Thanks in no small measure to the efforts of PGA professional Jemma Price, Kalgoorlie Golf Course has been named as the ‘Get Into Golf Venue of the Year’ at the 2026 Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence.
Following on from winning the equivalent accolade at the WA Golf Industry Awards in March, the national award celebrates Kalgoorlie GC’s success in introducing complete beginners to the joys of the sport.
Get Into Golf is an adults’ program aimed at giving participants the best possible start in golf and fostering a life-long love of the game.
Kalgoorlie GC boasted one of the highest new-participant rates of any golf facility in Australia, with 76% of its 167 Get Into Golf participants across 18 programs being genuine first-timers.
The program is led by PGA pro Jemma Price (pictured above) through the Goldfields Golf Academy. It is underpinned by a unique collaboration between the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which operates the course and its facilities, and Goldfields Golf Club, which manages all membership activities.
Women’s participation, in particular, has gone from strength-to-strength under Jemma’s watch, thanks to initiatives such as free four-week women’s beginner programs; weekly women’s on-course sessions; beginner scorecards; short-course distance markers; and a growing women’s social golf network, which has created a sense of belonging for women new to the sport.
Tapping into community spirit
Jemma believes the program’s success is a reflection of the strong sense of community evident in Kalgoorlie.
“From very early on after moving here, my husband Correy and I saw that Kalgoorlie had a strong sense of community. It’s a city that loves its sport, and a lot of people are happy to give new things a go,” she said.
“An estimated 25% of residents work in the mining sector as shift workers, which makes golf a great fit, as it is more flexible than other team sports.
“To me, the golf course is much more than just a place to play golf. It is a community space where people can meet, learn something new, build friendships and enjoy the outdoors,” she added.
“We see that through Get Into Golf, where people who had never played before have been able to give the game a go, as well as through the weekly women’s on-course sessions, where social connection is just as important as learning the skills.”
Jemma Price has introduced hundreds of adults and juniors to golf during her time at the Goldfields Golf Academy
Jemma’s views were echoed by program participant Beverley Kavanagh, who first experienced golf through a free women’s beginner program in November 2025.
“The free classes and discounted golf days are such a great way to get women into golf and bring the community together,” said Beverley.
“It brings women from all different walks of life together, and we have such a good time. We can golf, have a wine and have a laugh all at the same time. Honestly, all I ever hear at women’s golf is laughter.”
Fellow Get Into Golf Participant Lisa Morrow has now progressed on to full membership at Goldfields Golf Club on the back of her positive experience.
“The group lessons were excellent, with coaching tailored to individual needs while still learning together as a group. This personalised approach really helped build my confidence,” Lisa said.
“Through the program, I joined the Goldfields Golf Club and met long-time women members who were incredibly welcoming, encouraging and helpful.
“I honestly don’t think I would have joined the club without the beginner classes. Jemma created a safe and supportive environment that made it easy to get involved.”
Now in its second year, the Golf Australia National Awards of Excellence recognise clubs, venues, partners and individuals who are setting new standards across the game.
The 2026 winners span seven states and territories, from remote Arnhem Land to inner-city Melbourne, reflecting the depth and diversity of leadership across Australian golf.
Find out about the national award winners here.
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