navigator GPS+

With brand-new technology and a strikingly modern design, the new Ai Navigator GPS+ is designed with an integrated GPS system built into a super responsive high-resolution 4” full colour all-weather touchscreen display which will connect you to over 40,000 courses worldwide.

The integrated high performance GPS system delivers fast and accurate distances to all parts of the course. This clear view of the hole is further enhanced by the complimentary interactive MGI App that comes with maps, scoring and can be your MGI Sureshot handheld device which can be taken anywhere. Also, the Ai Navigator GPS+ comes with MGI's globally renowned fully directional handheld remote control which can be used from over 100 metres away allowing you to walk the course with ease. With MGI’s patented gyroscope straight tracker technology your Ai Nav GPS+ will stay on track across any terrain.

PLAY GOLF WITH EMPOWERED INTELLIGENCE WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW Ai Navigator GPS+.

MGI ZIP NAVIGATOR AT - ALL TERRAIN

Conquer the toughest golf courses with the Zip Navigator AT - All Terrain. Designed with independent swivelling front wheels for added strength and stability, the Zip Navigator AT incorporates a full directional remote control, allowing you to effortlessly walk free and play hard. On even the most rugged and hilly courses, watch while your buggy traverses the landscape with conviction.

MGI ZIP X5

Make it a level playing field with the MGI Zip X5 with the ingenious advantage of Downhill Speed Control and an Electronic Park Brake. The downhill speed control eliminates the need for the golfer to manually adjust the speed control when walking downhill. This creates an effortless, weightless transition on all downhill terrains. Also, it allows the golfer to focus only on the next shot, leading to lower scores and increased satisfaction. Plus, park on any incline by activating the electronic brake at the press of a button. The MGI Zip X5 is the game changer.

MGI ZIP X3

Packed full of desirable features, the MGI Zip X3 will turn heads with its stylish look and modernistic design whilst being effortless in its operation. For effortless play, the MGI Zip X3 is built on a platform of signature MGI features like a Controlled Distance Function, a swivelling & lockable front wheel and all terrain tread wheels. To help improve your game and feel in control, the advanced digital electronics will provide valuable statistics, like distances walked and longest drive.

MGI ZIP X1

With a smooth and quiet ride, the revolutionary Zip X1 will do all the work for you so you can concentrate on your game. Feel your best to play your best. Not all motorized caddies are the same, so with the MGI Zip X1 you're amongst the best equipment in the game.

Get any of these MGI Buggies at Australia's Best Price

For pricing on any of the MGI Buggies listed above, Call Mick David on 0402 488 253

MGIG_2245-AUS-Zip-Refresh-Web-Banner-GIF

About MGI Golf and SGA

MGI Golf buggies are SGA's preferred motorised golf buggy, and are awarded as prizes at many of our Major Events and Tournaments, notably our annual SGA Championships. SGA are proud to partner with MGI Golf.

Visit the MGI Golf Website here

Team South goes Back-to-Back, winning 2024 Trans-Murray Matchplay

Team South Goes Back-to-Back, capturing 2024 Trans-Murray Matchplay

It was an exciting week of golf for the 2024 Trans-Murray Matchplay. 66 golfers from both sides of the Murray River returned to Canberra to represent their region, and battle for supremacy in this annual Teams Matchplay event. This was the 11th running of the annual Trans-Murray Matchplay, and Team South was keen to repeat their success from 2023, while Team North was hoping to reclaim their past glory, and bring the "Murray" trophy home.

There was some incredible competition, great sportsmanship, and some truly awesome camaraderie throughout the week.

Day 1

The First day's action (Pairs/Ambrose), was an absolute CRACKER of a day at Royal Canberra Golf Club. The course proved why it is one of Australia's BEST courses, as it was in amazing condition, and a pure delight for our players. Laughs and smiles all around!

Highlights of the day include a "Trick" shot that ended up in a cart (Hey, play it as it lies), and one shot that actually went backwards (straight off the club!), as well as some MONSTER putts made all around. Team South jumped out of the gates with a solid 10-7 Lead, but anything can happen. Full results from Day 1 can be seen below:

Day 2

Day 2 of the TMMP saw HEAPS of action, with Team North putting on a show at Gold Creek. In the Alternate-shot pairs format of the day, it was a wave of light blue, as Team North mounted a stellar comeback, taking 11 matches to South's 6, edging ahead of Team South by an overall margin of 18-16.

Day 3

There was excitement in the air for the all-important Singles matches on Day 3, at the picturesque Gungahlin Lakes. The scoring was tight, and both teams were feeling the pressure. In pleasant playing conditions, on a very playable course, players from both teams battled hard in their matches, as they knew that EVERY POINT MATTERED.

Following the round, the points were tallied as the players enjoyed drinks, food, laughter and stories of made (and missed) putts from the week.

When the points were finalised, Team South had dominated the final day, 20 matches to 12, resulting in a final Tournament Score of 36 South to 30 North. Team South had gone Back-to-Back!

Congratulations to Team South!!

Final points:

Team	D1	D2	D3		Total Points
North	7.0	11.0	12.0		30
South	10.0	6.0	20.0		36

For day-by-day scores and matches, see the leaderboard on Golf Genius.

Special Thanks

We would like to thank all the competitors (and their spouses/partners/plus-ones) for an incredible week at the 2024 Trans-Murray Matchplay. The success of these events is mostly due to the quality of the participants, and we believe that our golfers are of the highest quality anywhere!

A very special thanks to our host courses, Royal Canberra, Gold Creek and Gungahlin Lakes, as well as sponsors Srixon Australia & New Zealand, Garmin and our hotel partner, Mantra on Northbourne.

Photo Galleries: 2024 Trans-Murray Matchplay

Photo Gallery - Day 1. Royal Canberra Golf Club

Photo Gallery - Day 2 Gold Creek.

Photo Gallery - Day 3. Gungahlin Lakes GC

REPORT: SGA GC named the Largest Golf Club in Australia

REPORT: SGA GC named the Largest Golf Club in Australia

Monumental growth continues for popular Australian golf community, which officially outnumbers all traditional/private courses and social clubs in the country.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA: A series of reports by Golf Australia’s state bodies has revealed that Social Golf Australia (SGA) is officially the Largest Golf Club in Australia by total membership, with more financial members than any other club (both online/social clubs and traditional/private clubs) in the country.

Golf Australia's 2022/2023 SA Annual Report, published this week, and audited by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, has listed The SGA GC as the state's largest golf club. (SGA is a national handicap business registered/affiliated in South Australia.) When compared to the 2021/2022/2023 annual reports by Golf Australia's other states and territories, SGA has been recognised as, officially, the Largest Golf Club in Australia.

Top Golf Clubs by Membership in Australia (2021-2023):

Social Golf Australia/SGA GC (SA)
FutureGolf (SA)
Howlong Country Golf Club (NSW)
The National Golf Club (VIC)
The Royal Sydney Golf Club (NSW)
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (VIC)
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort (NSW)
Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club (VIC)
Barwon Heads Golf Club (VIC)
Royal Queensland Golf Club (QLD)

“We’re thrilled to see that all of our hard work –especially over the last few years—has resulted in such solid growth in membership,” explains Matthew Pitt, Founder and Managing Director of Social Golf Australia. “When my wife, Sally, and I launched our first golf social club in 2004 (Bushranger Golf, the precursor to Social Golf Australia), we never really imagined that we would become the industry leader in golf memberships.”

For Pitt, however, the recent numbers are an added bonus to what he believes to be a much larger success: growth in the sport itself.

“While it’s certainly gratifying that our Australian-family-run social club sits atop so many amazing and historically-significant clubs, the more exciting aspect to us is that more people are simply playing the game of golf,” Pitt adds. “The recent golf boom has seen massive benefits to the wider industry overall, as well as additional health benefits to the players themselves. That’s why we started SGA; we love our golf, and want to see the game grow long into the future.”

The findings follow Golf Australia’s 2021/22 Participation Report, released in May, which named Social Golf Australia as one of the key factors in the recent Australian Golf Boom. It also follows a report last week by The Australian Golf Industry Council (AGIC) which revealed that golf provides $3.3 billion in total annual benefits to the Australian community, economy and environment.

ABOUT SOCIAL GOLF AUSTRALIA

Social Golf Australia is the largest golfing community in Australia and have a range of industry partners (Including Srixon & Cleveland Golf, Garmin, The Card Network, Drummond Golf and others) that support SGA offering great value golf services. They currently offer official golf handicaps (over 18,000 GolfLink Numbers issued since 2007), host over 120 events a year across the country, run a variety of annual major tournaments (from 3-7 days long), charity golf events, and other feature events and golf tours. The business focusses on fostering a friendly and welcoming golfing community based on the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and trust. Their approach is to offer golfers value, flexibility and choice in a user-pays model where they can select the services that suit them and pay only for what they need.

socialgolfaustralia.com.au

CONTACT

Richard Fellner
Media Manager, SGA
e: media@sgatour.com.au
m: 0407 000 440

Mick David
General Manager, SGA
e: mick@sgatour.com.au
m: 0402 488 253

Matthew Pitt
Founder, Managing Director, SGA
e: matt@sgatour.com.au
m: 0425 742 501

Woke Blokes Podcast – SGA’s Matthew Pitt on being part of a community

SGA Founder Matthew Pitt featured on Woke Blokes Podcast

SGA Managing Director and founder Matthew Pitt is featured on a recent episode of the popular Woke Blokes podcast. In this episode, Matt talks about the importance of belonging to a community and feeling connected.

The Woke Bloke Podcast is hosted by Nick Sutherland from MyndFit. MyndFit is a community helping people become mentally fitter, stronger and healthier by training the mind to think differently. Also on the episode is Ryan Hassan from The Centre for Healing.

Listen to the podcast here

Social Golf Australia issues 18,000th GOLF Link number

Social Golf Australia issues 18,000th GOLF Link number

Australia’s Largest Golf Club hits major Golf Handicap milestone, bringing total number of Australian GOLF Link numbers issued to over 18,000.

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA: AUSTRALIA’S Largest Golf Club, Social Golf Australia (SGA), has reached a major milestone, issuing their 18,000^th GOLF Link Number this week.

The milestone, which reflects the number of official Golf Australia Handicap numbers issued by the business since its inception in 2006, further cements SGA’s position as Australia’s largest golf club and golf community.

The announcement comes on the back of a monumental growth period for SGA, which has seen golfers from across Australia rushing to sign up for SGA’s affordable $108 annual handicaps, play in a variety of SGA’s 120 Open events, or join one of SGA’s numerous domestic and international golf tours.

“We’re thrilled to welcome so many new golfers into the SGA family,” explains Matthew Pitt, Founder and Managing Director of Social Golf Australia. “When my wife, Sally, and I started issuing handicaps in 2007, we helped 29 golfers with a handicap and GOLF Link number that first year. Today, we issue more than 29 handicaps and Golf Link Numbers per day. On current trends, we will have over 10,000 golfers maintain handicaps with SGA in 2024.”

Friendliness, Accessibility key to SGA's Golf Link Number Growth

Pitt attributes the business’ strong, long-term growth to the team’s commitment to providing friendly, helpful customer service and community-minded approach where “All golfers are welcome”.

“A lot of our growth comes from word-of-mouth referrals from our golfers,” Pitt adds. “When a golfer plays in one of our events, we hope that they experience how friendly, welcoming, fun and professional everyone is. If new people feel included, they enjoy the experience and they are more likely to tell their friends and bring them along next time.

“But perhaps the most positive feedback we get is how much people appreciate that we are available to talk with them. We have competitors that have no phone numbers available for their business, but we are a family-business of golf-loving people who enjoy the company of golfers and helping out whenever we can. We have made it a priority to try and be available to chat with our customers.

“All of our phone numbers and email addresses are clearly on our Contact Us page, so our golfers can give us a call and someone will answer. Our members love the fact that we are real people who love our golf, and that we are open, honest and accessible. We are all golfers like them, and we enjoy helping people have fun playing golf,” Pitt says.

Pitt also cited the business’ recent strategic investment in technology, systems and processes.

“We’ve been investing heavily into the business over the last few years – from our back-end ordering and fulfillment system, to our website and Customer Relationship Management tools, as well as expanding our team,” he says.

Helping People have fun

“A central ethos for us has always been to try and help people," Pitt adds. "That makes it easier to have fun with our customers and enjoy what we do. As it happens, it also helps achieve some success and growth over time. In October 2021 we hosted our FoodBank Charity Golf Day and we were able to assist Foodbank to help a lot of families who were struggling through lockdowns.

“We took a great deal of satisfaction from the support we gave families and it was around that time that we celebrated issuing our 10,000^th GOLF Link number. That the number has grown by 80% in just over 18 months is a testament to all the hard work our team has put in and their commitment to helping people with their golf,” he says.

---ENDS---

MORE INFORMATION:

ABOUT SOCIAL GOLF AUSTRALIA

Social Golf Australia is the largest golfing community in Australia and have a range of industry partners (Including Srixon & Cleveland Golf, Garmin, The Card Network, Drummond Golf and others) that support SGA offering great value golf services. They currently offer official golf handicaps (over 18,000 GolfLink Numbers issued since 2007), host over 120 events a year across the country, run a variety of annual major tournaments (from 3-7 days long), charity golf events, and other feature events and golf tours. The business focusses on fostering a friendly and welcoming golfing community based on the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and trust. Their approach is to offer golfers value, flexibility and choice in a user-pays model where they can select the services that suit them and pay only for what they need.

socialgolfaustralia.com.au

CONTACT

Richard Fellner
Media Manager, SGA
e: media@sgatour.com.au
m: 0407 000 440

Mick David
General Manager, SGA
e: mick@sgatour.com.au
m: 0402 488 253

Matthew Pitt
Founder, Managing Director, SGA
e: matt@sgatour.com.au
m: 0425 742 501

Report: Social Clubs and SGA lead Australian Golf Boom in 2022

Golf Australia Participation Report 2022

Report: Social clubs, SGA lead 2022 Australian Golf Boom

Golf Australia’s 2021/22 Participation Report has revealed that more than 2.7 million Australians play golf, with each state and territory experiencing another year of significant club membership growth.

For the first time, Golf Australia has worked with the National Golf Foundation to outline participation across all forms of golf.

The data reveals that over the 12 months, Australia’s golf courses hosted 1.5 million golfers, while a further 1.2 million played off-course at a range of spaces, including driving ranges, mini-golf facilities and simulators.

Club memberships across the country grew by 2.7% in 2021/22 following a record 6.4% growth in the previous 12 months, highlighted by a rise in the number of women golfers and junior golfers.

Social Golf key to growth

Among the findings in the report: "Consistent with the past five years, growth was again seen in Social club members, increasing by 8.9% over the year. Social club members now account for 7.0% of total members across Australia."

The report also named Social Golf Australia as one of the key factors in the Australian Golf Boom, notably in South Australia, where SGA is affiliated for the management of Golf Handicaps.

It’s the second largest golf membership increase since data collection began in 1970.

Golf Australia’s Get into Golf program for adults grew by 65% with an 84% jump in female participation, while there was 13% growth in MyGolf for five to 12-year-olds which featured a 25% increase in female participation.

The growth is supported by Australian Sports Commission’s AusPlay data, with the 2021/22 results revealing a 33% increase in people identifying as golfers on pre-COVID levels.

Golf is getting bigger

James Sutherland, Golf Australia CEO, said the positive figures continued the momentum created by the launch of the Australian Golf Strategy which focuses on making the game more inclusive and accessible to Australians from all walks of life.

“Golf is big - and it’s getting bigger,” he said.

“We’re delighted to see golf in Australia is growing at a rate never seen before and consolidating its position as one of the country’s highest participation sports.

“With more people playing the game than ever before, this Participation Report highlights the community’s passion for the game – and the way long-term investments into our grassroots programs have helped to turn social players into club members.

“Across every meaningful metric, golf is thriving and we’re particularly buoyed by the growth in women’s golf and junior golf.

“There’s always more to do, but we are well on our way to making our great game even bigger and more inclusive.”

This year’s participation measurement was adapted to align more closely with the Australian golf industry’s philosophy that “all golf is golf”.

“Whether you’re a social golfer, long-time member, weekly comp player, putt-putt specialist, driving range regular or simulator lover – you contribute to our golfing community and the health of our game,” said Sutherland.

Key figures – July 1 2021 – June 30 2022

Total participation: 2.7 million (800,000 just on course, 700,000 both on and off course, and 1.2 million just off course).
Club membership: 426,384 (up 2.7%, 11,208 new members)
Junior members: 16,241 (up 4.2%)
Women and girl members: 79,704 (up 4.0%)
State by state club membership growth: NSW (0.6%), Victoria (2.6%), Queensland (3.9%), South Australia (4.6%), Western Australia (1.7%), Tasmania (7.2%), Northern Territory (9.9%).
Participation programs: Get Into Golf up 65%, My Golf up 13%, Community Instructor Accreditations up 30%, Disability Inclusion Program up 90%,

For more information and statistics, read the full Participation Report here.

(Story by Australian Golf Media)

Social Golf Australia renews partnership with Srixon for 2023

Social Golf Australia renews partnership with Dunlop Srixon Sports Australia

Australia’s Largest Golf Club partners with global leader in premium golf ball and equipment technology and innovation

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA: AUSTRALIA’S Largest Golf Club, Social Golf Australia (SGA), has announced a renewal of its partnership and sponsorship agreement with Dunlop Srixon Sports Australia.

The announcement marks the sixth consecutive year of the partnership between the two businesses. The agreement will see Srixon and Cleveland Golf gear—including golf balls, clubs, accessories—continue to be awarded as prizes at SGA’s Open Golf Days, Major Golf Events and Tournaments across Australia. In addition, Srixon and Cleveland Golf Logos and branding will continue to appear on all of SGA’s major promotional materials, apparel and properties.

“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Srixon and Cleveland Golf,” explains Matthew Pitt, Founder and Managing Director of Social Golf Australia. “We’ve maintained a strong relationship with the team at Srixon since 2017, And we are thrilled to continue this partnership into its sixth full year.

“Srixon is a perfect fit for SGA,” Pitt adds. “Both businesses are dedicated to innovation, and helping golfers of all skill levels to fully enjoy the game of golf. It is exciting for us and our community of 18,000+ avid golfers to welcome Srixon back as a major partner in 2023.”

---ENDS---

MORE INFORMATION:

ABOUT SOCIAL GOLF AUSTRALIA

Social Golf Australia is the largest golfing community in Australia. They have a range of industry partners (Including Srixon & Cleveland Golf, Garmin, The Card Network, Drummond Golf and others) that support SGA offering great value golf services. They currently offer official golf handicaps (over 16,000 issued since 2006) and host over 120 events a year across the country. Additionally, they run a variety of annual major tournaments (from 3-7 days long), charity golf events, and other feature events and golf tours. The business focusses on fostering a friendly and welcoming golfing community based on the values of honesty, integrity, loyalty and trust. Their approach is to offer golfers value, flexibility and choice in a user-pays model where they can select the services that suit them and pay only for what they need.

socialgolfaustralia.com.au

ABOUT DUNLOP SRIXON SPORTS AUSTRALIA

Dunlop Srixon Sports Australia is part of the Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. family and enjoys a strong presence on competitive tours worldwide. Manufacturing and selling premium golf and racquet sports equipment to players of all skill levels under a portfolio of brands: Dunlop, Srixon, Cleveland Golf, and XXIO. Dunlop Srixon Sports Australia is also a licensed exclusive distributor of ASICS golf footwear. Dunlop Srixon Sports’ unique global sales network and infrastructure in R&D, manufacturing, and material science elevates its brands onto a global stage where players from all around the world are encourages to experience their incredible products.

https://au.dunlopsports.com/

CONTACT

Richard Fellner
Media Manager, SGA
e: media@sgatour.com.au
m: 0407 000 440

Mick David
General Manager, SGA
e: mick@sgatour.com.au
m: 0402 488 253

Matthew Pitt
Founder, Managing Director, SGA
e: matt@sgatour.com.au
m: 0425 742 501

Price Rise for Standard SGA Handicaps on March 1, 2023

Price Rise for Standard SGA Handicap product on March 1, 2023

As mentioned in a previous post, Golf Club Affiliation Fees -- the fees that clubs like SGA pay to golf's governing bodies for maintaining golf handicaps -- are rising in 2023. This rise brings the total increase over the past 7 years to a whopping 49%.

These continued price increases -- especially over the last two years -- have tipped us to the point where, unfortunately, we need to raise our prices for standard handicaps.

Beginning March 1, we will be increasing the price of Standard Handicaps by $10 per year; from $98 to $108. While this small increase may be inconvenient, it is a necessity for SGA to continue providing Australia's best-value handicaps, at the lowest possible price.

We did not make this decision lightly. Since we began selling handicaps in 2007, we've fought hard to keep our prices as low as possible – and the lowest in Australia. Our strong growth over the years (now with over 6000 current members) has, until now, allowed us to offset increased costs from the governing bodies.

(Note that the Unlimited Handicap Tier ($118 per year) will NOT change at this time, but may increase at a later date).

Our sincere apologies to our members for any inconvenience this may cause. And we hope you understand.

RENEW YOUR HANDICAP EARLY (BEFORE MARCH 1) TO LOCK-IN THE $98 PRICE FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS

We realise that a price rise of this amount may not be convenient for some of our members, so we are offering you the ability to renew your $98 Standard Handicap early, and keep the $98 price locked-in for another 12 months past your renewal date.

To renew early:

Login to your SGA account before March 1, click My Subscription and then click Renew Now to pay by credit card or direct debit.

-or-

Call a member of the SGA team during business hours to pay over the phone: Paul (0417 831 858), Mick (0402 488 253) or Matt (0425 742 501)

Note that this Early Offer is only available until March 1. After that, the price will automatically rise to $108.

(IMPORTANT: when you renew early, you may receive two emails: 1) your checkout confirmation e-mail, and 2) a renewal notice e-mail showing your new extended renewal date. You can ignore this renewal notice e-mail (you will receive your next renewal notice from us in 2024.))

Golf Club Affiliation Fees to rise in 2023

Golf Club Affiliation Fees to rise in 2023

Chart - Rise in Golf Club Affiliation Fees

Percentage increase in Handicap Affiliation fees vs SGA Standard Handicap Price (since 2016)

SGA received an unwelcome Christmas Stocking Stuffer in December, with a message that, in 2023, Golf Club Affiliation Fees are increasing. Again.

Not quite the holiday present we were hoping to find.

By our reckoning, Golf Club affiliation fees have risen every year (except one) in the last seven years. This represents a total increase of 49% in that period. (Just a scooch more than inflation, we reckon.)

Conversely, over that same period, SGA has increased the Standard Handicap price from $95 to $98 – just a 3.2% increase.

So "Just what are affiliation fees?", you may be asking.

Essentially, they are the annual fees that golf clubs (public, private and social clubs/handicap providers like SGA) pay to golf's governing bodies for each registered member with a handicap. These fees go towards things like Public Liability Insurance, maintaining GolfLink, growing the game, state and national administration costs, running amateur events, etc.

We've been fortunate to have grown so much each year that we've been able to offset these increased costs; and thus resist increasing our retail price, despite our margins being dramatically reduced each year.

However, our increased size (now over 6000 members!) has required investment in new technology and a bigger team, so the price increases over the last two years have really squeezed our margins. This has, unfortunately, tipped us to the point where we need to increase the handicap price in 2023.

We are currently figuring out how to manage it. The likely change will be a $10 increase in the Standard Handicap in the first half of the year. (Later in the year, the Unlimited Handicap Tier may also increase).

Our sincere apologies to our members for any inconvenience this may cause. And we hope you understand.

We will keep you informed via emails, on Social Media and via this website as we finalise the plan and the process for how we manage it.

Until then, we hope you hit ‘em straight in 2023!

Cheers,

Matthew Pitt

Managing Director
Social Golf Australia