Plans to redevelop the North Adelaide Public Golf Course into a high-profile sporting venue and expanded public space have been outlined by the South Australian Government, with construction expected to begin mid next year and major tournaments scheduled from 2028.
The proposal would see the existing course transformed into a redesigned 18-hole championship layout, alongside a driving range, practice areas and a modernised clubroom facility, all set within the Adelaide Park Lands and close to the CBD. The project carries a budget of $45 million and has been designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design.
According to the Government, the redevelopment aims to balance elite sporting requirements with broader public access. While the course is intended to host LIV Golf Adelaide and the women’s Australian Open from 2028, it will continue to operate as a public facility, with no permanent fencing and improved access for walkers and riders moving through the park.
The Park Lands setting has been central to the planning process, both environmentally and culturally. Officials say the design work has focused on limiting disruption to existing trees and maintaining the open character of the area. Of an estimated 9,000 trees within this section of the Park Lands, around 585 are expected to be removed as part of the redevelopment. The Government has committed to planting at least three new trees or seedlings for every tree removed.
This figure has been a point of political contention. The State Liberal Opposition has previously suggested tree losses could exceed 5,000 and has called for a new golf course to be built at Dry Creek instead. The Government rejects those claims, saying the final number represents a small proportion of the total tree population in the area and reflects extensive consultation with environmental specialists.
Cultural considerations also feature prominently in the project. The land, including the nearby Karrawirra Pari or River Torrens, holds ongoing cultural and spiritual importance to the Kaurna people. The Government has committed to working with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation, Kaurna Elders and other Traditional Owners to ensure heritage is managed respectfully and that Kaurna values, stories, language and art are incorporated into the design and delivery of the redevelopment.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the combination of location, design and public access would position the course as a national benchmark. He described the redevelopment as an investment that would serve experienced golfers, newcomers and visitors alike, while remaining accessible to those who simply use the Park Lands as a place to move through or spend time.
The economic case has also been emphasised. Since its introduction, LIV Golf Adelaide has generated substantial visitor activity, with the Government citing $217 million in economic contribution over three years and more than $80 million in 2025 alone. Officials argue that a permanent, purpose-built public course capable of hosting major events will strengthen Adelaide’s appeal as a sporting and tourism destination.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood said the redevelopment would lift amenities and accessibility, creating a community hub that supports both local golfers and the wider public. She pointed to the opportunity to increase use of the Park Lands while maintaining their public character.
Design work on the new clubroom facility is underway, with planners aiming for a structure that fits the parkland environment rather than dominating it. The broader course layout is intended to integrate trees as part of play and amenity, while also recognising environmental constraints.
Members of the public will have an opportunity to view and experience the proposed championship course design at the South Australia stand during the Christmas Test Festival, held near the East Gate of Adelaide Oval. The festival runs for the first four days of the Ashes Test, offering a chance for residents and visitors to engage with the plans before construction begins.
As the project moves from concept to delivery, the redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course is shaping up as a test of how major sporting infrastructure can coexist with public land, environmental responsibilities and cultural heritage. Supporters see the plan as a way to modernise a much-used public asset while keeping it open and accessible. Critics are likely to continue scrutinising its environmental footprint and long-term impact on the Park Lands.
Work is expected to start in the middle of next year, with the course set to reopen in time to host international tournaments from 2028.
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