Mr REPACHOLI (Hunter) (18:04):

Golf is a game for all. It's a game that is testing and sometimes frustrating, but it's a game that is exciting and rewarding.

Some love it, some hate it, and sometimes even those who love it can hate it. But at the end of the day, no-one can doubt that our world is a much better place because of the game of golf. Golf helps our community and our economy to grow, providing 3.3 billion in annual benefits. The sport encourages spending in the economy on activities and facilities related to golf, with 6.7 billion being spent by local golfers and 3.6 billion being generated by tourism.

The Hunter is no exception when it comes to seeing the benefits of golf. We have no shortage of world-class golf courses in the Hunter Valley. Just to name a few: we have the par 71 championship course at the Hunter Valley Golf Club; the Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club, which was the winner of the best Australian golf hotel resort in 2017, 2018, 2019 and also 2021; and the Vintage Golf Club, which was designed by none other than the Shark himself, Greg Norman. All of these courses are capable of hosting the best golfers in the world, so if the PGA, WPGA or maybe even LIV Golf are looking for a place to host their next major event, look no further: come to the Hunter Valley to play golf and drink some of the world's best wine.

Golf really does have something for everyone. If competitive golf or a social game of racing golf carts around 18 holes on a golf course isn't for you, there's also putt putt golf or aqua golf, which can be a great family day out. The Hunter is also lucky to have great venues for putt putt and aqua golf. I know my daughters love it whenever we take them there.

Here in the Hunter, golf allows us to host massive events like the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic, which brings people from all over the country—including some high-profile personalities—to the Hunter to play some golf for a good cause. I know that even the late, great Bob Hawke was a frequent competitor at this event. Because of golf, events like this are possible. These events give a huge boost to our community and local economy and raise important funds for charities.

Golf is good for your health, too. The health benefits of golf are highlighted by the fact that Australian golfers walk around 280 million kilometres annually. It's a good source of exercise and it can be played by people of all ages—from toddlers learning how to hit a ball, to older Australians who want to stay active.

The PGA of Australia, Golf Australia and the WPGA Tour Australasia really have done an amazing job of promoting golf in Australia. Our talented golfers are getting the spotlight they deserve. In fact, just the other day I turned on the TV and saw a young man from my electorate competing in the 2023 Webex Player Series in South Australia. The young man was Corey Lamb, and he has only recently achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a pro golfer. He didn't quite take home the chocolates in this event, but he showed lots of promise by finishing second. I think it's fantastic that young golfers like Corey have the chance to show their skill on the big stage so early in their careers, and I can't wait to watch his career progress.

When I play golf, there are two big winners on the day: the pro shop, because I lose a lot of balls and I have to go and buy more after losing them, and the bar, because I like to drown my sorrows after a terrible game. A sport that looks so simple really can be difficult at times. It really makes you admire those who can actually hit a ball straight consistently. But it is always a good day, no matter how many balls I lose. So, whether you play with your mates and have some beers along the way, or whether you take the game a little bit more seriously—get out there and have a hit of golf this weekend. It's good for your health, it's good for our local golf courses and our community as a whole. And, most importantly, it's bloody good fun.

I'd also like to just talk about one of my favourite golf courses in the Hunter, which is Branxton golf course. Or, as the locals like to call it, 'Royal Branxton'. It's a lovely area. Sometimes when it has been raining, Gos, there are a lot of water views there, the course floods a little bit, but it is one of the best courses in the area for the local golfers to go and just have a really good time—lose a few balls there but enjoy the day as well. To everyone at Branxton golf course: have a great weekend and have a great day playing. I hope everyone enjoys their golf this weekend.