The news is positive down under, as the Australian Golf Industry Council released data that rounds played at the country’s golf clubs increased 5 percent this year over last. The news was reported by the website www.thesportscampus.com.

The report goes on to state, “The standout state were South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales with rounds (in April, May and June) growing by 18 percent, 15 percent and 13 percent respecitively.

“For the financial year, results were up 5.6 percent nationally, with growth in male rounds twice that of female rounds.”

Queensland saw the largest overall growth for the year, with an impressive 13 percent increase in the number of rounds played.

“These national figures are an important barometer of the health of club competition golf in Australia,” said Stephen Pitt, Golf Australia chief executive officer and AGIC chairman. “Trends are certainly heading in the right direction.”

Pitt also cited stable weather conditions and the success of Australian players around the worls as factors that, “continue to inspire club golfers to get out there and enjoy the benefits of healthy compeititon.”