The Hon Rod Kemp was Minister for the Arts and Sport from Friday 23 November 2001 to Tuesday 30 January 2007. This site is available for archival purposes only.
Golf Access Australia scheme to boost social players
More Australians will enjoy a social round of golf as the result of a $235 000 commitment to boost participation over the next three years, the Minister for the Arts and Sport, Senator Rod Kemp, announced today.
'Golf is one of Australia's most popular sports, with more than 1.2 million participants in 2003,' Senator Kemp said at the PGA Golf Show in Melbourne.
'It's a sport that gets people of all backgrounds and fitness levels out of the house and into physical and social activity.'
'Golf Access Australia offers a great way for aspiring golfers to give the sport a go, while also increasing opportunities for enthusiasts to have a life-long association with the game.
A joint initiative between the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Golf Union, Golf Access Australia provides the means for social players to gain an Australian Golf Union Affiliate handicap for participation in competitions approved by host clubs. Participants' handicaps will be managed through Golf Link, the AGU's national internet-based handicapping system.
Other benefits include the AGU's Personal Insurance Plan, which covers the players' loss of clubs and offers personal liability and accident insurance. Members joining in the first year of the program will receive three golf balls courtesy of Srixon.
This particular partnership between the Australian Government and the Australian Golf Union is just one of a number of initiatives that provide opportunities to get all Australians involved in organised sports, and not just those at the elite level,' Senator Kemp said.
'The Australian Government is supporting community participation in 21 sports through the Australian Sports Commission's Targeted Sports Participation Growth Program. These targeted sports are integral to our policy Backing Australia's Sporting Ability-A More Active Australia.'
'Golf Access Australia is a great example of how government and peak sporting bodies are working together to build a healthier and more active nation.'
More information is available at the Golf Access Australia web site www.golfaccess.org.au
MELBOURNE
25 July 2004
Media contact: Adrian Chippindale 02 6277 7350, 0407 208 743