The contentious issue surrounding the future of Moore Park’s 18-hole golf course in Sydney has sparked a debate between golf enthusiasts and the state government. Premier Chris Minns announced plans to slash nine holes from the golf course and convert nearly half of the site into parkland for residents in the surrounding areas by mid-2026. This decision prompted a strong reaction from golfers and industry bodies, leading to the formation of the Moore Park Golf Collective, which presented an alternative proposal to salvage the golf course while also creating a “world-class” sports and recreation precinct.
The proposed plan by the Moore Park Golf Collective includes transforming approximately 15 hectares of underutilized land at the existing golf course into various recreational facilities such as a football oval, BMX track, dog park, car park, and pedestrian/cycling path. Golf NSW chief executive Stuart Fraser expressed support for the proposal, highlighting the benefits of providing public access to green space while maintaining an 18-hole golf course. The alliance of industry bodies behind the proposal aims to offer a compromise that caters to the needs of both golfers and the growing Sydney population in search of recreational activities.
The debate surrounding the Moore Park golf course has been ongoing for years, with arguments from both sides about the importance of maintaining the full 18-hole course or converting part of the site into public parkland. Proponents of reducing the golf course, such as City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and former premier Bob Carr, have emphasized the need for more open space accessible to a larger population. On the other hand, golfers stress the significance of having an 18-hole course for competitions and the physical and mental health benefits associated with the sport.
The government’s plan to split the 45-hectare Moore Park golf course and allocate nearly half of the site for a new public park has sparked controversy and resistance from the golfing community. The intention to reclaim part of the land for recreational space while retaining a nine-hole golf course and existing amenities like the driving range and clubhouse has been met with pushback. The intricate balance between urban development and green space access continues to serve as a point of contention in the ongoing discussion about the future of Moore Park’s iconic golf course.
The Moore Park Golf Collective’s proposal offers a potential compromise that aims to address the concerns of both golfers and proponents of open space for the community. By redeveloping parts of the golf course into a diverse range of recreational facilities, the proposal seeks to create a multifunctional space that caters to a wide variety of activities and interests. The alliance of industry bodies hopes that their alternative plan will be considered as a viable solution that meets the needs of all stakeholders involved in the decision-making process.
As the debate regarding the Moore Park golf course continues, the proposed alternatives put forth by the Moore Park Golf Collective and the state government present contrasting visions for the future of the iconic site. The delicate balance between retaining green space for recreational activities and accommodating the demands of urban development remains at the forefront of discussions surrounding the fate of the golf course. Ultimately, a decision will need to be made that addresses the concerns of all parties involved and seeks to find a sustainable solution that benefits the community as a whole.
