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Glamorous presenter Carrie Bickmore has claimed the upswing in Australian men taking up golf is down to their desire to get away from their wives and families.
Speaking on the LISTNR Carrie and Tommy radio show on Monday with co-host Tommy Little, the mother of three responded to recent statistics showing four million Aussies have suddenly developed an interest in the sport over the past 12 months.
'Of course, they (men) are just running away from their families,' Bickmore began.
'This has been going on for decades... I've had my friends lose their husbands to golf for 15 years now.
'It's not a quick sport to play, either... (it takes) hours.'
The former Gold Logie winner then asked Little if he thought the attraction of golf is the way it gives men 'time away from families' – or the fact they don't need to be 'overly athletic' to participate.
Carrie Bickmore has revealed why she believes so many men are suddenly taking up golf across the nation
The Gold Logie winner was responding to head-turning statistics that revealed four million Aussies have taken up the sport in the past 12 months
Bickmore asked if the surge in numbers from men occurred because golf lets them spend 'time away from families' (stock image)
According to golf.com.au, participation numbers on the greens in Australia continue to rise.
The findings, released in the 2024/25 Golf Club Participation Report, were remarkable.
They showed one in every five adult Aussies played on a course, driving range, simulator or mini-golf venue last year.
Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland said the results reflect a sport in transformation.
He pointed to new audiences, fresh formats and increased accessibility across the game.
'This is a defining milestone for golf in Australia,' Sutherland said.
'We've passed four million players for the first time and the data shows that growth is coming from younger and more diverse communities.
'Golf isn't just growing, it's evolving as more Australians than ever find a version of the game that suits their lifestyle.'
Social media has also played its part in the sport surging in popularity.
Numbers aged between 18 and 40 have skyrocketed, with reels on Instagram and TikTok clips promoting golf as a fun, stylish activity.
Cheaper annual memberships, shorter rounds and more public courses have also proved crucial.
