North Adelaide Golf Course Redevelopment Unveiled

News Summary

The $45 million redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course has been announced, aiming to create an 18-hole championship-standard course by 2028. Designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, the project will enhance facilities and preserve Aboriginal heritage, ensuring the course remains accessible to the public while hosting major tournaments like LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open.

Adelaide

Adelaide, South Australia – The long-anticipated $45 million redevelopment plans for the North Adelaide Public Golf Course were officially unveiled today, promising to transform the existing facility into a world-class golfing destination. The ambitious project, designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design, aims to position the course to host significant tournaments, including LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open, starting from 2028.

The core of the redevelopment includes a new 18-hole championship-standard course, a dedicated driving range, expanded practice areas, and a modern clubroom facility designed to seamlessly integrate into the parkland setting. This announcement follows six months of public speculation, particularly concerning potential tree loss and the protection of Aboriginal heritage sites within the Adelaide park lands.

Project Details and Environmental Impact

The $45 million budget will facilitate the creation of a course capable of meeting professional standards. Construction for the redevelopment is scheduled to commence in mid-2026, with completion targeted for 2028, ensuring the course is ready for international tournaments. The public currently has an opportunity to view the designs and experience a golf simulator at a state government display at the Christmas Test Festival by the East Gate of Adelaide Oval, running from December 18 to 20, 2025.

A significant aspect of the project addresses environmental concerns, particularly regarding tree removal. Approximately 585 trees are slated for removal as part of the redesign, representing about 6.5 percent of the estimated 9,000 trees currently on the site. To mitigate this impact, the State Government has committed to a “3-for-1 replacement program,” meaning three new trees or seedlings will be planted for every tree removed. North Adelaide Golf Course President Kevin Naughton noted that some of the trees marked for removal have been considered problematic by the club for years, having been inappropriately chosen for a golf course when initially planted decades ago.

Cultural Heritage and Public Access

The redevelopment plans also place a strong emphasis on respecting the rich Kaurna heritage of the area. Crucially, “sacred” Aboriginal land, particularly the Par 3 section at Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1), will remain untouched due to the significant risk of disturbing Aboriginal remains. The Premier stated that this area is protected by the Aboriginal Heritage Act, and no ground-disturbing works will proceed without consultation with Traditional Owners and obtaining necessary authorisations under the Act. The government is actively engaging with organizations like the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) to ensure respectful management of culture and to integrate Kaurna values, stories, art, language, and history into the final design and delivery of the project. Concerns from the Kaurna community regarding the potential excavation and disturbance of ancestral remains at what they consider a sacred site have been a part of the ongoing discussions.

Despite the substantial upgrades, officials have confirmed that the North Adelaide Golf Course will remain a public facility. Key design principles include the absence of permanent fencing, ensuring the park remains accessible to the broader public. The project also aims to improve accessibility by expanding walking and riding trails throughout the park lands. Furthermore, inclusivity initiatives are planned to foster greater participation in golf, particularly among women and youth in South Australia.

Economic Benefits and Legislative Context

Premier Peter Malinauskas highlighted the significant economic potential (State-level) of the redevelopment, noting that the course is slated to host major international tournaments. LIV Golf Adelaide, which the course is expected to exclusively host in Australia until 2031, has already contributed substantially to the state’s economy, with an estimated $217 million (State-level) over the last three years and over $80 million (State-level) in economic activity in 2025 alone. The project is anticipated to further boost tourism and attract interstate and international visitation to South Australia.

The State Government introduced specific legislation (State-level) to Parliament to advance the redevelopment, providing certainty and enabling it to bypass certain planning laws to achieve its “world-class” status. This legislation also mandates consultation with the City of Adelaide, which has managed the golf course for over a century, on development aspects and future ownership/operating structures. This redevelopment is part of a series of park lands projects undertaken by the Malinauskas government, which has acquired control over 96.04 hectares of park lands, the largest such transfer since 1837. This broader trend has drawn criticism from community groups concerned about tree loss, building encroachment, privatization, and transparency regarding park lands use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the North Adelaide Golf Course plans?

The plans involve a $45 million redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course into a world-class golfing destination. It includes a new 18-hole championship-standard course, a dedicated driving range, expanded practice areas, and a modern clubroom facility.

Who is designing the upgraded golf course?

The redevelopment is designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design.

When will construction begin and when is the course expected to be completed?

Construction is scheduled to commence in mid-2026, with completion targeted for 2028 to host major tournaments.

How many trees will be removed for the redevelopment?

Approximately 585 trees are slated for removal, which is about 6.5 percent of the estimated 9,000 trees on the site.

What is being done to compensate for tree removal?

The State Government has committed to a “3-for-1 replacement program,” meaning three new trees or seedlings will be planted for every tree removed.

Will the golf course remain a public facility?

Yes, officials have confirmed that the North Adelaide Golf Course will remain a public facility, with no permanent fencing and expanded public access through walking and riding trails.

How will Aboriginal heritage be protected during the redevelopment?

“Sacred” Aboriginal land will remain untouched, particularly the Par 3 section at Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1). The project involves active engagement with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation (KYAC) to ensure respectful management of culture and the incorporation of Kaurna values, stories, art, language, and history. No ground-disturbing works will occur without consultation and authorisations under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.

What economic benefits are expected from this project? (State-level)

The project is expected to deliver significant economic benefits (State-level), boosting tourism and attracting national and international visitation. LIV Golf Adelaide alone has contributed an estimated $217 million (State-level) to the state’s economy over the last three years.

Which major tournaments will the redeveloped course host?

From 2028, the North Adelaide Public Golf Course is slated to host LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open.

Key Features of the North Adelaide Golf Course Redevelopment

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic