From Foundation Partner to Future Focus: Golf NZ Re-Commits to CoachMate
Auckland – Golf New Zealand (Golf NZ) has re-signed with CoachMate - the sports education platform that transforms volunteer-led coaching and team management into insightful, easy, and fun experiences. This renewal marks a particularly special milestone: Golf NZ was CoachMate’s very first foundation client and the partnership now enters a new phase of growth and impact.
A partnership rooted in innovation and ambition
Since CoachMate’s launch in Aotearoa, Golf NZ has been at the forefront of digitising and energising grassroots sport. As the inaugural partner, Golf NZ set the benchmark for what a national body – and its network of coaches, volunteers, and clubs – can achieve by leveraging digital platforms.
Now, with this re-signing, CoachMate and Golf NZ are renewing their shared commitment to supporting the grassroots golfing community – equipping them with best-in-class tools to grow participation, enhance experiences, and build confidence across the sector.
Supporting golf’s growth and the next generation
Golf in Aotearoa is thriving. Golf NZ club membership now exceeds 156,000, up from 136,000 in 2023, while casual-player numbers have surged past 200,000. Globally, New Zealand remains one of the world’s highest golf-participation nations per capita.
As the game grows, so does the need for tools that help clubs, coaches and volunteers deliver consistent, fun and inclusive experiences at every level. CoachMate is designed to meet that need – making it easier for anyone delivering beginner golf experiences to access structured programmes, quality delivery resources, and community connection all in one place.
Re-imagined content supporting quality delivery of “Futures”
Together, CoachMate and Golf New Zealand have given the Futures content a fresh new look! The updated sessions are now easier to follow and flow more smoothly, helping anyone delivering Futures sessions to create great golf experiences for tamariki and rangatahi. This refresh makes it more simple than ever to run fun, high-quality sessions that grow a love of the game.
Futures is Golf NZ’s national programme for young people, designed to make it easy for tamariki and rangatahi to learn and play golf in fun, inclusive, and accessible ways. It empowers young people to learn at their own pace, make friends, and enjoy golf with their whānau. Whether it’s mini-golf, the driving range, on-course play, virtual challenges or casual rounds with mates - Futures offers something for every young person, no matter their age or ability.
Also soon to be added are She Loves Golf and All Abilities programmes – designed to make golf more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
She Loves Golf offers a relaxed, social and game-based environment for women new to the sport, while All Abilities focuses on inclusion and participation for those with a disability, ensuring everyone has the chance to learn, play and belong.
Vicky Mailei, General Manager - Participation, Golf New Zealand, said:
“Our relationship with CoachMate has grown from shared values and a genuine commitment to making golf more accessible. From the early days as their first Foundation Client to today’s re-signing, CoachMate has helped us connect with more people who make golf happen.
Together, we’re ensuring that golf remains fun, inclusive, and easy for anyone to get involved. CoachMate remains a key partner in growing the game, sparking new energy and connection across our golf community.”
Michelle Walshe, CEO, CoachMate, said:
“Working with Golf New Zealand from day one has been a privilege. They embody the spirit of grassroots sport and understand that if we empower coaches and volunteers, we can transform the participant experience.
Re-signing with Golf NZ as our first Foundation Client is a milestone moment. Together, we’ll deliver new learning, new tools and stronger communities - so more young people can experience golf, for life.”
Looking ahead
The renewed agreement will see CoachMate and Golf NZ roll-out the refreshed Futures lesson packs nationwide to those delivering great experiences in golf, including golf clubs, schools and facilities. This alignment ensures the partnership supports Golf NZ’s broader strategic ambitions - to offer opportunities for everyone across New Zealand to enjoy golf.