The South Australian Government has released a first look at the Greg Norman–designed redevelopment of North Adelaide Golf Course, confirming the project will remove 585 trees while leaving culturally significant Aboriginal land untouched.
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South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas unveiled the plans at Adelaide Oval alongside Golf Australia CEO James Sutherland and North Adelaide Golf Course president Kevin Naughton, with the designs now on public display during the third Ashes cricket Test.
A key element of the redesign is the protection of Possum Park / Pirltawardli (Park 1), which currently houses the Par-3 course. Malinauskas said the area and its surrounds are considered a “quarantined” zone due to the risk of disturbing Aboriginal remains and are protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.“
“There is a very strict legislative process that dictates the way those [Aboriginal Heritage] applications operate and that was done quite independently of me, as it should be, but effectively there was engagement, and that decision was made clear and easily accommodated,” Malinauskas said.
“This project is an active engagement with organisations like KYAC [Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation] to make sure this is done as sensibly as possible.”
The Premier’s comments follow concerns raised earlier this year by Kaurna elder Tim Agius, who said any world-class development should not come “at the expense of our people”. The 18-hole championship course, designed by former LIV Golf CEO Norman, will align with championship standards and include a driving range on neighbouring Park 27A, a short course and practice facilities. A putt-putt course for children has also been flagged.
“South Australians of all levels of golfing experience – and those without it – will be able to enjoy the high level of amenity provided by this investment in our park lands,” he said.
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Importantly, the course will remain public, with no permanent fencing planned. A differential pricing model – charging visitors more than locals – will apply, enabled through special legislation passed earlier this year.
Sutherland said the investment into a public course would position South Australia as a national leader in golf, noting that $10.3 billion in household spending was recorded across Australian golf in the past 12 months.
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with the project needing to be completed by 2028 to allow the course to host LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open.