The New South Wales government has released its final plan for the Moore Park golf course site, featuring a 12-hole public golf course and 20 hectares of new parkland. This compromise comes after significant backlash, including from actor and avid golfer Mark Wahlberg, against an earlier proposal to halve the existing 18-hole course.
Key Details of the Plan
The Minns government announced on Thursday that the 45-hectare site will now retain a 12-hole golf course, an increase from the previously proposed 9-hole option. The decision follows extensive feedback from golfers and the wider community. Planning Minister Paul Scully stated, "This plan delivers quality open space which will act as a backyard for thousands of people in one of Australia's most densely populated communities." He added, "Moore Park South will have something for everyone, whether people want to play sport, enjoy time outdoors, walk the dog or play a round of golf."
Park Features
The new park will include pathways for running, walking, and cycling, a fenced off-leash dog area, a community sports field, multi-purpose sports courts, outdoor fitness equipment, and space for food kiosks. The downsized 45-par golf course will be complemented by an expanded driving range with up to 90 bays, putting and chipping greens, and an 18-hole mini-golf course.
The community will gain access to the park from July, with substantial upgrades and additions expected to be completed by 2028. The government has assured that a minimum of nine holes will be available until the 12-hole course opens in 2027.
Background and Controversy
The original plan to split the 18-hole course in half faced resistance from golfers and industry bodies, including Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia, Golf NSW, and the Moore Park golf club. In 2024, they proposed converting under-utilised land at the northern end while retaining 18 holes. The golf course is on public land but operated privately under leases with the NSW government, with the current agreement expiring in mid-2026.
Jared Kendler, vice-president of the Moore Park golf club, expressed disappointment, stating, "It's still baffling that the government would not consider our alternative approaches and remains committed to Clover Moore's dream of cutting the golf course in half." He raised concerns about affordability, noting that the course is an accessible option with annual fees of $2,000, compared to higher costs at private clubs.
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, acknowledged consultation with the government but reiterated that the preference was always to retain 18 holes. However, he noted that the 12-hole layout, designed by golf course architect Harley Kruse, would "still offer a challenge" for golfers.
Community Impact
The number of people living within 5 kilometres of the new park is expected to rise to nearly 790,000 in the next five years. Greater Sydney Parklands CEO Joshua French said, "Over the next three years, we'll be focused on delivering a park that is welcoming, accessible and well-managed, with facilities that respond to community needs, now and into the future."
The government emphasised that during consultation, golfers indicated a 12-hole course would be the preferred outcome in the absence of 18 holes. The final plan aims to balance the demand for public green space with the interests of the golfing community.
