Golf Associations around the world have welcomed the news that the sport has been added to the programme for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Victoria.
Golf is one of the three sports due to make its Commonwealth Games debut, alongside costal rowing and BMX racing.
Golf is among several sports to have been added to the sports represented in the next Commonwealth Games, which takes place in Victoria, Australia from March 17th – 29th, 2026.
Games organizers are also exploring the prospect of adding a para-golf competition and have pledged to work with the Commonwealth Games Federation and relevant golf organizations to determine if this will be possible.
“This is a great win for golf,” said Golf Australia chief James Sutherland. “This announcement validates golf’s increasing popularity and the enormous growth that the sport has enjoyed over the last three years.”
Gavin Kirkman, the chief executive of the PGA of Australia, added: “This is a terrific result for our sport. It’s going to provide playing opportunities for our young stars from around the Commonwealth.
“We absolutely love golf in the Olympic Games and we’re sure that the sport being in the Commonwealth Games will be important for golf going forward as well. It’s a big stage, the Commonwealth Games, and we’re privileged to be finally on it.”
A venue and format for the Commonwealth Games golf men’s and women’s competitions have yet to be revealed, with a qualifying structure to be determined in due course.
Golf has been part of the last two Olympic Games, but unlike the Olympics the home nations of the UK – England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – compete as individual countries in the Commonwealth Games rather than under the banner of Team GB, enabling more players to take part.
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