The data that’s driving Australia’s Gold Flag Venues

By 59club Insights Magazine on September 9, 2026

A trio of senior leaders in Australia reveal what moves the needle and translate into results at their Gold Flag Venues

David Hogben
David Hogben

Club Manager, Links Golf & Wellbeing

As one of the Gold Coast’s premier championship courses with world-class facilities, we aim to ensure every guest receives exceptional service. 59club’s proven mystery audits and benchmarking tools match our ambition to deliver premium experiences.

The detailed feedback from audits has sharpened our operations. Staff engagement has risen, with targeted training leading to noticeable improvements in guest satisfaction and a stronger sense of team purpose. The objective, unbiased insights helped us identify subtle enhancements that enabled us to refine every touchpoint, driving higher repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.

Craig-Stickling-GREY_SQ
Craig Stickling

Director of Golf, New South Wales Golf Club

The 59club mystery shopper programme provides clear visibility into our booking process, pro shop service and on-course interactions, supporting our pursuit of Gold Flag status and reinforcing our position as a world-class venue.

The employee training modules are hugely valuable. By linking directly to performance data from audits and surveys, they deliver targeted, actionable development that addresses specific service gaps. This has empowered our team with proven sales and service tactics, boosting confidence and overall professionalism across golf operations, along with achieving 59club Gold Flag status.

Jade Henderson
Jade Henderson

Hospitality Manager, The Lakes Golf Club

We are using 59club’s comprehensive audits to highlight opportunities in dining service, menu presentation and guest interactions. That has enabled us to create more memorable and polished F&B experiences.

The employee training modules combined with industry benchmark comparisons have been essential for upholding elite standards and measuring progress against top performers.

It’s delivered consecutive awards for us, boosted F&B revenue from events and functions, and strengthened our overall hospitality reputation.

59club's Industry Data shows...

Mystery Shopping Data_End to End Guest Experience Benchmark
Lakes-The_WEB
Gold Flag-1
59club Gold Flag Venue

The Lakes Golf Club

Located in Sydney, this prestigious private championship course was founded in 1928. It has hosted multiple Australian Opens and offers world-class golf in a waterside layout.

Links Golf and Wellbeing Island
Gold Flag-1
59club Gold Flag Venue

Links Golf & Wellbeing

Links Golf & Wellbeing, on the Gold Coast at Hope Island, is a premier golf and wellness destination with an 18-hole championship course, PGA coaching and spa, dining and event facilities for all visitors.

New-South-Wales-Aerial_WEB
Gold Flag-1
59club Gold Flag Venue

New South Wales

New South Wales Golf Club is a historic private 18-hole links course at La Perouse, Sydney, famed for its ocean views, Alister MacKenzie design and being one of Australia’s highest-ranked courses.