South Australia’s most iconic public sporting space is set for a major transformation, with the State Government unveiling a comprehensive redevelopment of the North Adelaide Public Golf Course that promises to elevate it to a national standard while preserving its place within the Adelaide Park Lands.
Slated to commence in mid-2026, the $45 million project has been designed by Greg Norman Golf Course Design and will reimagine the existing course into a championship-level public facility. The redevelopment will deliver a new 18-hole course, alongside a driving range and expanded practice areas, positioning North Adelaide as a premier destination for both everyday players and elite competition.
Premier Peter Malinauskas said the upgraded course will strike a balance between recreation and high-performance sport, while remaining accessible to all South Australians. “With its stunning Adelaide Park Lands setting, unmatched views and central CBD location, the North Adelaide Public Golf Course will become the best public golf course anywhere in the country,” he said. He added that the investment is designed to appeal well beyond seasoned golfers, noting, “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.”
From 2028, the redeveloped course is expected to host major international events including LIV Golf Adelaide and the Women’s Australian Open, cementing its role in South Australia’s growing reputation as a destination for world-class sporting events. The project is also aimed at strengthening participation pathways, with a focus on encouraging more women and young people to engage with the sport.
Member for Adelaide Lucy Hood said the transformation of the existing public course into a world-class destination would deliver strong economic and community outcomes. “Upgraded amenities and improved accessibility will ensure more people can enjoy and use our Park Lands,” she said, pointing to the broader benefits for tourism, hospitality and local businesses.
Environmental considerations sit at the centre of the redevelopment plan. The course will remain fully public, with no permanent fencing, and the design prioritises the protection of significant existing trees wherever possible. While 585 trees are scheduled for removal as part of the redesign, the government has committed to planting three new trees or seedlings for every tree removed, resulting in more than 1,755 new plantings across the site.
The project also acknowledges the cultural and spiritual importance of the land, including its proximity to Karrawirra Pari (the River Torrens). The government has committed to working closely with the Kaurna Yerta Aboriginal Corporation and local Aboriginal leaders to ensure Kaurna heritage and culture are respected and meaningfully integrated into the final design.
For those keen to see what the future holds, the redevelopment plans will be showcased at the South Australia stand during the Christmas Test Festival at the East Gate of Adelaide Oval, offering the public a first look at the vision for this iconic site.
Once complete, the North Adelaide Public Golf Course redevelopment is set to deliver far more than a new place to play, enhancing the recreational, cultural and economic value of one of the city’s most treasured public spaces.
