Did you know that 3.8 million Aussies played golf in some form last year? Or that new adult golfers who started playing in the last two years are aged, on average, 36, which is a drop of ten years? How about that new players are now 49 per cent women? Yep, in case you hadn't realised, golf is having a moment.
These stats are why we anticipate this year's Crown Australian Open – aka the oldest and most prestigious golf tournament on the PGA Tour of Australasia – to be the most exciting one yet. The action takes place from December 4-7 at the renowned Royal Melbourne Golf Club. It's here that top-ranked players like Rory McIlroy (the current Masters champion), Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Min Woo Lee, Lucas Herbert and Cam Davis, will take to the green in an attempt to be crowned the 2025 winner.
But away from the bunkers, fairway and the teeing area, there's action of a different kind taking place – and it's set to appeal to the die-hard golfing afficianados as well as any newbies to the scene. The 19th is the social heart of the tournament where live entertainment, gourmet food offerings and fun activations come to life.
A bunch of beloved local restaurants will be on-site cooking up a feast, including 400 Gradi, Fonda, Zeus Street Greek, La Manna and Mr Miyagi, while the drinks will be flowing courtesy of Asahi, Isla Vodka and the Liqourland Lounge. You'll also be able to have a crack at the Crown Spin and Win or take part in the putting challenge.
There will be plenty of picnic tables, umbrellas and bean bags, plus a dedicated kids activation zone with mini golf. And to ensure you stay across all the birdies, pars and eagles, giant screens will be showing every moment from the course live.
For more information on the Crown Australian Open and to purchase tickets, head to the website.
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