Created as a response to a community need, Kunlun Golf Club aims to ensure golf is more accessible for the Chinese community.
The idea first formed over Covid, when many Chinese were unable to go home. As more Chinese people began to play golf as a social outlet, it became clear there was both a need for and strong interest in the game.
The club is named after the Kunlun Mountain in Western China, a symbol representing divinity and often considered the birthplace of the Chinese nation.
Jinsong Li, a founding committee member, said that there was a desire to make the club formal so they could continue to serve the Chinese-Australian community by creating a network across Australia.
Beginning in South Australia, the club was registered mid-2022 through Golf Australia. The opening round, held at West Lakes Golf Club Association, saw 65 members play.
The club plans to expand across all of Australia, seeing that amongst the Chinese community in Melbourne alone, the interest in the game is strong.
Recently the club’s activities expanded into Victoria, where 92 members played their first competition at Heritage Golf and Country Club.
Kunlun Golf Club manages organised Stableford competitions through its own MiClub system, and offers members the chance to play anywhere. The club also has its own handicap system.
After multiple competitions prior to the end of 2023, the club has set events every quarter, ensuring community connection throughout the year.
One event is a State of Origin style grand final between members of the Victorian and South Australian branches.
Another goal of the club is to assist members in building business connections. The club has already engaged well with local businesses, securing twelve sponsorships across South Australia and Victoria.
An overarching goal is to move from a Chinese-based club to a multicultural hub, connecting the Chinese community to other cultures within Australia.
To achieve this, the club is aiming to attract the interest of local businesses who wish to expand into the Chinese community.
The club sees that golf has an ability to connect people and is a way to foster a sense of community.
“Ultimately, it is an avenue for Chinese people to understand Australian sporting culture and vice-versa,” said Li.
“We want to attract more people to the game and help them enjoy it.”
