Sport

Junior golf is booming at Yarra Golf

By Jared Loughnan

Nov 11, 2025

The inaugural Schools Golf Challenge attracted 40 students from Yarrawonga P-12 and Sacred Heart College.

Over the past few years, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has experienced something special, a major surge in junior golfers taking up the game.

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In 2022, the club had just 76 junior members, 70 boys and six girls. As of November 2025, that number has grown to 234 juniors, including 23 girls, a 200 per cent increase in just a few years.

After school, the fairways are now alive with young golfers. It’s common to see 50 or more kids out on the course, learning, laughing, and playing a few holes before sunset, a clear sign of how far junior golf has come at Yarra.

The club has also introduced golf to more than 100 children through school holiday clinics and the popular Birdie Squad program.

Supported by Rich Glen and led by PGA professional Sandy Jamieson and marketing manager Rob Alexander, with volunteers Bob and Judy Kruger, Birdie Squad helps beginners aged 7–12 learn the game in a fun, welcoming way.

Yarra Golf’s Birdie Squad Program continues to grow year.

Mr Alexander said Club captain Steve Buckley and vice-captain Judy Kruger, with support from Golf NSW, have built strong links with local schools, leading to the inaugural Schools Golf Challenge.

“We had around 40 students from Yarrawonga P-12 and Sacred Heart College enjoyed a day of friendly competition and we hope to continue this going forward,” Rob said.

Judy Kruger is also driving female participation through the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship Program, which offers coaching, mentoring, and a year-long membership to help girls develop confidence and a love for the game.

Life member Dario Prighel, a long-time advocate for junior golf, continues to mentor young players and strengthen pathways into Junior Pennant and club competition.

“This growth reflects a club-wide commitment to making Yarra Golf welcoming for families,” Rob said.

“With Kids Eat Free Sundays, holiday events, kids’ movies, and a play area, the Club has created an environment where families can enjoy time together on and off the course.”