Over the past few years, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort has seen something pretty special – a huge surge in junior golfers taking up the game.

Record growth in junior numbers

Back in 2022, the Club had just 76 junior members – 70 boys and 6 girls. Fast forward to November 2025, and that number has grown to 234 juniors, including 23 girls. That’s more than a 200% increase in just a few years.

You don’t need to look far to see the difference. After school, the fairways are alive with young golfers. It’s now common to see 50 or more kids out on the course, laughing, learning, and enjoying a few holes before sunset. It’s a fantastic sight and a clear sign of how far junior golf has come at Yarra Golf.

In addition to our growing membership, the Club has introduced golf to more than 100 other children through various school holiday clinics and the hugely popular Birdie Squad program. Proudly supported by Rich Glen, Birdie Squad is designed for beginners aged 7-12, helping kids learn the game in a fun and encouraging environment. Led by PGA Professional Sandy Jamieson and Club Marketing Manager Rob Alexander, together with volunteers Bob and Judy Kruger, the program has become one of the cornerstones of junior golf at Yarra.

Club Captain Steve Buckley and Vice Captain Judy Kruger have also played key roles in driving junior growth. With the support of Golf NSW, Steve and Judy have built strong connections with local schools, culminating in the inaugural Schools Golf Challenge last month, where 40 students from Yarrawonga P-12 and Sacred Heart College enjoyed a fun and competitive day on the course.

Judy is also leading the charge to boost female participation through the Australian Golf Foundation’s Junior Girls Scholarship Program, which provides coaching, mentoring and a year-long Club membership to help young girls build skills, confidence and a love for the game.

Former Club President and now Life Member Dario Prighel also deserves much of the credit, having long been the flagbearer and driving force behind junior golf. For many years, Dario has mentored young players and helped develop strong pathways into Junior Pennant and Club competition.

Creating a family-friendly club

This growth hasn’t happened by chance. It’s the result of a club-wide effort to make Yarra Golf a place where kids and families feel welcome. From Kids Eat Free Sundays, Family Easter and Christmas Raffles, and school holiday events, to weekend kids’ movies, the indoor play area, and Golfie Box lunch packs, families have plenty of reasons to spend time at the Club, both on and off the course.

The goal has always been simple: to create a safe, welcoming place where kids and families can enjoy themselves and feel part of the Yarra Golf community. Seeing so many young golfers out on the course each week shows that approach is working.

By giving kids positive, memorable experiences, Yarra Golf is building something far greater than membership numbers – it’s creating lifelong connections to the game and to the Club itself.

Want to get your child involved?

Junior membership at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort is available to any child under 18 for just $62 per year, which includes full course access. Applications and payments can be made at the main reception seven days a week from 10am, or forms can be downloaded at www.yarragolf.com.au/memberships.

To learn more about Birdie Squad and upcoming junior golf programs, visit yarragolf.com.au/birdiesquad.