Canterbury Golf has released its Annual Report for the 2025-26 season alongside a new five-year Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, with both to be presented at the Annual General Meeting on 17 September.
Membership and participation hit new highs
Club membership across the region grew 6.05% over the past 12 months, pushing past 15,500 members for the first time and making golf the second-largest club-membership sport in Canterbury. Rounds played climbed above 637,000, up 5% on the previous year.
Season highlights included:
- 26 interclub competitions involving more than 1,500 players
- 28 tournaments with 2,140 participants
- Canterbury’s Boys team winning the NZ Interprovincial title for the first time since 2017; the Women’s and Men’s Masters teams both claimed South Island titles
- Junior membership up 27.5% for boys and 29.5% for girls
President Dion Kerr called it “another year of strong growth, sound governance, and continued momentum for Canterbury Golf,” pointing to positive trends across participation, competition and engagement throughout the season. General Manager Blair Minton credited the results to clubs, staff and volunteers across the district, with focus now shifting to building on that momentum.
New plan built around “Golf for all, Golf for Life”
With the 2021-2026 Strategic Plan complete, Canterbury Golf has developed its next five-year plan in close alignment with Golf New Zealand’s national Statement of Strategic Direction, while reflecting the game’s current position and growth priorities specific to Canterbury.
The plan is anchored by a vision of “Golf for all, Golf for Life” and a purpose of enabling a thriving golf community that drives connection, growth, fun and success.
Five strategic priorities will guide the organisation to 2030:
- Growth – growing the game
- Development – building capability to drive performance
- Connection – a strong and connected golf sector
- Engagement – golf seen as inclusive and accessible
- Leadership and Advocacy – leading and advocating for the sector in Canterbury
Each priority carries specific outcomes, measures and initiatives to guide Canterbury Golf’s investment and support for clubs over the coming years.
